This Scene

You'll have to pardon the placement of this post. I searched for a more valid outlet that may add any sort of gravitas to what I'm about to explain, but was unable to do so. Instead, I've tagged everyone that I can think of in our scene.

The purpose of this diatribe is not meant to harm, or to dismiss any of the opinions I've heard since people began learning of the impending close of the Artists Quarter, or today, of the news that the group that owns the Dakota would be purchasing the space where the AQ; this is merely meant to offer a counter-argument that I hope will start a continued dialogue that will actually produce some results in the end. I make that last statement, because generally what I hear from our scene is talk, with not much follow-up. I absolutely include myself in that discussion. I've been talking about opening a club since the club that really introduced me to most of you closed, over 10 years ago. In any case, a couple of the things I'm about to say may sound inflammatory, but realize that I have nothing but the deepest respect for anyone that may view this around town. You've all been my mentors, friends, and have taught me more about this scene, and what you would love in a club than I could ever hope to remember.

That said, I think some of the conversation that's been floating around since I've been back in town (September) has been a little beyond the realistic when considering the next step that needs to be taken. First, I heard the talk of saving the AQ. I loved the AQ. I worshipped it before I started working at a different club. After Brilliant Corners closed, I went back to worshipping it. I saw an unbelievable amount of incredibly high level shows there. When I heard they were closing, however, the first thought I had was "good, they had a great run". And when I started hearing of "Save the AQ" campaigns, I could only shake my head. Not because I didn't love the thought of a listening room like the AQ being around, but because I knew "saving" it would only amount to it being around for a slightly longer amount of time before having to save it again. It was an outstanding club, but it needed to be let go of. Not that I want clubs like that to go away, it was just a club that wasn't going to evolve, and being that this city doesn't happen to be New York, or Chicago, or New Orleans, that was a problem. It's extremely admirable that they made it all those years, which we can commend Kenny for for many years. But sometimes the business model has to change. I'm not a particularly large fan of the business model for the other major club in the Cities either for that matter, not that they don't get along, and Lowell is an incredible person to look up to as far as this scene goes.

Here's the point though, both clubs have their upsides. The AQ was an unparalleled listening room. It felt exactly like what I as a serious jazz listener would want in a space. It was warm and comfortable, and the people that haunted it accentuated that. The Dakota is spacious, has a great bar, drinks, and good food.

Food. There's the big point of contention I have heard over and over, from musicians and from patrons. I talk to musicians, and nearly universally, everyone says that we need a pure listening room with no food. Now I understand why musicians and serious listeners would want that. It's a jazz club, the music should come first, and there's nothing I hate more than a distracting group of people at the Dakota with clinking plates talking way too loudly. But that's not an insurmountable problem. I've got my own ideas about how to meet in the middle, but I'm going to keep those ideas close to me, as I plan to try and make my own foray into this business at some point (hopefully sooner rather than later). The thing is, people want food, especially if they're going to be taking in a 2 set show. I loved the AQ, but I can't even count the amount of times I craved food (and no, you shouldn't have to order food from an outside establishment). If I took a business plan that didn't involve food in some way to an investor, they'd laugh me out of their office, unless, of course, they were ok with operating at a loss. And having asked friends about this subject, they've resoundingly preferred to have some sort of food option.

The music. I would love to have a pure jazz club, and despite my better judgement, I think it could work, however, I also like different types of music that would fit nicely in that kind of environment. I know a lot of you have different side projects, and ideally, they should be accommodated. I'll keep this section short and simple. That's all I have to say about that.

If you read all of this, I commend you, because I haven't really written anything in depth for a long while, so my writing skills are a bit depleted. Like I said, the reason for writing this was to open up a dialogue. I absolutely welcome feedback, however harsh it may be, because I really do wish to open my own place eventually. That's why I've constantly asked you all questions over the years. That's why I've written everything down. That's why I'm in culinary school right now....so I can hopefully create something that will not only make musicians happy, but will be great for not just serious listeners, also regular people, in order that it might be sustainable for a long, long time.