Rock 'n Rollers Don't Bathe

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The New Sidewalk Cafe

I had my first, newly renovated, Sidewalk Cafe back room experience last night. Hmm...that sounded a little strange. Anway I was lucky enough to be treated by excellent sets by: The Ladies of Old Hat, Liv Carrow, Toby Goodshank and Yaya Herman Dune. Nan and I went to brunch at the front restaurant part a few days before and thought I dug the creme brulee French toast but we both thought, over all, it was slightly over priced for what you got. I also miss to the 3 egg Benedict style meals they used to have like the avocado poach. Perhaps there is new cook but Nan noticed that the huevos rancheros was pretty much the same as before jut without the option of a salad or potato and about a dollar more. Hello new New York. The wait staff was nice and attentive and the coffee was very good.

I'm happy to report that my experience in the back room was quite a bit more positive. Aside from having the feeling of newly raised barn, I found the back room to be very comfortable. It appears as though they've managed to pull off the unique task of making the space feel more intimate while adding more seating. The back room wait staff seemed a bit green. I had to hunt mine down to pay for my drink and she presented me with a paper receipt in one of those padded foldy things. But I suppose I prefer this to someone hovering over me. The new little tear drop spirit glasses are fun. The well drinks are a buck more, whadda ya gonna do? The bathroom wall paper reminds me of a 1980's wreck room and I think the chairs are a bit bulky but the site lines were nice and clear. After few months of people funk circulating around I think the room will really come into its own.

The stage feels much more live, which is a good thing in my opinion, and the new system is equipped with a sub woofer which really helps ad to the dynamic range of the performances. It also looks like a pretty good monitoring system. I didn't hear a performer ask for more vocals in his/her wedge all night long. The stage monitors are hanging which I think makes them much more efficient plus allows for more space on the stage. I can't tell if it's improved system or a the fact that they've been practicing a lot but I think it was the best sounding Ladies of Old Hat show I've seen to date. Also really great to finally be hearing the piano clearly. Over all I found the sound 100% betters (greatly due to house engineer Brian Speaker I'm told). I look forward to spilling a few drinks on the new stage in the near future to help break in.
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Schwervon! at Goodbye Blue Monday Tonight. 9pm
also The Purple Organ, The Wowz, Yaya Herman Dune
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=284143388266055

Schwervon! Tour Pics (Roanoke)