Earlier this year, a new music club, The Flying Anvil, opened in downtown Greensboro.
Excitement grew at the idea of a music club in town. I was a bit skeptical about it, but co-workers and others assured me the club would be a huge success.
I have since been to the club for a handful of shows and my worst thoughts were true - Greensboro doesn't support live, original music.
Attendance went something like this:
Jimbo Mathus - 20 people
Maxwell/Mosher - 25 people
Honky - 10 people
I've heard that some concerts there - such as the Avett Brothers - were packed.
Now comes word that one of the owners, Pete Schroth, is selling his share and that Gate City Noise will be closing its doors.
Am I surprised? Yes and no.
I'm not surprised that the club is struggling - if it is - because attendance has been low at so many shows.
I am surprised that it took this long for some noise to come out about it.
So, what's the answer?
I thought from day one that the club should have kicked off their opening with bigger shows.
Pull in a few sell-out concerts and people will remember where The Flying Anvil is.
They started off slow and never had a chance to really pick up off the ground, in my opinion.
The indie acts are great, but they need a few big names - at least one or two a month - to keep themselves afloat.
Of course, there are many financial considerations to this, but I'm strictly talking about staying afloat in the minds of residents.
Greensboro Coliseum only gets one or two big names a month. We need more in town.
Pull in some decent club acts - Buckcherry, KT Tunstall, G. Love, Papa Roach - who are out doing club tours and people will keep an eye on your schedule.
At the rate things are going, I'm wondering if there will be an anniversary show.
I wish them all the luck in the world, and hope that more locals will get out and support them.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at November 16, 2006 11:00 AM
