Venue Stories - Main Hall

Well, we did two MonthlyMess’s at the Main Hall, and I hesitated to write this ‘Venue Story’ because we’ve said a lot about the Main Hall here at Indyish over the past year and half since we had our launch weekend there, August 2006. Explore the tags below, you’ll see what I mean.

The nice high stage, the open room that fits 150 really comfortably, the sound board facing the stage, the bar and bathrooms tucked out of the way of the show - there’s so much good about this live venue it’s a shame they’ve had such a hard time with a few residents and strong arms at city hall, squeezing much of what the owners, staff and loyal crowd had loved ie; the live venue-ness.

The story was a bit of a bummer, but they’ve been turning it around with steely grins, so I’m glad to be writing about them again. They sought new regular events they could do in the space - a way to keep their staff employed, but to still be supporting community somehow, not just renting out for corporate parties to pay the bills. From the staff and organizers I’ve heard great things about the weekly party they’ve started called Faggity Ass Fridays. According to Amber and others, it’s great to have a queer and all friendly space outside the gay village, it’s a super fun dance party, and the fact that it’s directly supporting related organizations with pay-what-you-can donations: even better.

On Saturdays in there they’ve got Mod Club, which has been rolling for just a few weeks now, but is apparently gaining steam, kicking into gear with good outfits and tunes in the tradition of so many classic mod nights around the world, where the energy is high and so are the hemlines.. and boots! Dress up, dance your pants off, and while you’re at it, maybe sign the petition to bring the live music back? Though I love the Mod vibe and hey, any theme night really, it’s still sad-ish to not have the option of this live venue in our neighborhood!