The Showbox, The Crocodile and The Comet.. OH MY!

There is a rift in the Seattle music scene this month. Like the entire society that controls our nightly musical experiences is on a giant purge session.

First the Showbox is sold off to AEG, sure, sure they placate us with promises that the original booker and talent scout will remain in his position, but everyone just knows Celine is coming to town. It’s inevitable. This is a company concerned with nothing but the bottom line and they’ll throw any Clear Channel shit at you to make that dolla.

THEN, the Crocodile just up and closes it’s doors. Apparently, this was a long time coming. Stephanie Dorgan (owner) was reportedly brought to court after her first year for keeping shoddy accounting records. Her husband and partner in the Croc, Peter Buck-of R.E.M. fame, pulled out after their divorce last year. So I guess we shouldn’t be surprised. And every club is first and foremost a business. Yeah, right, I get it. But these are the places we revolve our social lives around. The places we go to see that little band from Albany we’ve been tracking all year. Of course we’re up in fucking arms about them being bought out by giant promoters and buttoning up shop.

Now, it’s rumored that the Comet Tavern is up for sale. The Stranger pulled a posting from Craigslist stating the following
——————————-
Seattle’s oldest bar - $400000
Seattle’s oldest tavern/bar, centrally located in Capitol Hill. Very established. Possible Class H and pull tabs. NDA required. DO NOT TALK TO EMPLOYEES. ——————- Check out the post here

Just when it was becoming a standard in the Seattle Music Scene. I mean. I’m pretty sure pull tabs AND punk rock can coexist, but damn! What the hell is going on here? Are we on the turn of a new music revolution? Or is Seattle Music just going to be systematically wiped off the face of the Pac NW?

UPDATE————-
The Comet Tavern HAS BEEN SOLD!!! The Seattle Times reports that the comet Tavern was sold TODAY - Wed Dec 19th. It is said that all will remain status quo with the venue/bar. Whew!

you can check out the short article here

Popularity: 46%

Crocodile Closed for Good?!?!?

Driving in to the office this morning I heard on KEXP that the Crocodile Cafe was going to close its doors for good. I’ve been digging around hoping for something to dispel this awful news but info is scarce right now, and what info there is all points to the news being true. Three Imaginary Girls reports that the venue just doesn’t have the capitol to remain viable. It is also reported that all remaining shows have been canceled.

The Crocodile has been the go-to spot for the greatest sound in Seattle forever. I was just having a conversation this weekend about the best shows I’ve seen this year and 2 of the top 3 were at the Croc. The Blakes with the Cops, and Britt Daniel’s solo acoustic show. Over the years there have been so many good bands and good memories spawned at the Croc. I can only hope it falls into the right hands (stay away AEG!!!) and that Jim the sound-guy finds a proper home. It will be truly missed.

You have some favorite memories about the Croc? Best show? Most rediculous evening? Let’s hear ‘em.

Popularity: 54%

Best Picks for Seattle New Years Eve 2008

I’ve been keeping an eye out for the biggest and best events happening for New Years 2008. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the best things going down in the Seattle area.

(All events happen Dec 31st)

Popularity: 59%

Tonight: The Cops to Arrest Fans at the Croc

The Cops record release riot for “Free Electricity” ensues tonight at the Crocodile with the Pleasureboaters and the Whore Moans and they will play Portland’s Tonic Lounge tomorrow night.

“Will The Cops make my tap my foot and have a good time?” you ask? Well, KEXP included The Cops’ infectious “It’s Epidemic” onto the Free Song of the Day podcast, and pumped out the provocative “Light If Off” one morning this week while I was stuck in traffic. Check the podcast directory to get a free taste.

Popularity: 33%