The Basement

I've only been to the Basement once, but I really did enjoy it.

It started out interesting because I was seeing Freelance Whales, while Marylin Manson was playing next door at the LC, and some of his fans were getting confused and getting into our line. I was like LOL guys you're DEFINITELY in the wrong place. So, maybe Promowest could improve its line distinction a bit.

Buy anyways, the Basement was great for an intimate show. Hopefully you get in the pit or just outside of it or it would not be a good view at all though.

It's a great atmosphere for an indie-ish show.

So. When you go to a concert, do you want decent sound or a decent view?

No no, can't have both. You can only choose one. Go.

Yes, I am serious. Ok, you want to flip a coin? Aaaand tonight you get.... view. Next time go with sound. Maybe it'll make a complete experience.

As many have described: low ceilings, narrow hallway layout, pit in front of the stage. You can get a nice view anywhere down there, along the railings, or up the stairs between the pit and the bar. But bring your earplugs. And your warble-to-lyrics translator. And it doesn't hurt to know the band's music well enough to know what it's supposed to sound like.

On my more recent visit, I did not. New stuff to me (thanks to Sara C. of the 3/20 review). We had that fabulous view, but I spent the next day watching YouTube videos to hear what I missed. "Oh," I thought to myself, "I would have really liked them."

The previous time I was at this venue, I spent more time wandering and even made it to the back of the hall. The sound is much clearer back there, but trying to see the band is like trying to keep your eye on one pinpoint of color in a kaleidoscope. Hearing the show from there might even be a social experience, but this is the kind of setup you go into for your friend's local band and a $5 cover. Not a nationally touring act you just spent exorbitant Ticketmaster fees on.

So wait, you're telling me I *can* both see and hear a band at a concert? Well, blimey. Guess you've been someplace other than the Basement.

A basement it is!

It feels like you're in someone's very large garage - with a bar. Cement floors. No windows. Basic bar stools. But the sound is legit.

If you're not in the mini-pit at the front of the stage, chances are you can't see much of the band. But the cool thing is how close and intimate you are with whomever is playing. You definitely don't get that at all venues and it was a really cool change of pace and opportunity to get a full "experience" with whomever you came to see play.

When it comes to booze, you have a few options. If you prefer draft beer, your choices are slim-to-none. And by slim, I mean you have Bud Light. Your bottle selection is slightly better. They only had two IPAs. As expected, beer comes at a high price. About 6 bucks a bottle for crafts & imports. Eeek.

The layout is long and narrow so in theory, if you didn't want to listen to the entire concert (or the opening bands) you can head to the far back of the venue to perch at the bar or in the corner to chat.

It really got dicey in the ladies restroom though. To be honest, I didn't expect much from a concert venue's bathroom, but it was rank. And the "entertainment" written on all of the walls is well, entertaining to say the least.

Given the location of The Basement, its size, and its sound, its clear why they get so many great acts in there! But seriously, it felt like I paid $25 to watch a band play in a big garage.