Backstage At The House Of Blues

by Bing Futch

When the House Of Blues opened at the Downtown Disney Westside complex in 1997, only national acts performed there. As the turnover in talent staffing brought in people sympathetic to the local music scene, the popular “Orlando Rocks!” series has allowed many central Florida bands the opportunity to play in a venue that actually has monitors.

And a lighting tech.

Not to mention a backstage area that includes a trio of dressing rooms that are better suited for living than most people’s apartments. It’s here that the true fun is had–where musicians of all walks, all styles, all mentalities, all vices, cavort and play and relax before and after time on that Stage, that beautiful, big, monitor-filled stage. The sound system, tended by careful, watchful professionals like Big Bob, Ross, Frodo and a staff of others, is to die for–probably the best sounding system in the area. And the things that happen in those dressing rooms, if the walls had access to desktop publishing, there would be a bestseller in the works for sure.

This Wednesday, April 19th–three bands will enjoy the splendor–and when the band feels good, you can bet they’ll pass the savings along to you. (They feed and water the bands backstage, when does that ever happen?) GARGAMEL, BUGHEAD and BRING BACK JOEL will provide the evening’s entertainment–$5 at the door or hunt down a bandmember and get a free ticket. Show begins at 9pm and it’s all over by midnight, and parking is expansive and at no cost to you. Cheap date, good music–great venue. If you haven’t been–start checking it out while they still throw the locals a bone.

The plan for this column will be implemented as soon as we resolve some software issues–in the meantime, I’ll be working on some more band features with in-depth interviews until we can bring you the CD reviews and other areas. Also, use the “Discuss” feature, it’s now active and I welcome your feedback–especially from the bands, you are your own best promotion.

Till later–

Bing