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| - EDITED 2015 January 18
Been back several times for various groups. Sound system remains the same and is thus variable depending on who sits (or not) at the board. Improvements could be made in the lighting to off-set from the direct overheads on the stage. Best seats are often to the left of the band area; directly in front gets loud. Always bring ear plugs as some groups finese their art by sheer decibles.
Still, it remains understaffed for the volume of business that is done at the bar. Perhaps that is the ambience....
f8 and be there.
EDITED 2014 November 9th
The event I went to this evening, veteran's benefit, had a fully managed sound system. And the sound engineer was having a birthday. Lights on stage are now replaced, but ceiling lights remained burned out or missing giving the feeling of not fully managed. Two people behind the bar when three would have been much better for the packed house. The bartenders manage the bar, clear tables, set up tables, reset tables, move the bar supplies, manage the till.... two is insufficient; 3 would be better and my guess is the revenue/tips would be better with increased orders. But the sound system was nicely managed and balanced. Hopefully this is the trend on all future events.
f8 and be there.
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My last time at Moondog's was for an open mic night.
So, this was a change up from my previous experience. The sound system was not working and there was NO internal support for it so the band had to trouble shoot cables that were bad and do the replacements, then rebalance the sound inputs/outputs. really? This is the best venue as advertised for the blues in the region? Theoretically, music is about the sound.
Moondog's is clearly unique, and the management is able to book in some seriously great acts. And it comes together well in this small, crude, funky space. Now that they are non-smoking, all is better. The men's restroom is seriously improved over a few years ago (not that anyone wants to know that). They do not have food, but that is available up the street (though it is not particularly interesting).
But, the issue for me is becoming that "blues divey" doesn't necessarily make a good performance venue for artists. Specially when the sound system is broken and not managed. Or when lights on the stage are burned out and there is no immediate remedy by the on-site staff? In fairness, the bartender had to run the entire shop by herself -- bar, tables, cleaning, stocking, helping the band.... one person does not make up good "staffing."
While the "cover" for access is reasonable, the layout of the place is not up to modern standards for artists.
Moondog's is apparently a regional icon. But I have experienced many venues that are better. Go to Beale Street in Memphis and you'll experience much better --- all packed together in a few city blocks.
f8 and be there.
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