Yes, there was a second show - you thought I forgot? The third annual Dead of Winter Jam at the Kato Ballroom! The headliners had to cancel (This has happened three times in a row. Is there a Schmoejoes conspiracy?) We were number 2 in the lineup, and even enticed a few people to dance. I guess all that Al Green I'm listening to is having an effect, though we're working up to panties on the stage.
I talked to quite a few people that night, though yelling back and forth is not very conducive to conversation. Nick, if you're out there - thanks for the kind words. Nick was one of the two music fans I spoke with - the other was Mari, who'll be writing a fine article about The Schmoejoes for the next issue of Applauze. Mom's going to love it, unless Mari quotes me and my ample 'blue' vocabulary.
This marks the second show we've played at the Kato Ballroom, and once again I'm left with mixed feelings about the place. It's one of the coolest rooms I've ever been in, and when we're there, I can feel the great history of the place, and the great musicians that have been through there. You can see this in the fantastic photos Vic took of us in 2005 at the Kato Ballroom. Of course, Mike Gimmer's light show makes everyone look like rock stars. ;)
Unfortunately, it seems to get more weddings than groundbreaking music these days, and it's a shame. It's a great room, with a fantastic stage, and enough room to hold a thousand people - though the sound guy needs a light touch when there's less. (note to bands: keep your stage volume down - leave the Hi-Watt at home. You're playing in a giant echo chamber that will sound great when you don't overpower the room)
I could see the Kato Ballroom as the First Ave. of Mankato, with national acts and big thirsty crowds, with great new music in a venue that can hold lots of fans, and yet be fantastically intimate...but it's sitting there waiting.
Dream a little dream of me...