The Crocodile Announces Opening Week Shows
For well over a year now, Seattle has been without one of its favorite music venues. Well, the Croc is back y'all and from what we've been hearing about the remodel, it's better than ever. Sometimes things really do seem to happen for a reason.
The first two shows--this Thursday and Friday nights--will be free and first come, first served. If you don't make it in, fear not, for there's another gem of a show coming up next weekend as well--this one put on by the sparkly pop princesses over at Three Imaginary Girls.
With the new layout (no pole!), new sound system, and Via Tribunali's pizza, we're pretty fired up and looking forward to a reunion with our little home away from home on 2nd and Blanchard.
Full press release with lineup after the jump.
THE CROCODILE ANNOUNCES OPENING WEEK SHOWS; VIA TRIBUNALI WILL FIRE UP HAND-BUILT PIZZA OVENSeattle, WA, March 17, 2009 - The Crocodile, Seattle’s much-loved live music venue, will re-open to the public on March 19, 2009, with the first of two consecutive nights featuring all local bands.
Both shows are 21+ with identification, and free of charge.
“We need to break in the room, and see how it sounds,” said managing owner Marcus Charles. “What a better way to do it than with some great local bands in an open house setting?”
The completely remodeled space includes both the showroom, as well as a full service Via Tribunali dining room in the space formerly occupied by the Crocodile’s back bar.
“The Croc has a great history in Seattle, and we were able to maintain much of its original character, including the stained glass windows,” explained Francesco Angiuli, Director of Operations.
In addition to significant changes to the club’s layout and design, the Crocodile has expanded and improved its legendary sound system, and completely updated the lighting rig.
“Bands are truly going to love playing this room,” said Crocodile Booking Agent Eli Anderson. Anderson was employed at the Crocodile Café until its abrupt closure in December 2007, and has witnessed the venue’s many changes.
“It’s exciting to be able to offer a room that fans and artists will both really dig,” he said. “ And, we’ll be able to feed them delicious pizza out of our own kitchen.”
The Crocodile’s many new features include backstage dressing rooms, a dedicated load-in door behind the stage, and a mezzanine bar.
Since its opening in 1991, the iconic venue has played host to everyone from Nirvana, Pearl Jam, the Beastie Boys, and R.E.M. to virtually every upstart band in the region.
“Everyone likes to talk about the big name bands,” Charles said, adding that all sorts of wild rumors regarding opening night have made the rounds. “But, the Crocodile has always been about local bands and community, not the superstars that the room has been lucky to host.”
Charles purchased the club in late summer, 2008, along with an investment group that includes music community stalwarts Susan Silver, Sean Kinney (Alice In Chains), Eric Howk, and Peggy Curtis, among others. The months of refurbishment and renovation that have followed have resulted in a larger, more visible stage, exposed skylights, and brand new plumbing throughout the building.
The two preview shows are first come, first served and will not have any advance ticketing.
Thursday, March 19, 2009: The Crocodile and Via Tribunali present SOUNDCHECK with HYPATIA LAKE, THE KINDNESS KIND, THE QUIET ONES
8:30 PM Doors - 21+ with identification - No coverFriday, March 20, 2009: The Crocodile and Via Tribunali present SOUNDCHECK with AKIMBO, BROTHERS OF THE SONIC CLOTH, PATROL
8:00 PM Doors - 21+ with identification - No Cover
