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Digger the Dog
Digger's Diary
The Mermaid Lounge
Hamilton, Ontario
Tuesday, August 24, 1999

This is a nice, mellow gig. As you may have read, The Corktown gig in Hamilton a month earlier had some negative aspects, but tonight, this is Hamilton in a more civilized environment. Because this is an "Art Show", the mood should be a lot more subdued.

We arrive at the gig early so that we can relax later before showtime. Jim, the club manager, has everything together and is more than helpful in making sure everything goes well. Blue and Nash get things set up with a minimum of fuss, so there's more time to play with me. I always have to lie around and wait for their attention, and although I get along with anyone, Nash hates it when I associate with drunken white trash at the bar. Just look at Brantford. But Nash, they give me pretzels and pickled eggs!

The dressing room is a funky space, with a back door leading to the patio and parking lot. I have my own escape route for exploration and relief, so I'm happy. After dinner, we go for a stroll and before long, it starts to rain. This might affect the attendance tonight but as far a comfort goes, this gig gets a 10, so Nash is very mellow.

The night is full of Nash's friends. Lou, Coral, Barb, Cove, Dave Rave, and the one and only Frankie Venom. Frankie expounds to all that would listen as to the artistic genius of his pal Nash. There is camaraderie in the air, and the evening winds down with a sense of satisfaction.

This was the same show that Nash performed in Fergus, and it seems the Art Shows have a great appeal. The atmosphere is more relaxed, and there tends to be less rock and roll bozos. This being Hamilton, there are still some who don't get the bigger picture, but soon they'll get another Rock Show at another venue, and then they'll know the difference between the Rock and the Art.

Just like a young puppy, Hamilton has to learn when to chew and when to suck.

We'll be back at The Mermaid, and Hamilton can soon qualify as a Nashional Heritage City.

Digger

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