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This was a great gig back in September, and Nash and I are eager to see our pals in Hamilton. There's no roadie for this gig, so Nash is relying on the help of the club. We arrive at the appointed hour and sure enough the single person to assist us is there to help. I'm not much use with this end of the production, so Nash is lucky it's an easy load-in with him and Owen. Tonight's performance is a presentation of the silent film classic The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. The advertising has been as effective as the club can do, but there may be a small crowd tonight. After all, this is the middle of the week, it's a very artsy-type show and this is Hamilton... (the sigh of a hundred bored dogs). Everything is as nice as we remember it the first time: the staff is great and Nash enjoys playing here. The set-up is easy and the presentation first-rate. There are lots of open parking lots around, so Nash and I enjoy some fresh air before he has to go to work. An intimate crowd enjoys the first presentation of Caligari in Hamilton since the release of the film in 1919! The audience is mesmerized, and their response sincere. There is a second set of vocal tunes, and the evening comes to a quiet close. I'm let loose to wander while Nash tears down the stage. I hang out with Frankie Venom, Gary, Barb, Miguel, Johnny and many more. There are quite a few musicians here tonight. The musicians in Hamilton show a lot of respect to their fellow artists. Perhaps it is because they are musicians first, and not a bunch of Queen Street, Toronto posers. Jim, the manager, has a lot of respect for Nash as well, because he'll keep coming back for more gigs despite the turnout. There is more to this gig than just a small club. There is all of Hamilton to conquer. Digger |
