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World Premiere of the soundtrack to the silent film classic Nosferatu (1922) Once again I'm left out of the fun and festivities (remember The Medaeval Baebes?) Nash and I go over to Diesel's place to get Alex for the gig. Alex will be the stage tech tonight. Unknown to me, Nash wasn't bringing me along. I have to hang out with Diesel all day. Later that night when the boys return from the gig, I get the whole yarn from Nash. This concert has been in preparation for two months. The Grand Theatre is used for banquets and weddings by the East Indian community and has rarely been used by someone as white and bandaged as Nash. They have never had a 'rock musician' on their stage let alone someone doing a silent movie. This show has to be properly promoted to the right audience. As stunning as this theatre is, no one knows about it and Nash must get a good attendance just to break even. Thank God for the Internet. All the local media mention the show but only The National Post does a significant article. Thanks to The Post for their support. Everything is well prepared for showtime. The set-up goes well and the helpers all arrive by 7 pm. Ratch will work the bar while Dr. K. Syinide does the door and merchandise. Cathie is the Cut-Throat co-ordinator for this evening and she has everything together. The crowd is a mix of Nash dignitaries (Betty, George, Tom, Bruce, Lou, Barb, James, Brett, Paul, Louise) and diehard fans (Doug and Cathy, Ordinance Bob, John, Anna Lee, Loblaws Dave, The Hamilton Crowd ) There is only one thing more diverse than Nash's music and that's his audience. Where else do you find bikers, teenage Goth guitarists and computer nerds all in one room? Not to mention parents with children in tow.
It's a sold-out crowd of 300 people, many of whom have come from out-of-town to experience the grand premiere.The theatre/cabaret is just the right setting for this performance. The screen is huge, the image clear and bright. The soundsystem is a compact subwoofer and sattelite boxes, 600 watts total. The 50 foot ceiling creates a cathedral-like atmosphere and it takes very little volume to fill the room with clean sound. It is technically one of the finest performances Nash has ever done. As Nash takes the stage, there is anticipation from the audience, creating a spontaneous burst of applause and a standing ovation before the performance even begins. It is like a classical presentation and the audience is acknowledging the maestro's arrival. With a short spoken introduction from Nash, the film begins. Upon completion seventy minutes later, there is another standing ovation and a sense of great achievement. 5 years in the thinking, 5 months in the composing. After the film, Nash goes out to the lobby in full attire to autograph posters. There is quite a diverse crowd with a sense of satisfaction from them all. Even the ten year olds.
It would be nice to do another show at The Grand Theatre but the production expenses are too high. It was very challenging to make this gig work and it couldn't have been done without a lot of help. The next gig for Nashferatu in Toronto will be someplace more economical but The Grand was a wondeful Premiere. Digger |
The second set starts 15 minutes too late for some folks to stick around
but it was well received by the 100 fans still in attendance.
