At The Tabernacle
So it’s official. I’ll see you at the Decemberists show at the Tabernacle on October 27th. Expect much writing about it, by me, afterward.
Here’s the thing, though: The Decemberists I know pretty good. The Tabernacle, not at all. What am I in for? What’s the Tabernacle really like?
(And is their MySpace page really their primary public face on the Internet? ‘Cause I do not approve of MySpace.)
*sigh* I guess this is what Major Label brings..
Anyway- the Tabernacle sucks. They start out by charging tons of “fees” through ticketmaster etc to make each show barely worth the price, then its on to the inside which is less a nice open venue, than a stage surrounded by bars. So you are either packed in the designated “square” (yes, packed) or pushed into the fringe to have giggling teens knock over the newly 21’s unsteady hand held drink onto you. Then the show starts and you get to watch a few songs with odd mixes (who needs vocals!?) before the sound gets right, until finally they get it right. The shows are usually ok after that. Unfortunately, with so few venues in this town its what we got.. but would be embarassing in other cities.
Myspace is the “1996 personal homepage” of today. Awful.
http://www.decemberists.com/
If you compare a show at the Tabernacle to the Variety Playhouse, then you’ll be disappointed, but if you compare the Tabernacle to virtually any other venue of its size in the country, then you’ll be pleased.
I usually choose to grab a seat on the second level, rather than sit on the floor. The seats in sections 207/208 offer a remarkably close (albeit a side) view of the band. The sound in these seats can be poor. The seats in 201-204 have a great view (albeit farther) view, and great sound.
That being said, if you see yourself dancing a lot, then the floor is the better option.
I’ve seen good shows at the Tabernacle, but my first thought everytime I’ve gone in is “scary firetrap.” Enjoy!
I saw the Decemberists at the Tabernacle on their last tour. I like the Tabernacle. Plenty of bars, plenty of room. Close parking, and you can get out after a show and into your car in less than 5 minutes. Just saw the Yeah Yeah Yeahs there last night, and it was great.
The tabernacle is a good looking space, but the sound for the last several shows I’ve seen there has been horrible. Almost walkout horrible. For the Roots they turned everything up so loud that you could hear absolutely nothing.
Say what you will about the sound (personally I have never had a bad experience with that), but they are damn punctual at the Tabernacle. I swear every time I show up a few minutes late (like, 8:07) the opening band is already on their 2nd song. Headliner is on by 9 and you are done by 11… while the night is still young! Saw the Decemberists at variety during their last pass through Atlanta (have they really played the tabernacle before?), looking forward to a great show.