My beloved Lago Down Under Music Hall has been sold. The owner had to do it. He just simply could not afford to keep it open *and* keep his daughter in college (she works, too), and pay the taxes on the complex. He tried to sell the restaurant and office space at the front of the property and keep the music venue, but no one would buy it unless they could have the entire thing.
I'm told the new owner will keep the music venue and make it more upscale. I hope that doesn't mean he'll be hiring only safe, soft, acoustical acts. One place nearby changed hands, got upscale, and now caters to people who only want soft, background music. That place has been so strong for rock and electric blues! It would be a shame for there to be no rocking going on there anymore!
I hate to see the change, I really do. This place has always been the Workingman's and Musician's hangout. Bring in a bunch of yuppies, and it'll die. Or turn into a karaoke joint, like the two places up the road that yuppie-fied. Both of them used to have live music, but since new owners came in, one has only karaoke and poker tourneys, and the other cut the number of booking in half, substituted Fridays with karaoke, and cut the bands' pay in half, too. And they won't book anything but soft rock and blues...nothing else.
The Music Hall was a place that allowed most of the local bands to get their start, allowed beginning musicians to grow, and booked all *kinds* of music made by people of all ages and backgrounds. Now...its gone.
So sad...
Cherie
