We just got an email from a local brewery we played at last weekend. It was our second time there, and both times went well in our opinion…in that we brought a sizable crowd and a bunch of new business to a venue that normally does not host live music. Apparently, we did too good of a job last weekend, as the brewery was understaffed and deep in the weeds most of the night. People were waiting in line 15+ minutes just to order a beer, and then 10+ minutes in another line waiting for it to be served. Orders were getting lost. Guests were scolded for ordering food at the bar and taking it outside to the patio where we were playing. According to the manager, some people got impatient, and some of the staff took that as "abuse". From what I witnessed myself between sets and knowing our crowd, nobody was drunk and belligerent (just thirsty, since they were standing around waiting forever for a drink).
Long story short, the manager emailed us saying she's decided to cancel our three remaining events on the calendar. It's too bad. We had a good rapport with the manager. They are in a unique position to be the only venue in the area offering live music outdoors in the summer. From the start, we have offered to work with her to make the events successful not just for us, but for other acts as well. Our goal was to help grow a little local music scene. Our singer managed high volume restaurants for years, and he had some simple ideas for streamlining their service on event nights to keep the staff happy and the beer flowing. They just aren't equipped to handle the increased business at this time, and have decided that live music brings in too many people. On a positive note, I see more golf in my future.
