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| APK Live | SEP 10/10 | Photo: Brittknee Withikaye |
“It's affirmation that we have a ‘scene’ here in London.”
This weekend, if only temporarily, London Ontario got its groove back. No, I’m not talking about the fresh batch of students lined up along Richmond Row or groups of over-grown men cruising for MMA battles – I’m talk’in bout the resurrection of the APK.
Unlike major North American cities when London, Ontario loses a reputable music-arts venue, socially speaking: the affects can be ugly. In too short a period, our creative community looked on, open jawed at the closure of the original Alex. P Keaton, The Embassy and The ‘Wick’ (the latter two burning to the ground).
However, we now find ourselves on the verge of 2011 (Leaves will fall and Halloween will be followed by relentless Christmas jingles) and the times are a chang’in. The closure of three venues known for their support of local acts and for bringing unbelievable underground artists to our city was no doubt tough times, but we’ve dealt with it and we’re better for it.
Over the past year and a half, people have found comfort in places like The Morrissey House (Dundas, and Waterloo S.), The Black Shire (Talbot and Dufferin) and Gigs (Talbot and Carling) those connected to the scene have craved a sizable DJ/Concert venue to better support us. Call The Office will out live time but presently London needs more.
The Nite Owl, 353 Talbot, is a reminder that when something falls apart there’s a new vision waiting to take flight. Imagine tall ceilings lined with a sharp, red felt pattern bordering the entire rectangular shape of the venue, a bartender who looks like he’s the lead in a punk band chatt’in up regulars wrapped around a sleek bar and you’re at the Night Owl. I wanted to touch the wall fabric, but I didn’t risk being pinned to it like a dart. The drinks were strong and the shape inside is cozy, yet stylish.
The London Music Club (Colborne and Queen) and The London Music Hall (Queens Ave.) are similar in name and approach. The owners of these respective venues work in tandem, say when one act works better for the size or ‘feel’ of one place over one room inside another venue. Both venues have multiple rooms for various types of events. So mad I missed Pennywise at LMH. Look out for some poetry slam com’in live from The London Music Club this season on London Calling and Deadmau5 at LMH.
APK Live (on Wellington & York) opened its doors on Friday September 10th, 2010. The event featured Krupke, Wild Domestic, and A Horse and His Boy. The place is gorgeous: There's tons of space for dancing and deejays, plus there are really comfy booths for parties – the tables alone are conversation pieces! Although the menu was limited for the first night, they still serve quality beer and pub grub. We can also report that there is not a trace of pink paint in either bathroom.
I get the same positive feeling when the awkwardness subsides at a wedding or family reunion. Once you look past some of the goofy suits, and frilly dresses, you realize how much you missed those close to you. Friday night was what a number of us needed: a reminder that the creativity in these people can heal us from our over-simplified and cruel world.
Attention: London’s creative community, we look forward to working with you this season!
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