Communication Breakdown: Music Nights at the Friendly Inn Say Goodbye, This Month’s FredRock Says Hello
Originally Posted February 22nd, 2011
So, the bad news first. Yes, we bid a fond farewell to music at the Friendly Inn in Ellicott City, MD that has had a long-standing tradition of being a venue for talented local Bluegrass bands and more recently other genres of bands. The Friendly Inn is shutting down temporarily at the end of the month for some renovations and when it reopens, it will become a regular dining establishment with no plans to host bands on the weekends. Now, this is certainly a shame for many reasons. One reason being that there aren’t any other serious venues between Frederick and Baltimore along Interstate 70 and secondly its one less accessible venue available to local bands, but if you have ever seen a show at the Friendly Inn then you know that there is a sentimental factor involved also. The Friendly Inn was a comfortable place to see local bands, nothing pretentious about it, sociable down to earth staff, reasonable drink prices, and good comfort food. We ladies will probably even miss or at least chuckle reminiscing about how we often had to groove our way between band members to get to the ladies bathroom. Indeed, we’ll miss music at the Friendly Inn.
Luckily, I was able to catch the second to last show this past Friday night (02/18/11) and on the bill was Grateful Dead Inspired Baltimore powerhouse Gypsy Dawg . Now, you readers who have been with me for a while know that this isn’t exactly my typical fare, but I’ve found myself at a few Gypsy Dawg shows in the past year and I can’t say that I’ve seen a lackluster show yet. In fact, I’d say that every show I’ve seen so far has been off the charts fun and a stellar showmanship of talent amongst the six band members who also participate in many side projects. The last show at the Friendly Inn was no exception. The sets kept rolling and the people kept dancing all night long until the Friendly Inn was about to close its doors. Some of the highlights included a unique dead-headish version of Atlantic City , a slower more grooving version of When I Paint My Masterpiece , and a round of Werewolves of London (including a wolf mask) in honor of the full moon besides a whole slew of original tunes like the always get your feet moving White Water. I don’t know who’s on the bill this weekend at the Friendly Inn, but no way they’re going to top Gypsy Dawg’s farewell party.
And, finally the good news. The past two month’s FredRock events have seemed a little sketchy with the holidays and main organizer Kenny Eaton being on tour with his band Time Columns , but in any case I’ve been regretful that I haven’t been able to attend. FredRock truly is one of the greatest events that Frederick has going for it’s talented youth. When I checked up this month, I was excited to see some rekindling of activity. According to the flyer, February’s FredRock will be an All Star event that will feature many local favorites. Check out the FB Event page for more info or just plan to be at the Frederick Moose Lodge from Noon till Midnight Saturday, February 26 2011.
So, the bad news first. Yes, we bid a fond farewell to music at the Friendly Inn in Ellicott City, MD that has had a long-standing tradition of being a venue for talented local Bluegrass bands and more recently other genres of bands. The Friendly Inn is shutting down temporarily at the end of the month for some renovations and when it reopens, it will become a regular dining establishment with no plans to host bands on the weekends. Now, this is certainly a shame for many reasons. One reason being that there aren’t any other serious venues between Frederick and Baltimore along Interstate 70 and secondly its one less accessible venue available to local bands, but if you have ever seen a show at the Friendly Inn then you know that there is a sentimental factor involved also. The Friendly Inn was a comfortable place to see local bands, nothing pretentious about it, sociable down to earth staff, reasonable drink prices, and good comfort food. We ladies will probably even miss or at least chuckle reminiscing about how we often had to groove our way between band members to get to the ladies bathroom. Indeed, we’ll miss music at the Friendly Inn.
Luckily, I was able to catch the second to last show this past Friday night (02/18/11) and on the bill was Grateful Dead Inspired Baltimore powerhouse Gypsy Dawg . Now, you readers who have been with me for a while know that this isn’t exactly my typical fare, but I’ve found myself at a few Gypsy Dawg shows in the past year and I can’t say that I’ve seen a lackluster show yet. In fact, I’d say that every show I’ve seen so far has been off the charts fun and a stellar showmanship of talent amongst the six band members who also participate in many side projects. The last show at the Friendly Inn was no exception. The sets kept rolling and the people kept dancing all night long until the Friendly Inn was about to close its doors. Some of the highlights included a unique dead-headish version of Atlantic City , a slower more grooving version of When I Paint My Masterpiece , and a round of Werewolves of London (including a wolf mask) in honor of the full moon besides a whole slew of original tunes like the always get your feet moving White Water. I don’t know who’s on the bill this weekend at the Friendly Inn, but no way they’re going to top Gypsy Dawg’s farewell party.
And, finally the good news. The past two month’s FredRock events have seemed a little sketchy with the holidays and main organizer Kenny Eaton being on tour with his band Time Columns , but in any case I’ve been regretful that I haven’t been able to attend. FredRock truly is one of the greatest events that Frederick has going for it’s talented youth. When I checked up this month, I was excited to see some rekindling of activity. According to the flyer, February’s FredRock will be an All Star event that will feature many local favorites. Check out the FB Event page for more info or just plan to be at the Frederick Moose Lodge from Noon till Midnight Saturday, February 26 2011.
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