Where: 1 South Saginaw, Pontiac, Mich.
What: four different venues for shows--the Crofoot Ballroom and Balcony, (capacity 1100); the Eagle Theater (capacity 600); the second floor Pike Room (capacity 250); and the Vernors Room (capacity 75).
We've seen: You Say Party! We Say Die! (now known as You Say Party!) in the Pike Room (two weeks before the untimely death of drummer Devon Clifford); the New Pornographers (Crofoot Ballroom); Dan Mangan (Pike Room).
The Crofoot's talent buyer Greg Baise was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule for a short Q&A with N2DS2W. We wanted to know:
N2DS2W: How long has the Crofoot been bringing independent Canadian bands to Pontiac?
Baise: Since we opened almost three years ago.
N2DS2W: List some of the bands you first brought in. How were they received?
Baise: Some highlights have been our two New Pornographers shows, Neko Case solo, Destroyer, AC Newman, and Stars. Stars was one of our biggest shows when we first opened up. I think this show was huge for a variety of reasons. First of all, right away we earned the reputation for being the best club in the area, for both bands and fans. Our sound system is unmatchable, and the amenities that bands get here are comparable to what one would find in the top European clubs. Another factor is definitely proximity to Canada and Windsor in particular, as well as the commercial alternative stations that originate in Windsor and actually play most of these artists.
N2DS2W: Who are some of your favorite Canadian indie artists?
Baise: I'm a huge fan of the Sadies, Toronto's cosmic country kings, which played here the other night.
N2DS2W: Do you have a “dream” Canadian indie band/performer you’d like to book?
Baise: A surprise Leonard Cohen show would be pretty cool.
Many thanks to the Crofoot for supporting Canadian indie artists. Our next show at the Crofoot is Hey Rosetta!/Hot Hot Heat on Sat., Sept. 11 in the Pike Room.
