I SUGGEST you don't....

Last night, the OCMA crew and I had an interesting experience at The Light Gallery in Costa Mesa. While the lineup, consisting of Parker Macy Blues, Sweet Sweet Things, Dolphin City, The Jakes, Lemon Sun and The New Limb were all great of course, there were a few issues though that "suggest" I don't go back. First off, six bands in one night....is way too chaotic and way too much. Starting a show at 8 p.m. on a Friday that is 18 and over makes it hard to round up people that early. The flyers and promotion for the show had said "suggested" donation, when in fact that $8 suggested donation that they said goes to bands, actually became a mandatory cover charge. When did the word "suggested" and "donation" become the equal of "cover charge?" If I had told everyone that it was a free show, which is what "suggested donation" means, then I actually would have lied to my listeners, as what the venue had did to us. After you paid this cover, which I'm all for donating to the bands but some warning would have been nice so I could have stopped by an ATM, you couldn't even go in and out.

There was no alci for the 21 and over crowd, yet it was an 18 and over night...don't understand why. It should have been all ages. And on top of all that bands played longer than they should have probably because people in charge at the venue weren't keeping track of time, so the show ran 1.5 hours late. The New Limb who had fun with it and dazzled the remaining devoted fans with a couple covers like "Twist and Shout" started to play at midnight. And on top of all of that, the bands pushed through despite the sound at the venue not being so great.

The best part was the great musicians who stuck it out and who entertained the crowd...oh and the bar The Little Night that was next door. Honestly, The Light Gallery was a wannabe of eVocal yet with less class, overly dramatic art on the walls and an awkward vibe. It's sad to see a venue with potential be run carelessly. I'm all about growing the Orange County music scene but how can we do it if you don't provide a good enough outlet for your local musicians?

<3
Ash