1 Topic by Keith (edited by Keith 2008-02-29 12:59:17)

  • From: The House Of Rock
  • Registered: 2006-06-18
  • Posts: 760

Topic: Loss Of Another Blues Venue

Yesterday the blues circuit lost another venue as the historic Puccini's Golden West Saloon/The El Rey Theater in Albuquerque, New Mexico was destroyed by an early morning fire. Smoke or flames hit three popular venues — Launchpad, El Rey and the Golden West. Luckily the El Rey Theater only escaped with fire, water and smoke damage, but the Golden West Saloon was almost completely destroyed, with only the walls remaining. Some of the acts which have appeared at the Golden West have included Chris Duarte, Scott Holt, Tommy Castro, Devon Allman's Honeytribe and tomorrow night was to be Brian Auger's Oblivion Express.

Particularly sad as now there really isn't a venue here booking the blues based bands who won't draw several hundred people minimum. Some of the artists who have played The El Rey over the years include Albert Collins, Bo Diddley, Eric Johnson, Gov't Mule, Robin Trower, Buddy Guy, George Thorogood, Bad Company, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and many more.

http://www.myspace.com/goldenwestelrey

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  • From: Deep in the forest
  • Registered: 2007-02-11
  • Posts: 5,296

Re: Loss Of Another Blues Venue

That is bad news. Blues Clubs are getting harder to find. As big as Baltimore is, the Blues Society has a very hard time finding venues for artists that want to come here. They often call the president to look for a pick up gig on the road. I'm sure it's the same in most areas.I hope this trend changes and I hope they rebuild.   Cathy