Haydain Neale, 1970–2009
The Lee's Palace Mural is Dead! Long Live the Lee's Palace Mural!
Peeve Patrol
Third Floor, First Rate
The Daily Photoist: November 24, 2009
If you'd like to take thoroughly reading NOW Magazine's live show listings one step further, cautiously enter the Toronto section of Stillepost. The message board is frequented by musicians, promoters, and the like, so a head's up on upcoming shows can often be found. (Info on the Wolf Parade show on Aug. 5, for example, would've helped this person.)
But the insider's scoop comes with its share of behind-the-scenes drama. The most recent is the sudden closing of The Bagel, the popular diner/venue at College & Spadina. Last Wednesday's comedy night, Circular Laughter Bread, was unexpectedly cancelled at the last minute by the venue's management. And by the looks of a particular Stillepost thread, the sketchiness doesn't end there.
In an open message to Bagel owner "Greg", Stillepost member "Candice" writes, "We're calling the police if you don't get back to us by 5pm because WE NEED OUR GEAR." [Use of uppercase by original author.] Lest there be any confusion, Candice adds, "GET THE FUCK BACK TO US SO AS TO SPARE A VISIT FROM THE COPS."
Later in the thread, Candice offers some explanation: "[Greg has] had my band's stuff for 6 DAYS [sic] and won't let us know what the deal is... while he's randomly canceling shows and amassing trash heaps inside The Bagel."
Apparently the situation stems from a sudden closure of the venue, just prior to a show. "JohnnyArrogant" writes, "We got there last night and were just all [what-the-fuck]. I've never had that happen before. Just a sign on a door - no show. Fucking top notch pro booker shit right there."
On page two of the thread, the angry outbursts were replaced with further info, as "spark" offered this: "Okay, so Greg hasn't paid his rent, and is officially awol. The landlord is going to evict him if he doesn't show up."
Only time will tell how the crisis resolves itself. If the Bagel does stay closed, the community loses a favorite eatery and music venue all in one. But it would seem the dilemma extends beyond the walls of the diner itself.
"If the guy has time to sign into his myspace account today, as the page says he has", writes Candice, "He damn well has time to respond to the messages i've been sending. which he hasn't." [sic]
Photo of the Bagel during happier times from the Bagel's website.
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I have to say, I think this is a more apropriate and even vaguely journalistic use of Stillepost. Good job.
Sad about the bagel though.
Toronto is steadily running out of unique venues for young up-and-coming bands.
Thank goodness we still have the Boat (knock on wood, fingers crossed).
I never understood the draw; The Bagel had shitty sound, and was tiny. What exactly was the big deal? That you could pretend you drew well because 20 people made the place look packed? The cheap beer? It's unfortunate that things ended up this way, but the place looked sketchy from the beginning, and I'm not totally surprised.
"Toronto is steadily running out of unique venues for young up-and-coming bands." ... it sucks about the bagel but i highly doubt we are running out of small venues...
its just a matter of going into places and asking them, i mean thats what happened with the boat isn't?
and i know we weren't the first people to do play/book but the White Orchid on dundas is an amazng little place that we throw our Lost Cats parties at and people have told us how much they love "our" little ex kareoke bar.. plus the bar owner is the nicest person that we've ever dealt with
what are these lost car parties of which you speak?
the bagel was great- but we can do better. reliable promoter/booker (locking the doors on other people's gear and walking away without a word is beyond sketchy) and decent sound for a start.
the bagel had cheap beer and, more recently, a great vibe going for it- surely those aren't conditions unique to 285 college street.
Lost Cats more info here: http://www.myspace.com/lostcatss
our next one is aug 5th
diane is the nice lady that owns the white orchid, they also own that juice bar in ken market.... her number is on the window...
they dont have a proper stage, but there have been some crazy shows there, and ive booked 4 bands to play there a few fridays ago
but also same with the el amigo and more... they're out there.. peeps just get too comfortable with the ol' reliables...
Yep. It sucks. I was pissed about what happened to me. However, what has happened to others is horrible. Bad Bagel.
I was the comedian who hosted Circular Laughing Breads, that was cancelled last miunte. The bagel offered the promise of a new comedy venue, which, due to the continued economic depression toronto has suffered since S.A.R.S. and the malice of a decade of conservative governmental attacks, are dwindling. how are they related? Comedy makes less money at the bar. The shows are shorter. There are fewer breaks. Before, bars could afford to not have music shows some nights, and host comedy, because it was interesting and becaus ethe comedians were talented. THe bagel offered this promise anew, after a number of prominent comedy venues said "no, only bands now, sorry, times are tight".
The bagel is gone, leaving essentially only the Rivoli as a comedy venue. A venue with 3 weekly comedy shows, meaning, no more new comedy shows.
HUrray!