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Lookin@Down
- FB Fan -
USA
13 Posts |
 Posted - 03/11/2004 : 22:03:21
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| Hey Harringk, How about reservations at the resturant? Do they do them? If so could we make one? I mean if you know this stuff off hand. Sorry to be so pesky. Man I'd pick up your dinner if you saved some spots at the resturant. |
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fonicsmunkee
- FB Fan -
2 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2004 : 16:08:23
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"re: hotel recommendations. it's a little more on the pricey side, but the davenport hotel www.davenporthotel.com is literally one block from the venue and where i'll be staying. it looks pretty cool. personally, i could care less where i stay, but i'm taking a girlie, and it's a special occasion, so we're going to check this place out. (i found a way better price online than the one on the website) ."
Hey Floop-Where did you find your rate for the Davenport and how much did you get it for? |
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2004 : 22:06:21
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quote:
Originally posted by fonicsmunkee
"re: hotel recommendations. it's a little more on the pricey side, but the davenport hotel www.davenporthotel.com is literally one block from the venue and where i'll be staying. it looks pretty cool. personally, i could care less where i stay, but i'm taking a girlie, and it's a special occasion, so we're going to check this place out. (i found a way better price online than the one on the website) ."
Hey Floop-Where did you find your rate for the Davenport and how much did you get it for?
expedia. $124 (not including tax) |
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2004 : 22:10:56
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quote:
Originally posted by harringk
quote:
Originally posted by Lookin@Down
Hey harringk, Thanks so much for the ticket. Your a life saver! How large is this resturaunt? I would like to try that out (getting in early).
The restaraunt wasn't really big, I'm guessing there was room for maybe about 100 people. I think I'll plan on getting there an hour or two before the doors open.
i figure i'll just do the restaurant thing too. sounds like a good plan.
is the food good? |
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aerodynamics
- FB Fan -
USA
31 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2004 : 17:04:05
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I live in Spokane and have attended a couple of shows (The Crystal Method and Liz Phair) at the Big Easy Concert Hall where the Pixies will be playing and thought I’d chime in here. As mentioned previously, if you want to beat the general crowd through the doors, you’ll be able to do so by eating in the restaurant. As soon as you get seated, tell your server that you’ll be attending the evening’s show. They’ll ask to see your tickets and then give you large, laminated passes. These are coded by letter with the first recipients getting the ‘A’s, next the ‘B’s and so forth. When they begin letting people in the doors, they will notify which group is currently being admitted. After the restaurant people have filed in, they will then let in the general public. So, the earlier you get to the restaurant the better. Also, you’ll want to make sure that you have plenty of time to place your order and eat your food. At the recent Liz Phair show we got there approximately two hours early and that seemed about right. We ended up with ‘B’ passes and had plenty of time to eat, drink and be merry.
The concert hall itself is split level affair. When you first come through the main doors, you will walk through a short entrance area (where T-shirts are sold and so forth) and then into the hall itself. Under 21s will generally be herded directly onto the main floor, although there are areas of the balcony which they can also occupy. If you are over 21, you will receive a wrist band which allows access to any area of the hall. Directly behind the main floor area is a slightly elevated bar area. The bar itself extends across the entire back of the hall. This area is split into two levels with tables and chairs. If you get there early enough, you can get a good table right up against the rail which will give you an unobstructed and fairly close view of the band (in case you don’t want to get caught in the crush against the stage). Also, you can order food and drinks here. If you go up the stairs at the side of the hall, there is a tiered balcony level with another bar. Again, a table up front against the rail will give you a great view of the show. The balcony area above stage right is reserved for VIP members only (i.e., people who bought a special venue pass before it opened – they have their own lounge area, bar and private bathroom facility).
Bottom line – there’s really not a bad seat in the house, but the place is gonna be packed and the sooner you get in, the better your vantage point will be. The stage is approximately 5 feet high. Perfect in that people up front do not have to strain to look up at the band, yet high enough so that those behind will not have their view obstructed. The sound and lighting system is absolutely state of the art. Trust me – this place is going to absolutely rock when the Pixies take the stage.
The food at the restaurant – it’s fairly mediocre. I’ve eaten there twice. The menu is pretty large so there is a lot to choose from. They specialize in New Orleans style cooking (that’s the whole theme of the venue), but the Gumbo I tried was extremely pedestrian. Best to stick to a simple sandwich, steak, or salad. Have a martini, think about the show that you’re about to witness, and try not to worry too much about the food. The seating is very comfortable with various rock memorabilia lining the walls. If you get there early enough, ask to be seated at one of the booths with couches. They’re extremely comfortable.
Almost forgot…there are video screens located around the concert hall as well, so if you’re temporarily out of sight of the stage, you can witness the action on one of the monitors.
That’s all for now. Let me know if anyone wants more information about other restaurants and/or watering holes and also hotels in the vicinity. Also, the Big Easy concerts tend to start and end fairly early. Once the main show is over, they herd the under 21s out and begin tearing down to open up their night club for the rest of the night. They advertise the club re-opening at 10:00 PM following shows, but in my experience it generally runs closer to 10:30 or 11:00. Still an pretty early evening for those only interested in the concert itself. As the date approaches us locals can also scan any other music action taking place that night that might be worthwhile to check out in case you’re still in the mood to rock. |
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harringk
- FB Fan -
USA
202 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2004 : 14:28:35
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quote:
Originally posted by aerodynamics
I live in Spokane and have attended a couple of shows (The Crystal Method and Liz Phair) at the Big Easy Concert Hall where the Pixies will be playing and thought I’d chime in here...
Thanks for the great scouting report. I think I'll shoot for hitting the restaraunt about 2 hours early. I'd rather be at one of those tables with a good view than getting squashed down in front. |
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astrocat
- FB Fan -
USA
109 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2004 : 23:55:40
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| aerodynamics: Do you have a sense of how they are about taking cameras into the shows? Do they search bags and purses as you go in? |
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buffalo burger
- FB Fan -
53 Posts |
Posted - 03/17/2004 : 13:32:41
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and can you eat at the resteraunt EARLY in the day? like at 3 or so, then come back later?
bop. |
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 03/17/2004 : 13:41:03
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thanks for the exaustive research aerodynamics. you couln't ask for much more than that.
well, i could. but then i'd be being a smart ass.
doing the table thing is tempting, but it just seems wrong to watch a concert sitting at a table. especially this concert. maybe if i was seeing Yo La Tengo or something.. |
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aerodynamics
- FB Fan -
USA
31 Posts |
Posted - 03/17/2004 : 16:01:15
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Hmmm....a couple of tough questions. I'm not too certain about the camera policy at the Big Easy. I've never been searched there, but then I don't carry a bag or purse. I was just there last night for a Blue Oyster Cult concert and my pockets and jacket weren't searched at all. I believe that their camera policy is fairly strict though, from what I read on a BOC message forum earlier today (a gal was complaining that security was hassling her for using a camera). Definitely possible though, since there are some pics from last night's show online. Here is a link just to get a glimpse of what the stage area looks like...
http://www.buckdharma.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard/ikonboard.cgi?s=4058e48f0e0effff;act=ST;f=1;t=7013
I'm not sure about going to the restaurant early, getting a pass, leaving and coming back. I do know that the restaurant opens at 11:00 AM every day. Best bet would be to call and ask (or just be sneaky about it I suppose). |
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aerodynamics
- FB Fan -
USA
31 Posts |
Posted - 03/17/2004 : 19:05:17
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More BOC pictures from last night at the Big Easy showing up on-line. Here's a good one showing the view from the bar area. This should give you a good idea of how far the front rail there is from the stage. Note also the nice shot of the large video screens on either side of the stage...
http://www.bocfans.com/ubbthreads/fanpics/35392-DSCN1149.JPG |
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astrocat
- FB Fan -
USA
109 Posts |
Posted - 03/18/2004 : 23:21:04
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Thanks aerodynamics for all your info.
Anyone else that's been there notice them checking bags as you go in?
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aerodynamics
- FB Fan -
USA
31 Posts |
Posted - 03/19/2004 : 15:40:07
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| I'll be there again tomorrow night (Death Cab for Cutie show), so if someone doesn't beat me to it I'll see if I can get more info about the Big Easy's camera/bag policy. |
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aerodynamics
- FB Fan -
USA
31 Posts |
Posted - 03/22/2004 : 12:01:52
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Okay, more The Big Easy minutae for those that are intersted. I attended the Death Cab for Cutie show this past Saturday (...and let me just digress for a moment and recomment this most excellent band. They just started their new tour and if they come near you don't miss them. Tour dates can be found at http://www.barsuk.com/web.cgi?shows&show_dcfc...) and it was the highest attended show I've yet witnessed at the venue. I'm assuming because of the anticipated crowd, there was a temporary railing erected approximately three feet in front of the stage. Given the sellout status of The Pixies show, I'm assuming it will make an appearance again on April 24.
Anyway, both of the gals I was with had purses/handbags and there was no search conducted whatsoever. Also, despite the policy detailed on the back of the ticket, I noticed a few people flashing digital photos. So I assume, especially given how packed the concert hall is going to be, there should not be a problem snapping pictures during the show.
We ate at the restaurant again and the food was solid if not spectacular (I partook of the grilled shrimp served over red beans and rice -- pretty tasty). We got 'A' passes and chose a table near the front of the bar area that gave us an excellent vantage point (although it's hard to rock when you're in a seated position). The floor area in front of the stage was jam-packed, mostly with the under 21s that DCfC attracted to the show. I'm sure we'll see a similar situation next month and getting around the club once the crowd has filed in will be somewhat difficult.
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astrocat
- FB Fan -
USA
109 Posts |
Posted - 03/23/2004 : 01:33:07
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Cool. That's the info I need to get my digital camera in inside my purse/bag. Thanks again!
They really must not be too strict on the camera policy if people were using flash. It's flash that is usually what the venues really object to. Hmm... |
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sorrygoodfires
- FB Fan -
USA
21 Posts |
Posted - 03/28/2004 : 08:01:51
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| I was at the Death Cab show too, and I also saw many people taking digital photos. That was my first time attending the Big Easy, and I will agree that it was very packed. The Pixies show is gonna be crazy, because the Death Cab show was very packed and it wasn't even sold out; I bought my ticket at the venue on the day of the show. Also, they do start and end the shows very early. I got into the venue about 5 or 10 minutes after the announced starting time, and the opening act Pedro the Lion was already half way through their set. And Death Cab was limited to a quick one song encore because the venue was in a hurry to get everyone out for the club that night. Anyway, I spent the first half of the show wandering around in the back of the floor area, because it was too packed to get any closer. And then when my legs got tired I tried looking for a place to sit, either in the bar or the balcony, but that was nearly impossible. At about that time I started getting depressed, so I went to the bar and got drunk. But the view of the stage is great from almost everywhere in the venue, and the two large screens are handy as well. |
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aerodynamics
- FB Fan -
USA
31 Posts |
Posted - 03/30/2004 : 10:54:53
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And that was quite an interesting discourse regarding what was being shown on the big screens, was it not? (...aside...Ben Gibbard basically was getting tired of catching glimpses of himself projected larger than life and humorously asked the club to change what was being shown...so they instead projected various psychedelic images through the second half of the set...).
By the way, after witnessing the after hours club thing (typical 20-something meet market atmosphere), we decided to instead scoot over to the B-Side where fellow Bellingham natives Racetrack were playing, and ran into Chris Walla. Very cool. |
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kottke
- FB Fan -
USA
121 Posts |
Posted - 04/03/2004 : 21:25:47
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If you want to buy my WA ticket and you are the one going to the show (no reselling foos), email me.
"He bought me a soda" |
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aerodynamics
- FB Fan -
USA
31 Posts |
Posted - 04/07/2004 : 14:20:04
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I see that an opening act has now been named for the Spokane show -- Alien Crime Syndicate. Very cool...more info and downloads, etc. at the band's website...
http://www.aliencrimesyndicate.com/ |
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Sad Punk
- FB Fan -
73 Posts |
Posted - 04/07/2004 : 20:51:43
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i really dislike acs
bummer
good for them though |
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buffalo burger
- FB Fan -
53 Posts |
Posted - 04/08/2004 : 17:27:39
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ah maaan.
bop. |
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astrocat
- FB Fan -
USA
109 Posts |
Posted - 04/10/2004 : 21:50:14
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By no means am I a fan of Alien Crime Syndicate but I know somebody who works with the drummer, Nabil Ayers, and he said the Pixies is Nabil's favorite band of all time. So I give them kudos for getting the opening spot since they are such big fans, but personally I will be showing up late or hanging out in the bar for their set.
(On an historical note, the singer of Alien Crime Syndicate, Joe Reineke, used to be in a great band called the Meices. If only it was them opening...) |
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Sad Punk
- FB Fan -
73 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2004 : 18:34:53
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DOES ANYONE NEED A RIDE FROM SEATTLE TO SPOKANE (RT) ?
i have extra room for two
we will be going early SAT and coming back SUN
you would just need to chip in for gas
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2004 : 18:39:32
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| the question is: where is the pre / post Spokane party? |
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Sad Punk
- FB Fan -
73 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2004 : 18:44:49
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| in my car? |
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astrocat
- FB Fan -
USA
109 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2004 : 21:00:17
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That's too bad, I''m flying!
Spokane people, where are you? I'm assuming everyone's going to be in the restaurant before the show, but where's a cool place to hang out after?
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2004 : 22:25:29
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i'm flying up from LA. i think we're going to do the restaurant thing too, so i can stake my spot up front where i'll be fighting the kids.
afterward hangout spot is a good question though. i'm assuming bars close at 2 in washington? i nominate harringk to have a kegger at his place.
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Mroocore
- FB Fan -
USA
177 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2004 : 06:41:33
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quote:
Originally posted by floop
i'm flying up from LA. i think we're going to do the restaurant thing too, so i can stake my spot up front where i'll be fighting the kids.
afterward hangout spot is a good question though. i'm assuming bars close at 2 in washington? i nominate harringk to have a kegger at his place.
flying on friday from boston. what to do for the night?
i second any kegger idea.
 PENGU LIES |
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sqrrlbait
- FB Fan -
5 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2004 : 07:37:44
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Not a big fan of ACS- loved the Meices though.
Speaking of which a great post show show- ZEKE at B-side
Its crazy to be going back to Spokane. Anybody remember Plant World and all those crazy shows.
Funny to travel from Portland to Spokin'. Heck Frank lives in Stumptown- No PDX show for the homies? |
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sqrrlbait
- FB Fan -
5 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2004 : 08:00:25
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My mistake- ZEKE cancelled. BUT there is a local show the night before which features ex-FUMES singer. If anybody in town for Friday night- stop by and support them. It would be a great start to an awesome weekend.
4/23 - Dee Farmin's Army, International Playboys, Belt Of Vapor
B-Side • 230 W. Riverside • 509-624-7638
http://www.thebsideonline.com/
http://www.atomiccityrecords.com/DEE%20FARMIN%20ARMY%202-13-04.mp3
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Edited by - sqrrlbait on 04/15/2004 08:54:53 |
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2004 : 09:28:21
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off topic: can anyone recommend any good breakfast places in the area? i'm stayhing like a block away from the venue. and i'm obsessed with breakfast, so i'm planning ahead two weeks in advance.
also, what do we have for coffee places? just Starbuck? if i don't get a proper coffee fix i become violent |
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Sad Punk
- FB Fan -
73 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2004 : 11:12:35
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Knights Diner
2909 N. Market Ave.
this place rocks!!!!!!!!!
not so sure about the ABS
anything but starbucks
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2004 : 18:21:13
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| thanks a lot. i'll check it out. |
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aerodynamics
- FB Fan -
USA
31 Posts |
Posted - 04/16/2004 : 10:21:56
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The Saturday Pixies show at the Big Easy is liable to get out fairly early since the venue has an after hours club scheduled for the weekends. Advertised club start time is 10:00, but my experience is that they rarely meet that after a show. More likely that the Pixies show will go until 10:00 PM or so, but that will still leave plenty of time afterwards for festivities.
If you want to see a good band, the best best would be to head over to the Detour (http://detour.hasslemedia.com/) where Lookout recording artists Moral Crux (http://www.lookoutrecords.com/bands/band.php3?bnd_id=207) are headlining (http://www.label.hasslemedia.com/flyers/apr24.jpg). They're a great, old time punk rock band from Moses Lake who are guaranteed to tear it up. Other clubs worth considering are the B-Side (http://www.thebsideonline.com/) and Mootsy's (http://www.mootsys.com/). Not sure who's at the latter, but it appears local act The Creeps will be at the B-Side on the 24th. All three of these clubs are within walking distance of the Big Easy in downtown Spokane.
Other after show bets in case you feel like something quieter -- Far West Billiards (1001 W. First Ave.) is right across the street and is a good place to get a drink and play pool. Many tables. There is also an excellent, state of the art sports bar (tons of TVs and table side controls + internet access) nearby called Heroes and Legends(http://www.spokanelegends.com/). If you just want a quiet atmosphere to sip a martini, I would recommend Cavallino Lounge at the Hotel Lusso (North One Post St) or the Peacock Room at the Davenport Hotel (right across the street from the Big Easy) or the Catacombs Pub (http://www.catacombspub.com/) underground right next door to Far West Billiards.
Breakfast...hmmm...the Knight's Diner is great, but a bit far away from downtown. My favorite breakfast spot downtown is Frank's Diner. That's a bit of a hike from city center though (a mile or two) and is very busy on the weekends. The best bet, I would say, is the Satellite Diner at 425 W. Sprague. Only a couple of blocks away and very good food (in a Diner sort of way, if you know what I mean -- if you're looking for something more upscale, let me know). The Satellite is open late and also a good place for an after hours bite to eat after the show as well.
Hey Sqrrlbait -- I'm a Spokane native and I have to confess that your "Plant World" reference went right past me. Explain please. |
Edited by - aerodynamics on 04/16/2004 10:31:57 |
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 04/16/2004 : 10:44:47
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thanks a lot for the information. but first off, what the fuck???
the show is going to get out by 10? i've never heard of a headlining act going on that early, on a weekend. so theoretically they'll go on before 9? no way.
if that happens i bet a lot of people will miss the show (i often just go to shows in time to see the headliner)
i guess the plus side is that will leave time for post-Pixies drunkenness. maybe we can all attempt to meet at one particular bar or somethin'..
that still sounds weird to me though. . i hope they don't have to make their set shorter because of some stupid after hours, dance club. |
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Big Easy - Spokane, WA Tickets
