Whats wrong with your scene? Nothing. (with update)

Late 80's Seattle, Washington
The funny thing was many of the shows in [Charles] Peterson's classic early Sub Pop photographs weren't attended by more than a few dozen people. "Bruce [Pavitt] loved those Charles Peterson photos because it made it look like more of an event," says Bob Whittaker. "Instead of sitting around a stinky club with a bunch of ugly people, it looked like this...scene. And we're standing around, all smelly, going, 'Huh? What's the big deal?" (1)

Late 70s New York City, New York
"In those days [1978] most performances, whether in clubs or in art spaces, didn't draw more than 40-50 people." - Glenn Branca (2)

For you guys who are worried about how big your "scene" is, I give you the two above excerpts. Recently in the Chronicle's blog and in a discussion with Chris Gray, the question of the "Houston" Scene came up. You know, there is nothing wrong with the music in Houston and all it's various scenes. Sure, one sporting event will bring more people than 100 indie shows but so what? Who cares if most of the city is sitting home watching America's Next Top Model (or whatever it's called)? Let 'em. Go out have fun, make stuff, if 40 people show up, so be it. Are they neat people and is the music good? Well hell, then it's a party! In other words I don't know how many people are going to show up at the Hootenanny and The Sad Like Crazy show tonight but damn if I ain't goin' out there.

That being said...

See you suckas at the Hootenanny!!!!

Credits:
(1) Our Band Could Be Your Life: Scenes fromt he American Indie Underground 1981-1991 Michael Azerrad (c) 2001 Back Bay Books pp.421-422
(2) New York Noise: Art and Music from the New York Underground 1978-1988 - Paula Court (c) 2007 Paula Court/Soul Jazz Publishing pp.54-55

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Update

Some Images from the Hootenanny.

John Sears as Sam Cook was sweetness on a stick

Papermoons as Pedro the Lion kicked it - hard!

The Jonx as NoMeansNo were incredible!

Panic In Detroit as Jawbox were frighteningly good!

The Mathletes as The Talking Heads were a hoot!

Something Fierce as The Clash got the people singing along, jumping, and spilling beer!

The Dimes and Mlee Suprean as the Pixies got eveyone in such a frenzy that at one point I thought "I wonder if this floor is about to collapse from the shaking?"

Blades (with guest Anna Garza) were a blast and John's singing reminded us why they are an instrumental band. Joke! :)

Indian Jewelry as Depeche Mode were strobe-a-riffic.

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Finally. Look! Neat people having fun!*

* Yes, John I know you were joking. :P