Ian MacKaye (Minor Threat, Fugazi, etc) in Keene for Bizzare Event.

[Mike Caulfield]

OK, don't know what to make of this but it says here that Ian MacKaye is coming to the Colonial for a "Q & A".

How Keene-like is it that Peterborough got that Evens show last year, but when MacKaye comes here it's for a "Q & A"?

Ian MacKaye April 8 7:30pm 95 Main Street
Keene
Colonial Theatre, Keene
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Tickets: $5.50

"Come for a spirited Q&A session on anything and everything with the influential co-founder of Dischord Records, and member of D.C. area hardcore bands Minor Threat and Fugazi. Bring your questions!"

So is anybody even considering going to this?

[Russ]

The Evens played in P'borough? Where, Harlows?

[Mike Caulfield]

No, I think a hall. Is there a Reynolds Hall?

Because of the poor system of communication in this town, I learned precisely the day after. One of the defining moments that made me want to do a community site.

Speaking of which, sign up for the local music group -- it's not much now, but I'm working on it.

[Russ]

Not familiar with Reynolds Hall. Wonder where that is. Ian must dig NH.

[Ezra Jones]

This sounds like a follow up PR thing to the release of "American Hardcore." I know that played at the C. What was that a year ago? I'll go check it out. Unless it's just me and 5 old school D.C fan boys and no one is asking any questions, awkweird.

[Allen Markland]

I went to this event not knowing what to expect and was treated to two hours of fascinating storytelling, some sharp and witty social commentary, and an up close and personal look into the life of one of the true protagonists of the American hardcore punk scene.

The event itself was held in the more initimate confines of the 'upper Colonial' room which is above the 'Turn It Up' CD music store. The room was packed, standing room only. The audience questions were interesting, some were questions about the music business while others were about particular bands or artists that Ian had worked with in the past.

Overall it was a great evening spent at the Colonial, I think Ian enjoyed it as well. Ian said he likes New Hampshire but had a hell of a time booking gigs here back when he was with Minor Threat and Fugazi because of the trail of destruction left by New Hampshire's own legendary GG Allin. Let's hope that he comes back to Keene soon and kudos to the Colonial Theater management for putting this event together.

[Mike Caulfield]

Wow, what a great summary.

Does he sound like he'll come back at some point then and play music? I'm still kicking myself for missing him and Amy Farina last year.

[Allen Markland]

Ian did not say anything about coming back here to perform but he did speak positively of his experience playing in Peterborough. No doubt he would draw well in Keene even though he said the size of the audience was of no significance to him. He would just assume play before a crowd of 15 versus 500 as he said it was all about the performance.
It was interesting that he said if he were 19 again and starting a band he would not sound anything like Minor Threat or Fugazi but it would definitely be music that kicked ass.

[Russ]

Excellent! That's great that this was a success and that the place was packed.

I know this is a topic for another thread but man, GG Allin. Who ever woulda thought that his 'influence' would extend to preventing a band like Fugazi from playing in NH? Wasn't he banned from the state forever after some horrific incident at UNH? I think he shoved a banana up his butt and jumped though a window or something...

Anyway, thanks for the great report.

[Ezra Jones]

I know, I think the function room is a cool little venue. Its nice see people gathered in there on a weeknight. Sorry I missed it. I think the GG Allen story you mentioned is the "family" version of what actually happened. I think Allen is the reason Manchester's downtown hasn't flourished the way it could have. Does any one know how much it is to rent the Colonial room for a function? Is it possible for the public, or do you have to be directly tied to an event at the theater?

[Jessica]

Hi there,

I'm so glad to see that folks:

A. heard about this event
B. attended this event
C. enjoyed this event

To clarify why this was a speaking engagement versus a performance by The Evens: I found out that Ian was going to be speaking in Boston 4/9, wanted to go, but had to work (we had a performance at the theatre). So I got in touch with Ian, asked him if he was available another night that week, and he was. The rest is history.

It is my hope that The Colonial Theatre can continue to reach what I consider "underserved audiences," and the runaway success of this event makes that very likely.

I am in the process of developing more events of this nature--if you have any thoughts or suggestions on the topic, please drop me an email at [e-mail].

Jessica Reeves
Director of Audience Services
The Colonial Theatre

P.S. ANYONE can rent the space Ian performed in (we call it The Colonial Corner). The rates are cheap, but you do need liability insurance. You can email me with any additional questions.
P.P.S. The only connection between Ian MacKaye speaking at the theatre and our having screened American Hardcore in 2007 is that I wanted to see both of them. :)

[Allen Markland]

Thanks Jessica for bringing Ian to Keene and how encouraging it is to hear that you're actively looking to book more events of this nature in the future. I will certainly forward you my suggestions and hope that others in our 'Local Music' group will take this opportunity to do the same.

[Dana]

ooohhh! groan! i so wish i could have gone to that. i think the last time i saw Fugazi play was at the University of Southern Maine in 90-something :) It was amazing. The only stage lights were these floor lamps they had that were pointed towards them - kind of gave this cool creepy effect...plus, I think Joe Lally was wearing this weird mask all night. Must listen to Steady Diet of Nothing today...