August 13, 2008
The Big Easy
The Big Easy has been a staple for live music in Portland for about a dozen years. By far, it has the best sound system (which is why most bands love to play there) and sound guy, Jim Begley, who's engineered and produced tons of recordings at The Studio. It's where you go to hear a good band, dance and have a few drinks.
People who love live music go to the Big Easy. Sure, they go to SPACE Gallery, too, a venue geared more toward listening than drinking, but at the Big Easy you have a full bar and a more casual atmosphere where it's not so stuffy or artsy. Not that that's bad, just different.
Most of the time, the venue has a healthy crowd of locals looking to hear their favorite band, tourists looking to get drunk and dance and college kids looking to hook up. You won't find cheap drinks or food or a clean bathroom, but 60% of the time you'll have fun every time.
The stage is a few feet above the floor, just big enough to suit a 10-piece band and feel intimate to the viewer. You can't miss the stage - it's directly in front of you as you walk in the door. Stroll down the ramp to the floor and find 10-15 round tables and a bar on the left wall. To the left of the stage is a small area with couches and the coolest people you'll ever see. Just kidding - anybody can sit there. You just feel particularly sexy when you do.
I've been to the club to see Nigel Hall, The Awesome, Miss Fairchild, several Clash of the Titans shows, Feel it Robot and many more.
(taken from Big Easy website)
A Band Beyond Description, covering the music of the Grateful Dead, play every Thursday. Friday and Saturday, you'll hear a different band. Sometimes there's a band playing on Sunday.
Amy Martin is a freelance writer.
Prices may have changed since this entry was posted.
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