Comments for A Lot of Trouble at http://www.theind.com , comment 1 to 9 out of 9 comments http://www.theind.com Wed, 22 May 2013 08:02:53 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/8960-a-lot-of-troubl#comment-21975 I can tell you from my experience running a New Orleans-based live music production company from 1998-2003, which also happened to be the largest band gear rental company in the Gulf South, that Grant Street Dance Hall, at least during that period, was not ready to deal with the expenses associated with booking well-known regional or national acts for one-off gigs, which, I believe, has partially contributed to its decline. Those bands aren't usually carrying their band gear, other than maybe guitars, and they use riders in contract negotiations with venues like Grant Street, or promoters using the venue, which stipulate the band gear must also be provided to them, aside from the cost for the artist's performance. For example, drums (percussion instruments), keyboards, amplifiers, etc. We had all the gear, or could cross-rent, what most bands needed; we were generally referred by bands and promoters; and we had techs that knew what they were doing. The consistent problem I had with quoting Grant Street was the lack of budget for the band gear, which the bands REQUIRE. They would all too often, rent from Vinces's Backstage in Lafayette. He did not have the gear, and the bands would be pissed when arriving. This eventually leads to much difficulty in the booking of bands, because word gets around, that the venue is notorius for not honoring the band riders. I just don't know if venues of that size can afford to book acts which will fill the place and maybe make a profit these days. I think the comment about parking costs by 'Nuttycreative' is right. Get over the parking costs! I don't think that's the problem with Grant Street. - Dudley E. LaBauve, III Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:22:55 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/8960-a-lot-of-troubl#comment-21869 If parking and walking a few blocks is what's keeping Grant Street customers from going there, we have a much bigger problem than losing GS. We're all gonna die of lazy. Jeez, you're going there to dance anyway! Walk a few blocks - holeinthedonut8 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 17:31:33 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/8960-a-lot-of-troubl#comment-21796 When those ahos took over the parking lot 5 years ago, it marked the beginning of the end. It was absurd from the getgo. But times they do achange and GS had long seen its day anyway. The recent revival effort to bring in hip hop and rap crap was pathetic and a disgrace to a once great place. How appropo that Chris Williams had his hand in it as well. Let er go folks...it's ovawith. Sianara, Oustalavista, stick a fork in it. Convert it to an upscale homeless shelter over with. - act naturally Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:01:55 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/8960-a-lot-of-troubl#comment-21786 Awe... stop the whining! Does anyone ever go to the House of Blues in New Orleans and expect to park directly in front of the building? NO. They are lucky to find a pay lot within 3 blocks and probably pay $10-20 to park for the night. It is just simple supply and demand. Lafayette is growing and experiencing growing pains. $2-3 to park in a parking lot is nothing! These people need to leave their small town mentality at home. You want to go see a band downtown in any other city in Louisiana, you are going to have to pay to park. Period. - Nuttycreative Wed, 07 Sep 2011 22:08:49 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/8960-a-lot-of-troubl#comment-21784 Chris Williams, Nate "The Skate rolling again......Thornton and ranky trailing T-JOE, this stinks like every toilet in Martin Hall overflowed, AGAIN ! Dammit, how do you Lafayette citizens live in this stench ? Guess one can get used to just about anything, even dunkin apples in the outhouse . "The saddest part of this is that Lafayette scam artist politician-cons, settle for operating on such, a low-life level of scams, ya chumps don't do Kenny Bowen, justice at all. - NORTHSIDIAN SHOTGUN Wed, 07 Sep 2011 21:08:09 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/8960-a-lot-of-troubl#comment-21774 I wish Mr. Dore the best with trying to turn Grant Street around and make it the premiere live music venue it once was. I dont think that parking is its major problem because if a band is good and well known then the crowd will show up.I do think that the deteriation of Downtown in general is to blame. Its no longer enjoyable or safe to be out down there and the officers that work the area need to be trained in how to deal with the public. The officers take their horses onto the sidewalks and nearly run over anyone walking and the fact that go cups are forbidden certainly dont help and the lack of identity from any of the bars as they all try to be the same without coming up with an original concept is hurting the area as well as the crime and violence. Grant Street as well as a few other owners of various bars need to get together and address the issues or else clubs will be closing soon. - Phil Wed, 07 Sep 2011 17:11:23 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/8960-a-lot-of-troubl#comment-21765 While I don't necessarily agree that hip hop and rap have replaced the thriving music scene in Lafayette I do agree with Jack Rabbits assumption that the problem with Grant St is not the parking but the lack of known touring acts that were the trademark of the club for decades. I consider myself to be pretty knowledgeable when it comes to music and I have no idea who the last 2 dozen out of town acts I have seen on the bill are or what type of music they play. But as far as the parking goes.....we are basically spoiled around here....to think that you wouldn't cough up an extra five bucks or walk an additional block or two to see a band you really like and want to support is ridiculous. Try going to another metropolis and not pay for the space you park in.... guess what you will either be paying a $40 ticket or taking a cab to the tow yard. - Joe Politico Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:33:26 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/8960-a-lot-of-troubl#comment-21764 In response to Jack ... Louisiana is and will always be Cajun/Creole Country with Zydeco at its roots. The other genres/venues just compliment the core. I do agree that Grant Street has been on the decline for a long time. Life needs to be pumped in there and there are just too many bloodsuckers sticking their noses in. - Foxy Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:28:00 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/8960-a-lot-of-troubl#comment-21757 Grant Street Dancehall hasn't booked a decent band in the past 5 years. What once was the premiere live music venue in Lafayette has been run into the ground. Louisiana music has been replaced by hip hop and rap and no one is buying it.... - Jack Rabbit Wed, 07 Sep 2011 05:46:14 +0100