Wow.
New contacts are coming in rapid-fire like riffs from The Edge on guitar. Our theory is that each of us is still in touch with at least one other attendee of the Monday night scene from '81-'82. These reconnections seem to be happening very quickly. This is a good thing. Maybe in spirit we never really were apart.
We're looking for some input. Maybe somebody can offer a historical review of the Flame Days(e.g.: what was the actual start date?). Some who were there earlier (and possibly left for school elsewhere) can help those who were there longer (when Nu Muzik Night ... often called Punk Night channeled into New Wave Night and eventually twisted into something a bit different). How many of you out there took pictures & can get them digitized for posting on this blog & email exchange? Are many of you are on FaceBook b/c we're considering a more interactive counterpart to this blog?--This could be the Plan while the F.B. co-existed for immediate interaction. Let us know what you're thinking & what would make this party more fun.
Obviously, we want to operate on the 'cheap'. This blog costs nothing, as does a FaceBook page dedicated to us hardcores. However, looking forward to 4 July, a lot of us will require hotel rooms. To get these at a discount we'll have to probably promise some hotel we're committing to about 20 reservations...the more the better buying power we'll have to get lower rates. Some of us can share 2 bedroom suites. So, start thinking about the time it takes you to reach Point, the fact that the 4th is on a Sunday this year and consider blocking out those dates now either through your holiday or vacation time. We have people who are in other countries that can possibly plan a layover. Think about those of us who live in "connecting" cities and possibly flying in before they depart for Stevens Point. Many of us can carpool from cities in between our home and Pointski. Let's network people. Half the fun is going to be getting there.
The additional objective is to find a venue who'll take us in without any added expenditure of funds (beyond our own drinks). Having worked in some clubs for part-time jobs, I'm leaning toward (whatever The Flame is called now) the bar is probably going to need business that night. Most people should be out at fireworks, etc. for the holiday...not as likely in a bar. It's an otherwise 'dark' night for most clubs, especially those in a college town when school's out of session. Plans are to go to the present owner & ask if we bring our party to his/her bar that they will cater to us with the music they play--all 80s. We even have the MP3s (or records, if they prefer), so the club expenditure vs. its gains is rather obvious. If this club doesn't want at least four times its standard revenue for one night, then there will be another one that does. For nostalgia purposes, however, The Flame would be our preferred club of choice.
Now that everybody's on the same page, please offer up some feedback. We're looking forward to hearing opinions, options, ideas and just a scream or two of "it's good to be back in contact"!
Living in my own Private Idaho,
Kel & Jim: your pics ROCK.
ReplyDeleteHey Ed - It's your old Flame owner and deejay here! The last time I was in Stevanski the bar was called Big Shots... It has a volleyball court and all the other jock accouterments... There's a gay friendly coffeehouse/bar downtown now where a lot of LGBT events have occurred though. As for music, I still have the records... I'm also highly involved with Pride Alive in Green Bay which has much going on July 6 - 10... There might be a bar or two here that might love to host this event unless you are wedded to Stevens Point -
ReplyDeleteWB! Tried to contact you through InStep yrs ago via email, but prob went to Junk. The coffeehouse (you did say 'bar' in the same breath, right?)...libations just seem necessary. ;)... sounds like an workable venue. Do they have DJ capabilities or can we commandeer their sound system for the night would be my next questions. GB sounds like a bit of a stretch seeing as how many peeps are coming from MN & points S. Also wouldn't be quite as abandoned as Point is that time of year. I saw your FB connect w/Jim. I'll send a req to befriend me & we can discuss further. GLAD YOU'RE ABOARD!
ReplyDeleteDid a little homework - The Flame is now called Jimmy B's Parrot Club (715-295-0288) - have no clue if they have a DJ booth now... Mission Coffeehouse is closed and local gay club Club Night Out (former Club L & A) burned down in 2008 - reportedly now up for sale as is. Still have severl good friends in Point and I'll check into what's hot and what's not. Amazingly Brusiers is still a dance club 26 years strong.
ReplyDeleteKelly said he couldn't post? ...Must be blocked from non-snow country. ;)
ReplyDeleteFitz: a DJ booth would be grand, but we're prepared to work with about anything. That gay club...Zita & I went there once a yr ago when it was supposed to be open & all we saw were some cheesy Xmas lights on a house in Sept-closed. All those places (including Bruisers) have no real crowd any night of the week. As far as I'm concerned they're all up for hire. Rapids has more action than Point these days, esp. when school isn't in session @ UWSP. I'll try calling Jimmy B's and/or get Sam to take a swing by there some night to see the lay of the land. Thanks for the research!