Is the Lawrence Rock so
Three years ago, the music community from coast to coast buzzed with the potential of this
Midwestern venue. Now bands and promoters are changing their tune.
Story by Jeff Ruby
Photos by Brian Flink
Illustration by Matt Hood
been more alive.
That was then, the salad days of the Lawrence music scene, say local music insiders. This is now, three years later, and those same insiders say it's just not the same anymore. Mainstay hands, such as Paw and Slackjaw, have
bands, such as Paw and Slackjaw, have broken in. The Outhouse, a once-thriving hole in-the-wall venue on 15th St., now is an empty shack. And industry insiders have moved on to haunt other college towns in the United States.
"About three or four years ago, Lawrence was the envy of every college town in America," said Bottleneck owner Brett Mosiman, who also runs Pipeline Productions, a company that books local shows. "I had 12 to 14 bands that on a given weekend could sell out the Bottleneck."
"That number's probably down to a couple," he said.
Jeff Fortier, a promoter for Avalanche Productions, who also plans area shows, agrees that the scene is in a rut.
"There is a perception of a lack of growth in the local Lawrence music scene," Fortier said. "I think the local music scene three years ago had its peak. Is it in a decline now? It is."
The world of rock music is moody. Trends come and go quickly, and Lawrence, once "the next Seattle," has deteriorated along with what was once alternative music, replaced by a mishmash of local sounds.
Repeat a key phrase.
Jacki Becker, promotions and production director for Pipeline, echoed Fortier's and Mosiman's sentiments.
"Everyone predicted Lawrence was going to be this or that, but it never happened," Becker said. "We have so many great bands.
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The City Scene
The Hill September 12, 1996