As Bull City residents acclimate to a Durham without the eclectic boutique Untidy Museum and its cozy counterpart, the Ooh La Latte café and music club, owner James Lee is optimistic. Both locations closed this month after the dissolution of the business partnership, but Lee says he and his wife and partner Michelle are far from done.
Speaking with the Indy, Lee said providing a live music venue in Durham was a vital part of what they did, a role he hopes to continue, albeit in a new space. The adjoined spaces used by the Untidy and Ooh La may be closed, but Lee feels sure that opportunities for securing spaces for a music venue in Durham are plenty, as long as one has the wherewithal and necessary tools. “I own all the music equipment, so we’re hoping to keep that up.”
Book ’em Triplett
Over in Chapel Hill, a neophyte club is getting a lift from a veteran of the music club scene. Starting this month, Mike Triplett, former manager and booking director of now-closed Go! Studios in Carrboro, will be booking a few nights a week at Wetlands Dance Hall. Wetlands, located at 157 E. Rosemary St. in the space formerly known as the Tree House, started hosting live music on a regular basis this summer, and Triplett will give their roster a boost with his national and local contacts and assist the club in updates to the space itself.
A new booking agent might not be news in some circles, but Triplett stepping in with the owners of Wetlands could be an important move in the development of live music in downtown Chapel Hill. From an e-mail sent to the Go! list, Triplett explains his goals: “While doing this I hope to bring the community together to share a common ideology on supporting independent music despite different styles, or political beliefs. My goal is to create an honest, sincere atmosphere for our community to appreciate the artist.”
For the club’s calendar listings and more info, visit www.mtnation.com and click the productions link.
Lovitt celebrates first decade
Lovitt Records, the Virginia-based indie label that’s home to several Triangle area bands, including Fin Fang Foom–of which the above-mentioned Triplett is a member–celebrates its 10th anniversary soon. Lovitt has released records by Triangle-related artists FFF, Ben Davis, Bats & Mice and Sleepytime Trio, and maintains strong ties with the area. The label’s an example of the little guys making good on their own terms, and outlasting most with a decade of independent, punk-inspired records on vinyl and CD.
The party happens, appropriately enough, at the Black Cat club in D.C., home to many a hardcore show, on Saturday, Sept. 3 with Engine Down, Fin Fang Foom, Del Cielo, Navies, Ben Davis, Bella Lea and des_ark on the bill. Plans are to film the show for a future Lovitt DVD. Engine Down kicks off its farewell tour at the Cat’s Cradle, Wednesday, Aug. 3, with Bella Lea and des_ark.
Pipe refitted
If Gang of Four, the Pixies and Dinosaur Jr. can all reunite in the last year, why can’t we have another of our own definitive bands get back together here in the Triangle? Zen Frisbee’s on the record, among others. Now Chapel Hill’s Pipe oblige with an original lineup show on Aug. 20 at Local 506.
During the “next Seattle” days of the Triangle, when national press looked to the area as a new hotbed of unique talent (note to tastemakers: this status remains unchanged), Pipe stood out as a bile-spewing punk band surrounded by dissonance and pogoing indie rockers. The band’s spirited, beer-soaked live shows became legendary. For those of you keeping score at home, Pipe formed circa ’92, so this reunion falls on their 13th anniversary. That unlucky number seems appropriate for these boys.
