A lot of things went through my head last night at the Dirty Three’s nearly two-hour set, including the idea that the only way instrumental rock bands really work is if one of the instruments “sings” in lieu of vocals (which Warren Ellis’s violin did all night). I also kept trying to remember the obtuse titles of the songs to compile the set list, most of which I knew by melody but not by name (no dice; among the ones I nailed down were the openers “Some Summers They Drop Like Flies” and “Restless Waves,” the two encore gems “Some Things I Just Don’t Want to Know” and ”Last Horse on the Sand,” and in between “Sister Let Them Try to Follow”).

The one constant thought, though, was how terrific it was to see that show in a venue as unique and electric-feeling as the Southern Theater, with its brick-wall backdrop, ornate overhang and scruffed-up walls. Warren marveled over the space, too. When somebody yelled asking when they’re going to come back and play again, he quipped, “Tomorrow night, in fact” (no kidding, the band does have a second gig tonight).

I had a similar reaction Saturday night watching Low at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. Former Low bassist Zak Sally, btw, earned a shout-out and then a hug from Warren at the Southern.

The historic Harriet Bandshell is a venue I have long contended is tragically under-used for music gigs (and I’m not talking string trios or hippie folk singers I’ve never heard of). Alan Sparhawk & Co. sounded magical under the curvey, wooden stage with the lake for a backdrop and crisp September weather, a perfect setting as the trio churned out a few new songs alongside such favorites as “Canada,” “Sunflower,” “California” and “Dinosaur Act.” The show was the kickoff to the Vita.mn Autumn Music & Movies series, and I highly recommend the rest of these Saturday night installments.

More important, I’d like to make this a call-to-arms to local bands: Think outside the Turf Club/Entry/Triple Rock boxes. As much as I love those places, there’s something extra special about gigs in non-typical venues, where the spaces can act like a fifth-member collaborator in the band. There are other rustic theaters like the Southern (The Ritz in Nordeast, the Lowry in St. Paul, Intermedia Arts Center on Lyndale where B-Girl Be lands again Saturday). There are neighborhood bars with empty stages. There are rec centers, warehouses, school gyms, whatever. Let’s make it an interesting winter venue-wise.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 15th, 2009 at 10:26 am and is filed under Concerts, Main. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.