The Canal Room 3/12/07

Phenom rolled up to my apartment around 8. We started the pregame on my roof, enjoying the view and appreciating the fact that we were doing the same thing we've been doing since HS.

We stopped for dinner at Vinny Vincens on 14th and 1st. Phenom had never been but it didn't take much to convince him that this was some of the best pizza in the area. After a couple beers and some slices of pepperoni and Scillian, we hopped a cab to the Canal Room.

Last night the Canal Room became one of my favorite venues. The lighting instantly set the mood; it was dark with colored lights brightening up areas. The bartender was friendly, she made great drinks and as my Uncle Steve would say, "easy on the eyes." The room was filled with rows of leather couches and booths with candle lit tables in front of them. The seats were filled with couples who seemed ready to steal 2nd base.

I spotted a section that seemed open; two seats at the end of a row in the middle of the floor. We attacked.

Phenom: Excuse me, are these seats taken?
Dude: No… Yes, but no, not really. But like, someone might kick you out. This section is reserved. I dunno. But yes these seats aren't taken.
Mr. Brightside: Thanks. (puts coat down) We'll take our chances.

It turns out the section had been reserved by the owner of the Canal Room. And he was sitting right next to us.

Jay Nash started his set. I'd never heard of him but was extremely impressed. He's a simple 'country bumpkin' with some slick guitar skills and a unique voice. I especially liked how he'd make cordial and polite smart ass remarks towards disrespectful audience members. His sets were infused with small but witty jokes that probably went over the majority of the audience. Before he starts his 3rd song he calls up a cello player and requests the presence of the headliner, Amber Rubarth.

The girl sitting directly in front of us stands up and walks on stage. So we were sitting next to the owner of the venue and the headliner of the show. Nice.

Amber Rubarth eventually takes the stage for her set, her music is simple, sweet and honest. I dug it. The story of how she got to be where she is now is captivating. Paired with her strong presence and acoustic sound, Amber held the audience in silence. And then I saw the owner of the Canal Room with a box of Dunkin Donuts. And then he offered us some. It doesn't get much better than that.

Phenom believes the only way to judge a musical artist is by seeing them live in concert. Considering how much my opinion swayed after my experience at the Canal Room, I think it's safe to say he's right.

Check out Amber Rubarth and Jay Nash at SXSW if you're lucky enough, or back here in NYC at the Living Room on April 9th!

(ps) Amber Rubarth makes custom carved cases for certain copies of her CD's. She's quite the artist.