Golden West Fest is this weekend
I wonder why more bars don't do this.
When Golden West Cafe server Braegen Carroll wanted to book the bands for a mini music festival at the Hampden eatery, he didn't have to look far.
Most of the Golden West staff were in one band or another.
So instead of sending out emails to every band in town and waiting for responses, Carroll asked his coworkers if they wanted to be a part of the festival. The response was overwhelming.
The festival, which started yesterday and runs through Sunday, features performances from acts such as Ed Schrader, Matrimonials, MacGregor Burns, Mickey Free and more. It's the biggest music event ever held at Golden West, Carroll said.
"I thought it was good to put us all together and make it a collective, cooperative event," he said. "Everybody that works here is doing something for it." ...
When Carroll says "everybody," he means it. Some Golden West employees aren't musically inclined. That's not stopping them from showcasing their talents. There will be a performance from a couple theater students, as well as "chemical reaction of sorts" from an aspiring astrophysicist, Carroll said.
"It's an employee talent show -- a Golden West talent show," he said. "That's how I look at it."
Admission to the the festival is a suggested donation of $8-$10 at the door. The cafe is at 1105 W. 36th St. More info here.
(Baltimore Sun archive photo)
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
As much as I love Golden West for it's breakfast and sandwiches, this has the makings of the most pretentious event this side of the Pecos River.
Like watching a patchouli scented trainwreck, draped in tight dark denim. The collective snarkiness is just too much, an alternative title perhaps "Perez Hilton-The Musical"
Posted by: chw | August 21, 2009 1:12 PM
They should focus more of their attention on being friendly to their customers and less on holding a music festival.
Posted by: BaltBabs | August 21, 2009 2:03 PM
haha, chw is kinda right. but on the other side, it is really cool that they're doing that for all the employees.
Posted by: Allan | August 21, 2009 2:08 PM
I really don't understand why they get such a bad rap. I've had good service every time I've gone.
But that's a pretty cool way to get free entertainment while supporting their own staff.
Posted by: NR | August 21, 2009 2:32 PM
I think they should post the schedule of the bands and their set lists.
I will come down and WILL ABSOLUTELY NOT ALLOW ANY SUBSTITUTIONS!
Posted by: Ted | August 21, 2009 2:56 PM
Ok [nasty man] with the patchouli reference, perhaps you are the one who is a jerk. Think you are so cool to offer this little bit of esoterica huh. You stink and you know it.
Posted by: mk | August 22, 2009 8:42 PM
This festival was actually a great time - friendly people, good music, good food.. what more could anyone ask for?
Posted by: west fest | September 21, 2009 5:40 PM