As a reference to touring bands we are attempting to create a library of reviews of the venues we have played. Most of these venues are in and around the Baltimore area. We attempt to review the venues from the perspective of a performing band (sound, environment, staff, money situation, etc.) For more specific information CONTACT US
Fletcher‘s reviewed by Nikc Miller
701 South Bond Street
Baltimore, MD 21231-3304
www.myspace.com/fletchersbar
*currently defunct*
Fletcher’s is one of the city clubs that has a bloated ego because it booked nationally touring acts back in the day, but is currently dying a slow, painful, and laughable death. (UPDATE: This post was written months ago, and alas FLETCHER’S IS DEAD)
We’ve played here on numerous occasions, usually paired with some sort of “event” like 98 Rock’s Noise In The Basement or the lame Baltimore Music Conference. While there are many stories to tell about those event shows, I’ll save them and just talk about the venue.
Besides the fact that the sound and the actual size of the venue are actually really nice compared to most Baltimore venues, Fletcher’s is pretty much a big waste of time. They make you show up WAY too early (5pm for a show where the doors open at 8pm? What is the point of that!?). There is a complete lack of accountability management-wise. When you go ask for your money they make up some excuse about having to pay the soundman or something. I’ve heard these lines a million times, and they never cease to put a bad taste in my mouth. Want a band tab? You got it, as long as you are willing to pay in full on your credit card because these guys aren’t cutting you a break.
Oh and one more thing. For some reason there is ALWAYS about 2 or 3 big surly bouncers at this place even on the emptiest nights. This is bad for two reasons:
- The fans that actually come out will have the looming fear that they are going to get their asses beat.
- These guys are standing around and eating up the money you made from the door.
Too many of these management trends plague clubs that had their hey-day in the early 90′s. The unfortunate thing is that instead of adjusting to a more freewheeling business model (ie: no cover, paying bands a cut of the bar) they continue to raise door prices and treat bands as entertainment cattle. Unfortunately for Fletcher’s, it looks like it’s a race to the bottom. (UPDATE: IT DEFINITELY WAS!)
Dead venue may be a bit harsh but have to agree with the majority of your points. Was part of a band that did a couple of those "Noise in the basement" shows which really just seemed to be something for the radio personality associated with it to get an appearance fee and get Fletchers bands to play for free on a Monday night. We always agreed to it for the slight chance for some exposure on the radio station. They did bring us up one Sunday at 12:45 AM for an on air interview and they did play one of our tracks. I think 1person in Baltimore City and 3 people in Essex actually heard it at that time slot.
But I guess that is part of the grind of being a local musician. Remember you’re not owed anything and the majority of the local venues (and the crowd) normally will not care less about your music especially if it is original. Venues will use you to sell tickets for "established" touring acts and are only interested in the crowd you can draw. So for this venue use it for what it is. A chance to practice and perfect playing your music live. That can’t hurt. Although there is a rack of promotion and tedious shit with being a local musician the music still comes first.
Remember local musicians it is up to you to build your following and that takes time, patience, and a little luck. If that happens and you do draw a crowd that has big bar tabs; don’t worry local venues will start calling you.
I agree with just about everything you said. I think playing the "Noise In The Basement" show combined with an on-air interview at a terrible timeslot is a rite of passage for Baltimore area bands. That being said, we’re calling it a "dead venue" not to be mean, but to say that it is currently not open.