Hey Beat Fans! Today we want to introduce a new Beat Blog feature, the Gig Spotlight!
From time to time we’ll spotlight a gig (or in this case two) and give you a little more information and background on the venue. We think knowing the history of many of the great venues we play only adds to the experience!
Today we’ll be talking about two upcoming gigs we’re very excited about:
- The NorVa Theatre on July 6, 2012
- The Stone Pony on July 13, 2012
The NorVa Theatre is a performing theater located in Norfolk, Virginia, it’s name being a mash-up derived from its geographic location.
“The NorVa is a 1,500-person concert venue on Monticello Avenue, across from McArthur Mall in downtown Norfolk. Since the venue opened eight years ago in the site of an athletic club built in 1917, it has staged 1,500 shows and become a major draw for people to come to downtown Norfolk.” (Richmond Dispatch, “Rolling Stone names NorVa in top 5 rock clubs”, 4/10/2008)
In fact the club is so popular with fans and bands, that it was named by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the Top 5 Best Rock Clubs in America in 2008! Rolling Stone had this to say of the NorVa:
Artists love the NorVa, a renovated vaudeville theater that features a backstage basketball court, game room, hot tub and sauna. And with six bars, two smoking lounges and a giant, crystal-clear sound system, concertgoers dig it too. (Rolling Stone Magazine, “Best of Rock” Issue, 4/18/08)
It’s a really outstanding venue and you are sure to have a great time there. Here’s the information on the show:
THE NORVA – JULY 6, 2012
ADDRESS: 317 Monticello Avenue, Norfolk, Va 23510
PHONE: 757.627.4547
Show time: 8:00 PM
Doors open: 7:00 PM
Tickets: Norva Schedule & Ticket Web
The Stone Pony, located in Asbury Park, New Jersey, is a historicist rock and roll venue! It is one of the world’s best known music venues. It is known as a starting point for many musicians, such as New Jersey natives Bruce Springsteen, Patti Scialfa, Jon Bon Jovi, and Bam Bam Bigelow, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes (along with their guitarist, producer and manager “Miami” Steve Van Zandt).
According to the vice president of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Robert Santelli,
“[The Stone Pony] has already earned its place in history as one of rock ‘n’ roll’s great venues. Most rock critics and historians that I come in contact with on a regular basis feel that The Stone Pony is one of the greatest rock clubs of all time.”
Since The Stone Pony opened in 1974, many of the world’s most popular musical artists have played on its stage. Because of its importance to the music world, there was a national outcry when there was talk of closing the Pony during the late 1990s. Musicians and patrons organized and rallied in support of the Stone Pony. The club was renovated in 2000, preserving the character associated with its early years while adding a permanent exhibition of art and artifacts from the history of the city and the venue itself.
“A visit to The Stone Pony has been considered a pilgrimage to rock ‘n’ roll fans around the world,” said then New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman as she officially reopened the club on Memorial Day weekend 2000. “It is a place that is important—not just to us, but to the world.”
We look forward to seeing you skank the night away at this historic rock palace. Here’s the information on the show:
THE STONE PONY- JULY 13, 2012
ADDRESS: 913 Ocean Avenue Asbury Park, NJ 07712
PHONE: 732.502.0600
Show time: 8:00 PM
Doors open: 7:00 PM
Tickets: The Stone Pony Schedule & Ticket Web
Direct links:
http://www.thenorva.com/
http://www.stoneponyonline.com/
