Derby Lane Entertainment Launches in a Big Way!
Posted by Dan
Derby Lane Entertainment got off to a great start this Sunday, March 29th. 97X super DJ Fisher hosted his annual Birthday Bash featuring four bands: Rude Squad, Suburban Tragedy, The Matches and Blue October. Now, I have the opportunity to be very biased since I have worked at Derby Lane for approximately ten years and Blue October is one of my favorite new bands. (Foiled is an amazing album). Fortunately, I don’t have to be!
As a concert goer myself, I feel that Derby Lane is an excellent venue. It surely kicks the Ford Ampitheater’s ass! (I have vowed not to attend another concert there, everrrrr! Not even if Tupac had launched his “Coming Back” Tour and you bought my ticket.) So, Derby not only scooped up one of my favorite bands to come play where I work, they arranged for a kick-ass stage that allowed the tunes to flow into some incredible acoustics created by the 80-year old facility. The stage faced the entrance of the track and the jamming flowed into the grandstands. No echo, just solid acoustics. The show was general admission and there was not a bad place to be. The slope of the area in front of the stage is great for being able to see the bands no matter where you are. Space is ample! You can squeeze your way up to the front or chill with some “personal space” and still have a great view and great sound.
The facility offers some extra features as well which were perfect for this type of event. There is so much space that activity tents and the like are a cinch to pull off. The kissing booth and dunk tank were pretty popular. Plus, enclosed areas provide for VIP features like the meet and greet with Blue October! Thank you to Lex Money for getting me in there! Of course, I had to rep the poker room and get a chip signed by they guys. (Or, I’m just a groupie trapped in a geek’s body).
Blue October was awesome and I have to thank my boss, Jeff, for allowing me to disappear for their hour on stage. Thanks to the supervisors for covering the floor. I had to see these guys, I had heard such great things! They stuck mostly to “Foiled”, which was great because it’s the album that got me interested in them. Their early albums have some great tunes as well, but “Foiled” doesn’t have a bad song on it. The energy was great and Justin sounds just like he does on the cd. Busting out the acoustic guitar for “Hate Me” was a nice touch!
Overall, I was thoroughly impressed by this event and even more so by the potential that the facility has for becoming a primary source for Tampa Bay entertainment. I look forward to future shows, including Huey Lewis and the News which is already this coming Sunday! I’m attaching some images from the 97X website highlighting the Bash!
