[Updated: September 27, 2012 at 2:35 p.m.]
Late last night (September 26) Siberia announced via Facebook that they had “been granted a temporary live music permit from the [sic] city until they get our paperwork figured out!” This promising bit of news comes during a trying period for the club, which canceled it’s live music schedule in mid-July after failing to obtain proper clearance from the City. For the first time in a while, Siberia is in need of musicians to take its stage. Bands interested in performing are asked to email [email protected] for more information.
[Original Post: September 20, 2012 at 8:24a.m.]
“We’re treading water right now,” says Luke Allen, co-owner of the St. Claude Avenue club Siberia, one of the primary targets of Mayor Landrieu’s recent crackdown on “nuisance ABOs.”
To avoid incurring any unnecesary fines, Siberia heeded the warnings of city attorneys and silenced it’s stage in mid-July. Since pulling the plug on live entertainment, the club has kept its kitchen open and filled its nighttime schedule with a variety of themed events such as dance parties, trivia contests and stand-up comedy showcases. Prior to the crackdown, Siberia had established itself as a home for up-and-coming, outside-of-the-norm bands around New Orleans as well as the city’s go-to spot for underground metal and punk shows. Despite genre-related perceptions, neighbors and the music scene alike welcomed its presence.
“In the two years we’ve been around, we’ve had very few complaints,” says Siberia’s talent buyer and co-owner Matt Russell. Unfortunately due to Hurricane Isaac, Siberia’s permit hearing with New Orleans’ City Planning Commission has been delayed. Though disheartening, Russell remains optimistic that the club can make its case before the commission within the next two months.
Recently, Siberia received three temporary live entertainment permits, each allowing for three nights of entertainment (9 nights total). With a lineup in place, every night from Wednesday, October 10 through Tuesday, October 16 and for Halloween weekend, bands will once again take to Siberia’s stage.
Provided its hearing is not delayed any further, and its application receives approval, Siberia should be fully operational by late this year or early next. At nearly $900 each (approximately $300 per night), the cost of obtaining these temporary permits will certainly make Siberia’s already thin, break-even line, thinner. While not optimal, the club plans to continue seeking temporary permits in order to play host to a handful of concerts monthly.
Without a long history of presenting live entertainment, Siberia has faced steeper odds in its attempts to obtain the proper permits than other clubs briefly derailed by the crackdown. Siberia is encouraging supporters of live entertainment interested in aiding its efforts to sign the this digital petition.
Here’s a peek into Siberia’s not-too-distant future:
Wednesday, October 10, 10:00 p.m.
The Vibrators, Die Rotzz, Snot Rag
Thursday, October 11, 9:00 p.m.
Moon Duo, Maria Minerva, Holy Balm, Sir Stephen
Friday, October 12, 9:00 p.m.
Regan Youth, Dust Angel, Classhole, Pallbearers, Nagin Youth
Sunday, October 14, 9:00 p.m.
Siren Sunday hosted by Sneaky Pete feat. Alexandra Scott, Kiyoko McCrae, LadyBabyMiss, Sarah Peterson, Meschiya Lake, Lynn Drury
Monday, October 15, 9:00 p.m.
The Toasters, The Switchers, The Cons and Prose
Tuesday, October 16, 9:00 p.m.
Skeletonwitch, Havok, Early Graves
Friday, October 26, 10:00 p.m.
Katey Red, Magnolia Rhome, Cheeky Blakk, Ha Sizzle, Walt Wiggedy
Fri October 26, 10:00 PM
Saturday, October 27, 10:00 p.m.
H.O.D., Panzerfaust
Sunday, October 28, 10:00 p.m.
Lost Bayou Ramblers
Wednesday, October 31, 8:00 p.m.
Trust Nancy, Shannon Doherty Eyes
