Waxing nostalgic is lame. But, sometimes
when it has to be done, it has to be done. There's no denying that a music
venue such as the Mohawk Place has earned it's share of nostalgia and revelry.
It served as the staple rock bar for it's 20+ year run in downtown Buffalo, a
place that seemed less than likely to host any kind of night life seeing how
sadly Buffalo's populace diminished over the same 20+ year period.
Mohawk Place could be seen as a last
strong hold in this instance. Seeing it close its doors effective January 13th,
2013 is a sad thing, but in some ways, it was inevitable. The management had
"lost it's lust for life", so to speak and the relatively unknown and
lack luster newer owner was an absentee sort, unlike the original Pete Perrone,
who relinquished control in late 2008 as the task of owning a deteriorating
building that happened to host some of the most amazing music in the world was too
tall an order for his health and livelihood. Pete's departure left a bit of a
hole in the venue, with booking & management changes and oversight of the
calendar falling into the hands of people who were not as eager to see a local
scene prosper, as much as they were into cashing in on having a small room to
use for their mainstream fodder. From an outsider perspective, Mohawk Place was
business as usual. But for us insiders or people that knew people that worked
there, we knew the truth. It was bleeding internally and on life support.
Sadly, Mohawk Place declined into a state
sadder than a clown with a broken kazoo. The venue that once was a lively and
fun hot spot, full of rock and roll and weirdos became another
"space" for whatever kind of bullshit was happening that night. If it
was a "ska" night, than it was a bunch of goofballs wearing two-tone
and acting righteous. If it was a "Transmission" dance party, well,
than indie rock nerds reveled in their own delight as the hipster parade
ensued. The truth is though, regardless of the "clique" taking over
the venue that night, it was nice that people still got together at the Mohawk
and got wasted, regardless of their taste (or lack thereof.) The loss of it
will certainly disenfranchise more than a few local scenes and cliques.
A healthy local music scene did evolve
from it, some of the better bands decided even to start a label, which was
insular and self-serving, but at the same time, it gave the appearance that at
least there was something going on. Other local bands became ambassadors for
rock at the Mohawk Place, so to speak, inviting out of town and even more
obscure national acts to grace the sticky, dank stage and perhaps even garner a
humble crowd. This is the purpose of a small bar with a stage. Sharing some
spirits, leveling the field, making a venue for art. Mohawk Place served many a
purpose in this regard.
The truth is that the Mohawk Place's raw
nature was unwieldy and to some it was uninviting. I spent many a night there,
listening to people's initial response and sometimes it was "this place is
soooo cool!" and other times it was simply "Eeewww, there's a rat in
the toilet!" Either response those was music to my ears. I love when a
venue is definitive and immediate. I love when you feel something right away
and take a side. Too many environments serve as mediums, venues that are
amorphous to a fault. Mohawk was not, it was always a raw, broken down beast,
that you either learned to either love or hate. But you made a decision and
that was what mattered in the end.
A lot of people waxing nostalgia will
claim to have the inside angle on why it's closing, just like I kind of did.
But regardless of why, the sad truth is that it is closing. Is it because you,
dear reader, did not go there, except for that one time 10 years ago to see
that hip band that AV said was the next "Jesus and Mary Chain"? Did
your lack of attendance over the past decade matter? It probably did, but hey,
you can still youtube clips of your favorite bands performing there and
vicariously (and more comfortably) enjoy it, time and again.
- Vic Lazar
