We all have those Saturday nights, you know the one that you neglected all week, and instead thought about other things, when suddenly Saturday came and you were alone at home on Saturday, maybe gaming, studying, or just sitting around bored, wishing you had made plans. Such Saturdays, we have all learned, require avoidance at all costs. Instead of going to the movies, and spending upward of $20 bucks once you’ve factored in transportation, the ticket and snacks, for about 2 hours of entertainment max, why not go to New Black; a not for profit society that showcases and promotes youth bands throughout the city. The venue is very reasonably priced, with tickets ranging from $10-$15.
New Black is a fun place for people to go with their friends, whether going to mosh to the music or simply enjoy while lounged on a couch (much more my style). Not only that, but New Black Centre is an awesome place to meet new people, including band members, or potential people to start your own band with.
If you need to fill your entire Saturday, not just the night of, why not take a stroll down 9th avenue? The street hosts a plethora of unique shops and restaurants for one to explore, which would make an amazing outing on a nice spring day.
If parents are concerned about the safety of the environment consolation is easily found; New Black is a drug and alcohol free setting, with a complete mission statement on their website denouncing any affiliation with that which is criminalized. For those parents still not consoled, New Black Centre’s contact information is also readily available on their website, and they also have a twitter.
For those of you who may have become misinformed, New Black is not a huge organization, and thus, their venue is proportional. For some, this creates a close-knit environment and a fantastic ambient atmosphere, but for others, their Saddledome expectations are left short. Personally, I like both large and small concerts, but if you have never been to a smaller show, expect a very different feeling.
My biggest complaints about the New Black lie within my metabolism and poor sense of direction. As I mentioned before, most of the restaurants within the area are independent, which makes for a unique environment and food, but it also means they close early, and there is no food for purchase at New Black. It is best to buy food before the show, as by the time the show’s begun, most places will be closed.
Then, finding New Black the first time can be tricky. It’s in the building right next to Fair’s Fair but it’s in the back of that building; out behind the tattoo parlor. It’s quite difficult to find, but once you know where it is, it’s extremely easy to find again, although it is a bit of a walk from the train station (although, knowing me, there’s probably an easier way to get to it that I don’t know of).
Overall, the New Black is fantastic use of a Saturday night and $10-$15, definitely worth taking a night off work for occasionally!