This Monday will see the final Bootlegs Session as produced by Cardboard Charlie. For many of you this will mean absolutely nothing, but for those in the know, you’ll understand the sorrow that this brings.
Let me try to explain the significance of the situation for those too scared (or disgusted) to venture into the Phoenix.
The Bootleg Sessions (held at the Phoenix Pub every Monday night) have been running for about 8 years. 7 of those years were under the direction of Ben Drysdale, the founder of local music business, Cardboard Charlie.
It’s a music night which features 5 musical acts from 8-12pm. Bands are introduced by an MC who makes everybody clap and then makes everybody put money into a chamber pot to pay the musos. Maybe a simple premise, but one which grew to be Canberra’s biggest regular local music gig.
During its 7 years there were 1512 sets performed by over 400 bands, made up of over 1000 musicians, and an estimated $67,000 of donations contributed by punters to the musicians.
They’re impressive numbers, but what’s more impressive is the community which this night produced, the assurance that you’d enjoy the evening surrounded by familiar faces, and feel completely comfortable all the while.
The Phoenix, in my drunk and humble opinion, is the only bar that comes close to replicating Springfield’s Moe’s, or Quahog’s Drunken Clam. It’s a pub that that doesn’t give a shit. A pub where you can get too drunk and argue with strangers about things you know nothing about. It’s as comfortable as your lounge room but better because there are people to pick up after you. Sure it smells funky* and everyone looks like they’ve just stepped out of a Terry Pratchett novel, but it’s safe, friendly and a home for those who like their music live and original.
The Bootlegs turned the Pheno from a living-room into a home for musicians and music-lovers alike.
There were peaks and troughs. There were nights when the line out the front stretched down to London Circuit and there were nights near empty.
Benny Bootlegs himself says:
“It’s been an amazing 7 year journey and we’ve seen so many musicians grow into their musical boots (no excuse for the pun). Massive thanks to all the musicians who played over the years, all of you who came out every Monday, and of course, The Phoenix, for helping Cardboard Charlie support original music and developing artists at the Bootleg Sessions.“
What Next?
Ben and Cardboard Charlie will continue to help independent musicians further their careers. Things in pipeline involve working with a group of other promoters to start a new venue, starting a music publishing house and expanding the online CD shop.
The Bootlegs will continue! They’ll be presented by a different group each week and I’m confident they’ll maintain the community which has been built, and encourage more people to check out what’s going on in the local scene.
Cardboard Charlie present its last Bootlegs this coming Monday the 25th of July. A showcase of some of the musical MCs – the people who have forced everyone to clap and throw money into the pot, featuring Nick Delatovic, Bryony Wills, Rafe Morris, Jacinta (aka Adam Hadley), Cherie Kotek, and Beth n Ben
*They burn a lot more incense now and I think they’re using a different toilet cleaning product because it smells a lot less like piss these days. Don’t worry, just because it doesn’t smell like piss anymore doesn’t mean that it’s any less charming.
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