Blues on Grand to Close

**cigaretteman** · 08-28-2010, 12:36 PM

Des Moines music club Blues on Grand will close Oct. 23 | desmoinesregister.com | The Des Moines Register

**DMjazz** · 08-28-2010, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by cigaretteman

Des Moines music club Blues on Grand will close Oct. 23 | desmoinesregister.com | The Des Moines Register

Yes it's unfortunate. I'm losing two weekly gigs and there aren't that many places to play in DSM anymore. Karaoke and DJs are killing live music nation wide.

I also have to say that in my opinion, the BOG has been mis-managed for some time. I know that Jeff Wagner blames poor attendance but I witness several decent crowds on a weekly basis.

**dmclone** · 08-28-2010, 02:05 PM

I can't imagine the smoking ban helped any.

**capitalcityguy** · 08-28-2010, 02:13 PM

I think with a little TLC on the exterior of the building, they would have helped themselves as well. Too bad.

**Frak** · 08-28-2010, 02:30 PM

Cotman now on suicide watch.

**garn91** · 08-28-2010, 02:51 PM

Originally Posted by Frak

Cotman now on suicide watch.

Dang it, you beat me to it. I was going to post a comment along the lines of "maybe Cotlar will have more time to watch sports on TV and maybe form an opinion"

**Me State** · 08-28-2010, 02:52 PM

Originally Posted by dmclone

I can't imagine the smoking ban helped any.

How would the smoking ban have hurt Blues on Grand? Are smokers too lazy to step outside for a smoke? Do smokers not go out in public any more? Is music not as good when you aren't in a fog of smelly cigarette smoke?

**DMjazz** · 08-28-2010, 03:03 PM

Originally Posted by dmclone

I can't imagine the smoking ban helped any.

The smoking ban did not kill The Grand. I have been playing every Tuesday for a year and every Thursday for over 2 years and the smoking ban has not affected the crowds. The weekends are still busy also.

**Aclone** · 08-28-2010, 03:05 PM

Did it have anything to do with the area improvemnts? That is a pretty seedy building, and the and Wellmark and the other renewal in the area has been spreading that direction.

**Cyhart** · 08-28-2010, 03:13 PM

Darn. This is too bad. I actually went to BOG a couple of weeks ago for the first time. It was a very good crowd. I had a great time and looked forward to spending more time there. Too bad.

**dmclone** · 08-28-2010, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by DMjazz

The smoking ban did not kill The Grand. I have been playing every Tuesday for a year and every Thursday for over 2 years and the smoking ban has not affected the crowds. The weekends are still busy also.

"Wagner was pretty straight forward when asked why: "Lack of attendance.""

**DMjazz** · 08-28-2010, 04:54 PM

Originally Posted by dmclone

"Wagner was pretty straight forward when asked why: "Lack of attendance.""

Nope. The CIBS killed the BOG. Jeff says that and it is what he really believes. Problem is, his viewpoint is skewed because he's not a very good businessman or club owner.

**guitarchitect7** · 08-28-2010, 05:16 PM

Man this hurts. What a shame!

**Me State** · 08-28-2010, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by DMjazz

Nope. The CIBS killed the BOG. Jeff says that and it is what he really believes. Problem is, his viewpoint is skewed because he's not a very good businessman or club owner.

What is CIBS?