Shag Frenzy

Shag Frenzy gives me hope for Hartford's indie-rock music scene.

What started as a monthly dance party at the Webster Underground has become bi-monthly, as DJ Johnny Strangler and his wife, DJ Garage Flower (Derek and Sara, in the common parlance), spin indie rock with a British, post-punk bent and have a loyal following of friends and fans who turn up every two weeks to dance and catch up.

It seemed only natural for Shag Frenzy to host its first live band Saturday night, and Boston's Protokoll didn't disappoint. The quartet played a fast-paced, high-energy set of jittery rock 'n' roll, its explosive songs bursting with snarly guitars and lots of flailing hair.

I've seen more than a few buzz bands play under-attended shows at the Webster Underground over the past few years (I was among the nine who showed up to see the Riverboat Gamblers a few weeks ago, and one of only two to see Mommy and Daddy last year), so it was enormously satisfying to mingle with a crowd of more than 40 other music fans while Protokoll played its 35-minute set. Forty people may not sound like much, but it's a start. And these are warm-hearted, welcoming people willing to come into Hartford on a Saturday night to support the beginnings of a scene.

So let's hope Shag Frenzy is willing to host more up-and-coming bands. Seems like a perfect match: Such bands are looking to build followings; Shag Frenzy already has one. Put the two together and voila! Hartford suddenly plays a role on the indie-rock buzz circuit. Well done, Derek, Sara and the Shag Frenzy faithful.

Comments

[Shag Frenzy]

Hope you can make it out to our new venue this Saturday. The Factory is a wonderful space, and we are hoping the new location (right off I-84 at the old Troutbrook/spaghetti factory, th easy free parking and 21+) will be a success so we can bring in more bands.
Your article on what Hartford needs in order to compete with the casinos is spot on, and that is exactly what we are trying to do.

[Brian]

The only thing the hall has over the Webster is that it's not in a ridiculously terrible location (i.e. you're not likely to be harassed by random riff-raff on your way back out to your car, and the windows to said car are not likely to be smashed in upon said departure from the show). That and the $3 hall beers.

By the way -- Eric, where on earth were you hanging out at that Spinto Band show at the Iron Horse? I have no idea how we missed that you were there with that few people in the room.

[Brian]

I really really wish I could motivate myself to go to the Webster/Underground for stuff like this, but it's got to top my list of least desirable places to spend an evening, no matter how cool the company. Definitely will have to keep it on my radar though if you're going to be bringing in bands more regularly...

Incidently, some kids in Manchester have started doing DIY stuff at a local American Legion hall, just off Main St. This Saturday, they've got Joe Jack Talcum from the Dead Milkmen, the Chuck Hestons and a few others. Looking forward to checking that out. Get the skinny at myspace.com/rockyersocksbooking

Eric responds: Alas, Rock Yer Socks is not so good about publicity. I heard about this show only becaues Joe from the Chuck Hestons e-mailed me. I feel sort of the same way about spending an evening in an American Legion hall in Manchester as you do about the Webster/Underground, but some of RYS's shows are probably worth checking out.

[Derek Warren]

Thanks for the kind words Eric. Sometimes, we get down and think there is no hope for any kind of indie music scene in Hartford. It seems as if all the city officials and big-time promoters, as well as the clubbers, want hip hop and Latin house music ONLY. The numbers have been, well, a bit off lately, even this past Saturday was a bit disappointing when referencing the previous year's June event (200+). But, people change, move on, graduate, et cetera. We'll keep digging, and yes, more bands will follow. Thanks again for coming out and enjoying the show with us.