Maybe one or two more... Just something really boring about that place, mixed with the crap sound, and no booze.
I think part of the problem is after seeing bands like Arcade Fire, Wilco, etc at the Club and then them playing there, it's just fucking awful, which is why I'd rather see them move to FSS than DAR.
seems that the no booze thing is now the exception rather than the rule. for a while DAR was all uptight about drinks in the hall, but i can't remember the last show i saw there when they weren't allowed in.
you hit the nail on the head about the club --> DAR transition thing, it's a stepping stone for acts who have outgrown clubs. there is a certain amount of whining going on here, IMO: whaaaa, whaaaa, i want my little band to remain little, i don't want them to play big venues and have other people liking them too!!!
i'm in the "DAR is fine" camp, but i've never had bad seats there. as hutch pointed out, if you're in the front half of the hall you'll be fine (if not downright impressed, depending on the act/techies). only bad sounding show i've ever seen there was eddy izzard, night 1 - waaaaaayyy too echo-ey. otherwise, every show has sounded ok to great. i'd LOVE to hear sigur ros at DAR.
DAR vs FSS? haven't been to FSS yet, but based on what i'm hearing from other who have i might prefer DAR.
I think the shed in Camden, NJ (just across the river from Philly) might do this in the winter months.
yup, they do. the camden shed is already enclosed (permamently) on three sides, so closing up the back (part that opens out on to the lawn) is relatively simple.
