Manic Mondays

Mondays at the Buffalo Club

A fundraiser for the Pink Vixen Comedy Arts society, Manic Mondays offers patrons a chance to watch bad-to-middling '80s movies in the company of one of Vancouver's brassiest theatre troupes. Slated for a five-week run to conclude December 13, the series kicked off this past Monday with a sing-along screening of Purple Rain, the laughable Prince musical directed by Albert Magnoli. While few patrons actually mustered the courage to exercise their vocal cords--save for a passable group rendition of the title track--seeing the movie at the newly opened Buffalo Club proved fitting, particularly as much of Purple Rain was shot inside First Avenue, the legendary Minneapolis venue which recently closed its doors.

Characters in the movie lust openly for a headlining slot at First Avenue, and one can't help but wonder if the Buffalo Club might soon become similarly desired by Vancouver bands. Located at the southern end of the Granville strip, the new venue is spacious and simply designed, marked by high ceilings, a big stage, and good sightlines. The floor, meanwhile, is dominated by large wooden tables which encourage groups of strangers to mingle as they do at places like the Cambie. On such a typically haughty street as Granville, such an approach is refreshingly welcoming.

In terms of programming, the space has branded itself as an alternative to the hip-hop and R&B-oriented surrounding clubs, and while the prospect of hearing neo-grunge at an extreme volume won't whet this clubgoer's appetite, the management seems committed to booking live acts on its stage, another rarity worth hailing.

So will the Buffalo Club match First Avenue's 34-year run? Probably not, but given its successful shows at last weekend's NewMusicWest, the place looks like it's headed in the right direction.