Early dismissal How will the nightclub changes affect you? BY BOB GULLA

Got some mail last week about my bushy-tailed optimism regarding the changing of the guard among local music venues. Folks wondered, how could I say that the closing of Lupo’s as we know it and the Met Café won’t affect the local scene? I thought that the move was parallel. What we were losing in significant history with the venerable Met, we were gaining in cache with the new, revved-up Ultra. What we were losing in the Heartbreak Hotel, we’d be recouping with Lupo’s new incarnation at the Strand. But, as a few people opined, there will indeed be some changes, and not for the better.

The most significant change will be the start and end times of shows. Both Ultra and the Strand specialize in themed bashes and dance nights, which means if there are rock shows, local or national, they’ll have to start early, sometimes prohibitively so. For the younger audiences, which possess the luxury of staying out late and sleeping in, an 11 p.m. start time is the norm. They don’t think about hitting the street until 10 or so, and the drinking begins then. Early start times means that many shows will be over before most of these folks usually get their asses out of the house.

Slightly older audiences, and you know who you are, don’t mind early start times. They have kids to get to school, early commutes, and other obligations that chase them out of bed early, so a 7 p.m. start time to see a good band doesn’t sound so bad. In New York City, for example, most commercial rock shows and showcases start early so folks can go straight from work to the gig and still make it home in time to get some rest. Of course, in NYC there are many more places to go following an early show if your heart desires than there are in Providence.

The other disadvantage right now is that neither venue seems to be stepping up and booking local acts very generously. Both the Met and Lupo’s were good to the locals, if not socially, at least exposurally. If that’s not a word, you know what I mean.

I guess the real answer to this debate doesn’t yet exist. Both clubs will take a while to get in full swing. Changes are afoot architecturally and musically at Lupo’s, and Ultra is still feeling out what works and what doesn’t. That process takes time. So before we get all of our noses outta joint, let’s just wait and see how things unfold. Until then, I’d love to hear more of your early impressions.

FORTHE’BIRDS. There’s been lots of beavering in the Stereobirds camp. Their new single, "Nicole America," is almost ready for release, as is "Here Again," a tune written in memory of Mike "Doctor Metal" Gonsalves and Nick O’Neill, featuring Tanya Donelly and Elizabeth Steen. Coincidentally, "Here Again" made its radio premiere the other night on WHJY. "Because of the holiday season, we felt that Doc’s station’s DJs and staff might be hurting pretty badly," says the Birds’ Heather Rose, "so we dropped off a few advance copies of ‘Here Again’ to let them know people haven’t forgotten about the tragedy and the memory of the victims." In other ’Birds news, the top 25 finalists in BuzzPlay.com’s Band Search 2003 were announced this week and the Stereobirds are at the top of the list. (Other locals include Illustrious Day, Turning Blue, Motormags, and Monty’s Fan Club.) If you remember, last year’s winner was M-80 and it proved to be a boon career-wise. According to Heather, "We were also moved up to a Priority Artist on Buzzplay."

Lastly, Tanya and Elizabeth autographed the first 25 limited edition copies of American Girls, American Boys, the band’s new CD. Act fast to get one at their website: www.stereobirds.com . Join the Stereobirds in their own personal quest for world domination. Or at least buy their great new disc.

LIVEAFTERJIYA. Moneypenny, the new band featuring Jiya’s Don McCann, is gaining some steam. Jiya was never able to replace its former lead singer, so the boys cut bait and McCann formed Moneypenny with some bros. "I played acoustic at KC’s Tap on 10-29-03 and the owner Kevin was pretty impressed," says McCann. "A lot of old Jiya fans are coming out again, which is good." Moneypenny consists of McCann on guitar and vocals, original Jiya drummer Billy Prendergast, and Mike Buckley on bass. "The new band is very Cream-ish with a taste of modern music to make it sound original," he says. "The musicians are the best I have ever played with."

SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND. That’s the name of a new, totally acoustic (no PA) showcase of the songwriting craft. Beginning on January 11 and continuing on the second Sunday of each month at AS220, host Ryan Fitzsimmons will ask three songwriters to join him to share their work and write a new song on a specific theme for the event. The theme for January is "Beginnings." The show will run from 7 to 9 p.m., and include four rounds of original songs. Roughly a month before the show, each artist will be given a common theme to write on, and they will be expected to perform their new song in the third round. This provides the rare opportunity to hear four unique perspectives on the same subject matter. Two other writers from the Rhode Island Songwriter Association (RISA) will join Ryan each month, and a third spot will be open to the public — which means you. Shows will be booked at least two months in advance. Anyone interested in performing should contact Ryan at songwriters@ryanfitzsimmons.com. The lineup for the first session features RISA members Maryann Rossoni and JJ Baron (RISA member), Lisa Bastoni (www.lisabastoni.com), and Fitzsimmons.

ROOMFUL OF GRAMMYS. Bob Bell, former Roomful of Blues manager and big Rhode Island music fan, reports from his new home in San Francisco: "While I am no longer an official Roomful spokesperson, I couldn’t help but be excited at hearing the news that the band is up for a Grammy for their Alligator release, That’s Right." Nominated for Best Traditional Blues Album, it’s the band’s first for their new label and a crack continuation of their sublime R&B artistry.

At the time of this writing, Roomful is currently in, of all places, Turkey ("dodging bombs," says Bell), and just finished a series of dates in Russia, playing to 3000 to 4000 folks at each show. They return to the States this weekend, so if you see any of the boys around, shake his hand, buy him a beer, and ask him about his trip. Congrats, guys.

WANDERING EYE. This Saturday (the 20th), there’s a big Toys for Tots Benefit at AS220 that begins at 2 p.m. and runs till 6. It’s a punk-rockin’ afternoon with All Those Opposed, No Hope for Heroes, Chapters, and Reckless Radio all turning it up. Admission is $5; the proceeds will be used to purchase gifts from the wish lists of local families. Help out.

Letdown is almost done with its first studio album. It’s produced by Chuck Ladouceur, who has worked with many locals and recorded with Zakk Wylde. (How weird is it to read about Zakk Wylde in this column two weeks in a row?) There are pics of Zakk and Chuck on www.letdownsite. Letdown is also preparing for its New Year’s Eve show — a one-off interpretation of Pink Floyd’s The Wall, to be performed in its entirety at Cats in Pawtucket. This Saturday the band plays the End Zone on Route 1 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Three big sets. Tear it up, gents.

E-mail me with music news at big.daddy1@cox.net .