NastyMcT : Alaskan Blogger

I’ve been patronizing Humpy’s since 1997. A lot I might add.

Since that time, I’ve seen the once revered icon, plummet into a vibe-less building, on par with the cheesy t-shirt shops within a one mile vicinity. It’s only redeeming quality is that it’s smoke free.

I’ve seen Humpy’s go from THE PRISTINE local music venue, to nothing more than a sports bar that plays bump and grind music between sets (usually not mixed that well I might add).

I’ve seen Humpy’s go from music 7 nights a week, usually supporting two artists in one night (the early dinner solo acoustic set, and then the late set usually a band) to NO solo singer/songwriters, and a small rotation of local bands, and occasionally an out of towner.

I’ve seen Humpy’s go from a hometown bar, with a hometown feel… to a sterile, souless, *bar*. It’s gone from a true venue, to a watering hole.

When people asked me for a must see Alaskana place, I always used to send them to Humpy’s.

Humpy’s used to a be a MUSIC VENUE, with good food, and a wide selection of beers. They used to have a stellar sound system, which they ripped out, and in the process of replacing it, were ripped off. They’ve transformed from a dimly lit sultry music venue, to a harsh, bright, surface of the sun annoyance.

Humpy’s used to be a lot of things, when the owners were involved HANDS ON, when their survival depended on it.

Humpy’s is not the establishment that it once was. But then neither are a lot of the bars/venues in Alaska. Concerned more with saving a couple of bucks on live music, and letting the patrons become their “free” entertainment. They have nothing to loose.

Maybe I’m looking at it the wrong way, maybe Humpy’s is really innovative by being the first BAR in Alaska to serve up a WHOLE NIGHT dedicated to guitar hero. :::rolling eyes:::

Musician wanna bee’s pushing four buttons on a plastic guitar. Maybe they should have an Air Guitar night too, and install Dance Dance Revolution pads on the dance floor. Forget about Monday night football, just have Madden Madness night. Xgames? Nahhh, just hook up Tony Hawk.

How entertaining can it be? Watching someone on stage playing a VIDEO GAME?!? At least karaoke has the decency of some actual music, some sing along interaction.

I’ll pass thanks.

If you want good food, visit Orso, Ginger or Snowgoose in Anchorage. Visit Shine’s Sushi, Jalepeno’s or Haute Quarter Grill in Eagle River. Visit Settlers Bay, Jalepenos, Tacos Cancun, or Shines in Wasilla.

If you want good live music, good luck, the venues are drying up faster than a drop of water in the Sahara. Not just here in Alaska, but all over the United States.

However, there are a few venues that still give a shi* about live music, but the music depends on your attendance and support:

Tap Root Cafe - Anchorage: http://www.myspace.com/taprootcafe - A newer Anchorage venue, Musicians are paid with YOUR donations, food is awesome. Open mic Tuesdays. Small cozy place with a comfortable vibe. Tea, coffee, fresh juices and organic fare.

Whole Wheat Radio - Talkeetna: http://www.wholewheatradio.org - 24/7 Internet Indie Radio Station - They host some House Concerts that you can hear live and donate to the performers online. I can not say enough wonderful things about Jim and Esther.

Settler’s Bay - Wasilla: http://www.settlersbaylodge.com/ - EXCELLENT food, beautiful venue. They’re really working hard to get some great music. Beagle (the manager) is doing an EXCELLENT job of booking. If you frequent “The Bay” he will most likely come say hello, and ask you how your food was. Everything I’ve eaten there has been five stars.

Chilkoot Charlies - Anchorage: http://www.koots.com/ Meat market? Sure. Good food? Nahh… But you know what? Since their inception in 1970 Koots has built their business on and around music. Starting as a small piano bar, and eventually expanding to three stages with matching dance floors. They have music 7 days a week. They bring national bands to music starved Alaskans.

Whistling Swan Productions - Various Venues in Alaska: http://www.whistlingswan.net/ Although not a venue, Mike at Whistling Swan is one of the best music promoters in Alaska. Quirky and enthusiastic, Mike has exposed over 250 artists to our beautiful state, and continues to raise the bar (no pun intended).

Sorry Humpy’s for ragging on you, but you’ve really sunk to the lowest of lows. Slapping every gigging full-time Alaskan musician in the face with a plastic guitar hero Strat. By killing the most popular, and one of the longest standing open mics in Alaska. And by replacing skilled musicians, honing their incubating songwriting skills, with weekend-warrior gamers.

Nicely done.