During the performance of Ghostland Observatory at the new Track 29 venue, there were actually two other shows going on. One was the phenomenal laser and light show that the Austin group brought with them. The other was the just as entertaining show of the audience, their dress, and their enjoyment of this high energy electronic duo.
Before these shows though, there is the venue to address. Track 29 has only been on the Chattanooga music scene for a few months, but has generated a huge buzz. First, because of the big names they are bringing to the area of which Ghostland Observatory is one, and upcoming acts like Lucinda Williams and The Might Be Giants. The second reason for the buzz is less pleasant. Corey Smith came to play at Track 29 last month, and the plug was pulled on his encore song, leading many to cry foul on censorship. Track 29 cites safety concerns as the reason behind the early ending to Smith’s expletive titled song. Chattanooga even got a song named after them regarding this event by Smith that is available for free download on his Web site.
Whatever the story may have been about Track 29 at that date has not affected the level of professionalism they provide to the concert experience. Track 29 is working to model themselves after big name venues like Atlanta’s “The Tabernacle” and Knoxville’s “Valarium,” and they’ve done a great job. The space within this warehouse, tucked behind the Chattanooga Choo-Choo, is large and open. There’s plenty of room for a crowd to gather in front of the stage, but there’s also church-like pews, tables and VIP sky boxes for those looking for a little more room. The sound coming from the stage was good as well. The place was clean, including the bathrooms. There was food available with the Good Dog cart, and drinks were available at the two-window bar counter.
The location of Track 29 also offers more than 900 parking spots, which is a relief even if the price tag for parking for the night was $5 for the show I attended. Security was tight, with absolutely nothing resembling a weapon allowed, but there was no hassle from the staff at the door check. Track 29 makes an effort to not only get nationally touring acts, but regional and local acts as well. They have even helped out a local artist named Kevin Bates by featuring his art mural of Bessie Smith on one of their venue walls. (See www.facebook.com/goodwithfaces for more examples of his work.)
The show itself at Track 29 was also well conducted and overseen. The show I attended began with an opening act called “This is Art.” A one-man live electronic, hip-hop and bass act, Art Webb, is from Nashville, Tenn. “This is Art” had a varied sound that incorporated a lot of different musical elements and themes into the songs. The use of technology to make the mixing sounds, and the bass playing that Webb produced was great. The rapping that he was occasionally doing was less so. Webb had a lot of talent, and would be a great act to catch again if he comes this way. After much anticipation, Ghostland Observatory took the stage. This band has an interesting focus on theatrics. The keyboardist Turner wears a Captain America cape as he plays, and singer and guitarist Behrens has been known to wear a Native American headdress.
That leads us to another tangent about the audience in attendance. Mostly a young crowd, there was much costume wearing going on. From feathered headdresses to large purple furry leg warmers, the show offstage was almost as interesting as the one on stage. The main thing was that everyone seemed to be having a great time. The light show that accompanied Ghostland’s show was also spectacular. Lasers of all colors joined the pulsing strobe lights for the “shimmering, pulsing pop music” that they played. The electro-dance rock and synth-funk sound that classifies Ghostland Observatory was on full display this night. Crowd favorite songs like “Vibrate,” “Sad, Sad City,” and “Silver City” were all performed flawlessly and with great energy from the performers and the crowd.
There is sure to be more great shows coming to Track 29 as well. On Oct. 28, Ben Rector comes to Track 29; and on Oct. 29, the Halloween Show at Track 29 will feature local lovables, The Nim Nims, Glowing Bordis and Toneharm. There are even more shows to catch in December. Jars of Clay will play December 2, featuring Drew Holcome and the Neighbors as an opener. The Carolina Chocolate Drops will play December 8, with Frazey Ford of The Be Good Tanyas to open. My anticipation is high for the February 12 They Might Be Giants show that was just announced last week.
Stay up to date on all that’s happening at Track 29 by accessing their Web site at www.track29.com or their Facebook page.