New & Improved!   Article written by Arny Bailey       Back to Cover

It’s impossible to discuss Seattle’s ___

eastside music scene without mentioning Waldo’s, The Shark, Central and of course, Big Daddy’s Place in Woodinville.  A long time fixture among the Eastsides’ live music venue’s, Owner Mike Summerfield recently relocated literally ‘across the tracks’ to a new and larger location…. and guess who didn’t know that? 

I’d been to and played at the old location a half dozen times or so but it had been awhile since I had been ____

back.  When I heard that The Retro’s (this months feature band) were performing there a couple Saturday’s ago, I decided to kill two birds with one stone and headed over with my best friend and wife, Jackie (guess who might just read this?).  Little did I know that the club had moved.  Whoops.

The new place didn’t take too long to find (yeah on-board navigation system!) and once we were in the general area, we could see the sign AND the packed parking lot.  Not to worry, we found ____ 
Big-Daddy's-Place

 

some parking not too far away and took what turned out to be the last seat in the house behind the bar.  By the way, this seat is fine if you’re not interested in seeing the show (which I was) as a line formed between us and the bar that totally obscured our view of the stage.  Rats.  Good thing I wasn’t there to see The Retro’s too!

Although the original location still exists under the name of “Daddy’s”, its’ primary function now is that of a sports bar while the live music moved _

to the new digs.  The focus of the new venue is definitely on the music as evidenced by the stage size, sound and lighting systems and all those groovy guitars used as art.  That said, there’s still pool, darts, and of course the great food and drink Big Daddy’s is famous for.  There’s even a family seating area that’s open until the music starts at 9:00 PM when it becomes an adults only nightclub.

Mike still offers the Thursday night, “New Band” slots where you can try __

out your new group or even break in your new lead singer.  Although these slots are not paid in cash, you do get a CD copy of your show at the end of your performance so if you’re looking for some demo material, this is a good way to get it and have a great time in the process.  Be aware though, that this isn’t an “open jam” night where you and your cronies can simply show up and expect to play.  These slots are booked well in advance so if you want to play, call the Woodinville location (425) 402-9887 Monday thru Friday ___

Big-Daddy's-Stage-&-Dance-Floor

between 10am and Noon and ask for either Wendy or Mike. If they are not available, leave your number and they will return your call.

The Thursday night shows typically showcase two bands. Big Daddy provides the stage, lights, mic’s, sound system, professional sound engineer and record a CD of your show. There is no cover charge on Thursdays and with you playing, no cover and great food and drink, even YOUR friends should come on out and cheer you on! 

They prefer all band members be at least 21 years of age but do have a program if a minor is in your band.  The first band starts @ 9pm and the second show is usually around 10:30pm.

 For further information about the Thursday night shows, please go to:  http://www.bigdaddysplace.com/new
_band_policy.htm

My experience playing the Thursday night shows is that they were very ___

easy (hauling only my own instrumentation) and a lot of fun.  Good sound, good stage (and that was even before the bigger place) and a decent live CD following the performance.

The first time I played there, the sound man took the time to break up the tracks between songs but the last two times I got one long track.  Next time, I’ll probably try to tip the sound engineer a five spot and see if this helps him remember to push that little button between songs.  Otherwise, I’ll have _____

to go back and break it up myself again!  All three times I got some pretty good pieces that definitely were good enough for some promo.  Not all songs were perfect, but let’s face it, neither were all my guitar riffs.  Even the best of engineers can’t make me sound like Eddie VanBailey.
Bands booked for the paid slots on Friday and Saturday are typically booked through Far West Entertainment or Pacific Rim Talent. The main format is Classic Rock and Top 40 cover bands and they very rarely, if ever, have blues bands and never feature original bands on the weekends. They welcome professional band promo packages and book the club 3 to 12 months in advance and request all written material be sent to Big Daddy's, 17626 140th Ave. NE, Woodinville, WA 98072.

ARNY BAILEY

Plenty-of-Dining-Space
Plenty-of-Dance-Floor-at-Big-Daddy's

MEET THE WRITER - ARNY BAILEY

President of In Form, Inc. Media Design and Chief Editor of Weekend Musician is a licensed architect practicing in the Pacific Northwest and weekend musician currently fronting ABOUT FACE, a classic rock cover band and The Grand Delusion a Tribute to the music of Styx and Journey.