August 29, 2008
Pop's @ 11
To this point in life, I've only gone to Pop's early (for a rock show) or very, very late (for an-oft-regretted wind-down). To go on a night when there's no music, at an ordinary hour and for no particular reason... well... that was last night's quickly-hatched plan.
Driving across the PSB around 10:20, the massive Pop's signage offered only this subtle clue: "Show Us Your Cans, 3:30." And the bartender at the club confirmed this early, also mentioning that Thursday nights are now $3 Nights, with everything in the club priced at $3. (Except for, we found out, those things not priced at $3.) He also casually stated, in mixed company, that there would be a "titty contest at 3:30." Now that may lack tact, but had a degree of honesty.
What was even more notable than his bluntness was the fact that for much of our 50-minute stay THERE WAS NO ONE AT POP'S! For a short stretch, a couple was found on the patio, but they opted for one-drink-and-out. Save for the classic rock on the PA (Poison, Lita Ford, AC/DC) and a handful of employees shuffling around the room, there was, literally, nothing happening at Pop's. The impression of this was already striking on the parking lot, when front-row spots were to be had. With no doorman or customers on the scene, it didn't appear that Pop's was even open.
But to actually walk into the 24/7 Pop's at any point in the day or night and literally be the only people in the place... it's a blog entry waiting to happen. That's what is is, exactly.
And, no, I don't know who won the contest, having left the club under rainy skies at 11:10, reducing the customer base by a cool 100%.