M: Iggy Pop - Instinct
T: Beastie Boys - Ill Communication
W: The Rolling Stones - Let it Bleed
F: (Various Artists) - Hotel Massachusetts
Locals learned this week that the Sierra Grille restaurant in Northampton is closing. The significance of this is not just a sad fact for those of us who loved to dine there, but also because the Sierra occupied the space formerly known as The Baystate, a now-legendary music venue hereabouts (the building was once the Baystate Hotel).
I did not move home to the Valley until the scene there was well underway, and was never much a part of it. In fact, I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of gigs I attended there. But the place looms large in area history, and I inevitably became friends with many who were immersed in the Baystate goings-on. When this CD was released, I was pleased to be a part of its production. Not musically, no. But I did all the hand lettering of the liner notes, as well as the titling on the face of the disc itself.
The Sierra kindly re-opened the former performance space on Thursday nights, calling the series "Reanimate the Baystate," and featuring many bands who'd graced the space in its heyday, as well as new acts. With the Sierra shutting its doors, the future is obviously uncertain as to whether or not the next tenant there will make a space for music. Let us be hopeful.
