Venue of the Month-Meadowlark
by Ryan Edwards
The Meadowlark might be one of Denver’s best-kept secrets, and considering where it is; it’s hard to believe anybody knows about it at all. Less than a block away from the Larimer Lounge, a local hub for music, the Meadowlark is a newly renovated establishment that the owner built by hand. Located in a basement below a local clothing store, the Meadowlark can only be reached by a set of a precarious and uneven stairs, which only adds to the atmosphere that is this venue: an underground, laid-back spot for musicians and music-lovers that are open to hearing anything live.
“We focus on the local musicians,” said Peter Black, booking manager for Meadowlark.
An open-minded crowd and venue has led to an eclectic mix of music. Anything from rock, to hip-hop, to the jazz played on Monday nights, and even the small-club vibe on the weekends with artists like Girl Grabbers.
One band, the Lumineers, has made the Meadowlark a second home. Jeremiah Fraites (drummer) was excited to answer questions about the venue, in regards to the audience, drink specials, staff, stage and the overall venue.
Fraites believes that the consistent audience of regulars and staff are what attract locals to come to this venue; adding to the “community,” that is the Meadowlark. “The staff at the Meadowlark is amazing–so very welcoming; everyone from the door guy, to the owner of the building,” Fraites said. Cheap drink specials, and $2 PBRs are an added bonus for patrons and musicians alike.
The small stage inside has an intimate feel. Says Fraites, “The indoor stage is fun because you are basically eye level with the audience members. It humbles everyone in the room. There are no tricks, no smoke screens. It’s just the music and the people in the room. Having little or no separation between the artist and the crowd is the best way to see and play live music, in my opinion.” And the option of a larger stage outside has further made the Meadowlark a hotspot for live music.
Once I spoke with Fraites, I felt compelled to talk to a few of the jazz musicians who have dedicated their Monday nights to playing at the Meadowlark. John Grigsby is a local who appreciates the ambiance that the Meadowlark has. “I think it’s a good place, I like playing there. I’ve made friends with a lot of the people there over the past few years,” he says. And the drink specials? “They’re all right if you like Pabst,” said Grigsby, laughing.
2701 Larimer St. (downstairs) Denver, CO 80205
Category: The Post
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