The Indie Venue

If you’re into the local music scene in Hampton Roads then you probably already know about Winstons Cafe. In fact, Winstons is where I first saw local band Astropop 3. It’s also where Chesapeake noise band Long Division often play. And on this night, it hosted Virginia Beach rockabilly band Two Tone Cadillac.

Considering I’ve only ever been to Winstons to see a show, I’m hard-pressed to tell you if the food’s any good. Although, I have heard that their catering is excellent. The beer slection was pretty standard, so we chose PBR to fit in with the cool kids in the overpacked crowd. And to be honest, I can’t even say that it’s that great of a place to see a show. Long and narrow, it’s difficult to see the band, who would be crammed in the back around an odd corner. There’s no stage. The bathrooms are directly behind the performing area. And if you stand at the bar to get a drink, you’re pretty much right in front of the band.

Yet for some reason, I love to see a show here.

Maybe it’s because that’s kind of how little indie venues are supposed to be. Like Cogan’s back in the day. Like how I imagine CBGBs was.

Maybe it’s because it attracts a motley crew of people. A Saturday night with Two Tone Cadillac in the house drew a crowd that included a small continget the aforementioned PBR-swigging hipsters, a few requisite rockabilly guys and dolls, a bunch of metalheads and some older couples mixed in for good measure.

Or maybe–probably–because it’s one of the very few places around that consistently supports local music. And Winstons Cafe surely should be supported for that.

–HS

For more photography by Valerie Demo, visit valeriedemophotography.com.

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