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It's great going back to Kitchener after catching Kiss and Cheap Trick at Memorial Auditorium in 1911 ... year of the t-model ... oh the memories. Please advise on local details through this discussion, starting with good local watering holes, venue comments, general Kitchener-Waterloo mores and cultural anomalies, etc...
"we've only got three hundred feet to go ..."
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Venue Comments:
-I've seen Sam Roberts and Matthew Good there in the last year. TBH, I left the venue saying to myself "I'll never go to a concert there again"...I didn't expect the Hip to play there when I made that policy. The magnitude of those bands relative to the Hip isn't really comparable, so it'll definitely be a better vibe. People sat through much of the shows, and the energy was low. Almost felt like I was watching a concert DVD in someones living room, where it'd be kinda weird to get up and start grooving ot the tunes. Then again... WAY WAY back I saw the Barenaked Ladies there and it was hoppin' pretty good. I'm going to Monday and Wednesdays shows.
-We were in the 2nd row towards the end of the row for Sam Roberts, which actually put us within 2m of the giant speaker stack. I'm not normally bothered by heavy concert volume, but because you've got your head twisted towards the middle your one ear is getting totally blasted and not so much for the other ear. I'm bringing a package of cheap earplugs I got from Shoppers in case the situation is the same.
-The bar situation is kinda weak. They can't handle very high traffic. They're really not setup well for rock shows. Better for the orchestra crowd. I'd get yourself nicely tuned before going in and use the 1 (maybe 2) beers you'll get at intermission as a topper to your buzz.
-There might be a wristband type in and out setup for smoking cigarettes at intermission. They had that for Sam Roberts.
All that aside, its going to be f'ing awesome!!
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I'll try to come up with an answer to your water-hole question. I'm not super familiar wiht that part of kitchener, but I'll ask around.
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In terms of watering holes, King St would be your best bet. Its a couple blocks south of Centre in the Square. There is a great Patio/Pub named Bobby O'Briens (Used to be called the Still) at 125 King St. West.
Also nearby located on the corner of King and Queen St is Rum Runner Pub (inside the walper terrace hotel) This is where the pearl jam meet up was held a couple of years back. It is also where Yuk Yuks is.
Other then that heading further south west on King St will take you into Waterloo and there are some really good places to go, but is obviously further away.
I am not sure what time the doors open at centre in the square, and don't think I will be able to make it out for drinks prior to any of the 3 shows, but if anyone has any questions I will gladly answer them.
I have yet to see a show at Centre, so I am very excited as I have heard great things about this place.
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Ive seen Sam roberts and thorogood there, and I have to say the crowd for thorogood was LAMEEEE
Im really hoping the crowd does not just sit back and watch the show.
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Like everyone else has already stated... not much around the venue. Downtown has a few bars, The Rum Runner is really good as is The Wax. Both are on King St. Uptown Waterloo has a few places, The Duke Of Wellington, Heuther Hotel, Fox and the Fiddle...
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Has anyone heard of the Art Bar Fine Dining Restaurant - looks like its right at or beside the venue. Seems a bit pricy but he menu looks excellent. Anyone familiar with it? Otherwise I think we'll be hitting the Rum Runner.
"we've only got three hundred feet to go ..."
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:jump :jump :jump :jump :jump :jump :jump :jump :jump :jump :jump :jump
DAY ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Im shaking im so excited!
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I'm going tonight!
I work in Kitchener's transportation department so I may as well pass on some tips. :wink:
If you're going to be getting some dinner or anything downtown I'd suggest parking there and walking over to Centre In The Square. The surface lots are free after six, whereas the venue lots is paid (and most of the on-street parking nearby is metred).
Enjoy the show everyone!
