SK8:99

EBar owner Eric Spencer is back with a skateboard and punk-rock extravaganza

by Chris Kanaracus

One of last year's most successful local shows is back, but with a decidedly lower profile. Promoter Eric Spencer says that SK8:99 isn't nearly as publicized as last year's Palladium skateboarding and punk-rock blowout, but that's the way he wants it.

"It's better that it's more of an underground show," says Spencer, owner of CD Simple but best-known among musicians and music fans as the proprietor of the Espresso Bar, the currently-on-hiatus all-ages club. "That way, I can keep ticket prices down and get as many bands as possible on the bill. It's the best thing for the kids," he says.

Spencer, back with his first show since closing the James Street club, has long had a knack for tapping into what Worcester's abundant crop of sub-21 music fans want. During his five-year run there, the EBar was known for cheap tickets, a drug-and-alcohol and violence-free atmosphere, and, most important, the best and most varied line-ups of local and national acts to be found not only in Worcester, but also in New England.

That fact isn't lost on the outspoken Spencer, who says that prior to closing the EBar (due to conflicts with neighbors and the landlord), the venue enjoyed sellout crowds from the city and from out of town.

"I have a mailing list with twenty-thousand names, and four thousand of those names have Boston addresses next to them. Those people came here probably by public transportation, spent money in town, some stayed in hotels," he says.

"Not only that, I kept a lot of kids out of trouble, provided a good number of them with jobs, and fostered the arts. On top of that, [running the club] provided me with a modest income. I miss doing it."

But Spencer says, since closing the EBar, he's been unable to find the $5000 needed to move his operation to a vacant location on Water Street. Though he's tried to convince city officials to provide a grant, so far he's had no luck.

Though sympathetic, city officials were only willing to supply Spencer with a loan application, which would have provided him with the money, but it required renovations to be completed with expensive union workers.

"I had more than enough volunteers and professionals lined up that were willing to work for well below their normal rates. Taking a loan would have tripled my costs," he says.

Some might say that Spencer's gripes amount to little more than sour grapes -- the rules are the same for all businesses, after all, and not only in Worcester. A point he acknowledges, but adds, "I know the law is the law, but it doesn't mean it can't change. This isn't about me making money. . . . I never have made much money on it. It's about the kids and the music."

Spencer says he has moved on, and he hopes to reopen the club sometime in the fall with funding from other, non-public sources.

Right now, he's concentrating on the SK8:99 show, a continuation of last year's successful event promoted by the now-defunct CD-duplication firm Mezzoman Productions. Once again, the event will feature outdoor skateboarding and a phat, all-encompassing 35-band roster of leading punk, metal, and hardcore acts.

SK8:99 takes place on August 7 and features Murphy's Law, Tree, Shed, Racketeers, 7th Rail Crew, OS101, Blanks 77, Daltonic, Goonies, Special 79, Paco, and SpedFarm (main stage). Suicide Contest, Simple, Hitler's Wheelchair, Sticker, Billy Yanks, All Else Fails, Lost Boys, Prize Fighter, Big D and the Kid's Table, A-Team, Nowhere Fast, Red Mercury, and Drained

(second stage). The all-ages show starts at noon at the Palladium. Tickets are $15. Call 797-9696.

The Contamination '99 Tour and Post SK8:99 party, featuring Soilent Green, Today is the Day, Morgion, Exhumed, Nasum, and Compression, takes place at the Commercial Street Concert Club and Cafe. Admission is $7 for non-SK8:99 ticket holders. Call 797-4550.