They are going to change the Tranzac open stage in the new year and instead of it running for 3 or 4 hours on Monday nights, it’ll start earlier and be for two hours. Probably over by 9pm. It has to do with money. That’s why I got so much from Fat Alberts, the church that housed them allowed it there for free. There was no money involved for a long time and no pressure to produce any. A lot of community, growth and relationships happened. Those are the conditions for the best open stages. The 519 Community Centre also had a Friday night open stage run by Joel, also free, also fantastic. I never liked the Free Times open stage where people were made to feel they were in the way if they didn’t buy drinks. It’s understandable, in a way it’s a catch 22. But the people who interest me most are the ones who don’t necessarily have money for drinks, who sometimes just need to write songs and share them, who are only looking for a way to share their work. I heard of a new place that happens on Wednesday nights. I hope to check soon. Being able to play late is a favourite aspect of an open stage, for me anyway. Often the best things happen after 11. This new place is by Bathurst and Harbord.