Bim Skala Bim Bassist Talks About Venue Closings with WBUR

You’ve heard by now that beloved concert venue T.T. The Bear’s Place is closing. Have you also heard that Johnny D’s is closing its doors? While it’s certainly not the end of the world, it’s cause for concern to both concert goers and local bands.

WBUR’s Radio Boston recently spoke with Peter Wolf of J. Geils Band and Mark Ferranti, bassist for Bim Skala Bim. They discuss what the venues meant to them and what it all means. It’s a short listen at only 10 minutes, and just a heads up, Mr. Wolf does the lion’s share of the talking. Nonetheless, it’s always refreshing to see ska musicians tapped for this kind of reporting. Listen below.

You might not be a J. Geils Band (even though you should be), but if you were at the 2007 Mighty Mighty Bosstones’ Hometown Throwdown at the Middle East, you might recall that Peter Wolf came on stage to sing the J. Geils Band song “Give It To Me.” I don’t have the YouTube clip to prove it, but I was there. So was this guy. And this guy. It happened and it was cool.

Also, is J. Geils Band from Boston or Worcester? There seems to be some internet disagreement…

Bim Skala Bim plays at the Middle East tonight. J Geils Band plays at the [insert bank name here] Pavillion on August 27. They weren’t a ska band but they had that one ska tune. You know, the one they played with the Bosstones at Throwdown. (Reel Big Fish did it, too.)

(via WBUR)