I decided to study abroad in Bristol because, as I
was flipping through the study abroad pamphlets in the international office, I
read a sentence that said, "Bristol has a vibrant music scene." The
study abroad director, who had spent a few years in Bristol himself, told me,
"When you get there, get a copy of Venue and you'll know what's going
on."
I remember getting back to my room in the student
halls each week, closing the door, and reading it cover to cover, taking in its
wit and its localisms and its musical recommendations. Bucky at Seymour's.
Sufjan Stevens / Iron & Wine at St Bons. Holly Golightly at Moles. I met a
great friend at the first, saw my husband for the first time at the second,
and, a few years later, when I was living in Bristol again, the music editor of
Venue, Julian Owen, would, in a rare lapse of good judgment, assign me my
first review, 300 words on another Golightly gig, on my birthday. I still can't
quite believe he let my name on the pages and that readers put up with my ex-pat
Yankee golly-gee attempts for the next six years.
I know my part in Venue's storied history was minor.
I know my story of transplanting to Bristol is not unique. But on Venue's last day, I just wanted to be sure to say thank you to all the writers whose humor
and firecracker prose and vivid descriptions of the art of the city made me fanatically
appreciative of Bristol and want to try to be a writer who makes every word of
the count....well, count.
Also, Julian Owen: he is a bloody treasure. Robin
Askew and Kid Pensioner, thanks for making me snort, seal laugh, yell your one
liners across the apartment in tears. I still remember fondly Carl Dolan's
review of Dirty Three, John Stevens on Dirty Projectors, Anna Britten on The
Bangles. All that damn enthusiasm and honesty about visual art and food and
theater and bonkers happenings and the people of the community and music. Under
the tutelage of your weekly musings, I even learned sarcasm.
I’m “home” in Bethlehem, PA for Thanksgiving
weekend and I’m other home-sick knowing I can't be with you
all toasting Venue tonight. I'll be having one, or a few, for you from here.
Cheers. xx
