The Scurvy Dog will have hosted their second Parking Lot Mega Show of the season by the time this article is printed. The award-winning festival (cough cough, Motif) is celebrating its 11th year, and is something many in the PVD arts and music scene greatly anticipate each summer. These shows are family- (though the bands don’t censor themselves) and dog-friendly events featuring some of the best local, national and international bands around.
“Simply put, at this point, we do it because of the look on people’s faces as they’re having some of the most fun they will have all summer at a music fest,” says co-owner Terry Linehan. “We always try to strike a balance between local and travelling acts.”
“The vibe, energy and passion put into that place and these mega parking lot shows are what we all need right now,” says Malyssa BellaRosa of The Sugar Cones and Gamma Rage. “Jamie, Jenny, Terry and staff have created something beautiful here — it’s a wild time!”
“Scurvy shows always offer a sickening experience,” says AUDACIOUS. “From all the ranges of music they offer at the shows. They give a ton of musicians and music lovers a space to kick back and rock & roll. One of my favorite local spots.”
The Mega Shows are all-day events that take place on holiday weekends and include something for everyone. The shows are outdoors, with tents on standby for rainy days. The bar opens at 1 pm and stays open all night, with music that goes from approximately 2 pm to 10 pm. Bands from all genres perform, with each line-up carefully planned to suit every musical palate. The drink options are as good as the bands. Rebel’s Rations, owned by Dan Brown of Brown Apples, has been slinging food for the past few seasons.
“Performing at the Scurvy Dog parking lot shows is an annual highlight for both my band, Brown Apples, and my business, Rebel’s Rations,” Brown says. “I enjoy working with my son Nicolai and consider Jamie (Wolloff) and Terry family. We look forward to serving Rhode Island’s best smash burgers at every parking lot show and our usual Friday and Saturday nights.”
While the attendees bask in the day (and night) drinking, top-notch performances and positive atmosphere, the crew work diligently behind the scenes to provide a memorable day for all. Planning starts soon after the previous season ends, with Wolloff rifling through band requests to put the line-ups together (note to bands: the sooner you ask to perform the better, but remember that he gets a lot of requests and can’t accommodate everyone). Everyone (including staff, performers and fans) promotes the show to try and get as many friends there as possible. There is a lot of set-up on the day of the show and breakdown the day after, making for a long but rewarding shift. The staff handle the hospitality aspects, ensuring everyone is suitably sauced and having a great time, while Linehan and Wolloff work to provide professional sound, make sure sets run on time, and handle any incidentals that may arise.
“The lineups are always so skillfully and meticulously curated with mixed genres that everyone can enjoy,” says Jim Rhodes of Grip Bite. “I also love the support for local vendors, including food served all day. It doesn’t go unnoticed that every year, the stage and sound setup get better and better.”
“The lot shows are a labor of love that takes a staff of 15 people to pull off,” Linehan says. “Our day starts early and ends the next day.”
“What the Scurvy Dog crew does for this is amazing,” says Chris Guaraldi of Blood Feeder. “It’s always an honor to play and it’s always awesome to hang out!”
Performing at the Mega Show is an honor that bands don’t take lightly. A slot is one of the most sought-after gigs because everyone knows that they will be playing to a different and vibrant audience; one that is going to have fun regardless of performance quality. There is only camaraderie amongst peers, and some who don’t get to perform together as much as they would like.
“I love attending the Scurvy Dog day shows for many reasons,” says Cate Morin. “It’s a free event where you get to see multiple bands of varying genres in a single day.
“Personally, playing shows at Scurvy Dog is one of my favorite venues,” says Marianne Toilet of Marianne Toilet and the Runs. “I love how great the sound quality is, great staff, barbeque, and drinks! It’s like one big block party with your friends every time. Plus, dogs are welcome!”
As excited as bands are to perform, attendees are just as eager to make the show part of their day. It is a fun day to watch bands and interact with people in person instead of through a keyboard. There is a revolving audience, with some staying all day while others pop in for a drink and to catch a band or two on their way to other activities. There is a steady crowd throughout, though it tends to grow once the sun goes down.
The community itself is the highlight of the Mega Shows. Adult responsibilities prevent people from seeing friends as much as they would like, which turns the shows into a sort of reunion. This is an event where you know you will run into many friends, while also making new ones. Everyone is eager to talk to new people, especially if there is a dog or funny child close by.
“The Scurvy Dog Parking Lot Shows are not only a staple to the Providence music community, but the Providence community as a whole,” Rhodes adds. “I’m so appreciative that we have a whole series of free and all-ages shows from spring until fall. I never miss these shows; in fact, I’m usually there from beginning to end. I am so grateful to Jamie, Terry, Jenny, and the whole Scurvy Dog family for continuing to provide us this truly amazing experience year after year.”
“Scurvy Dog’s Mega Parking Lot shows are special because of the community making them happen,” says Ryan Weeden of The Paraplegics. “From employees coming together to put on an event outside of their ‘normal’ job duties. To bands playing for nothing more than a good time. And to the attendees coming out (even in the rain!) to make it all worth happening. Keep ‘em coming!”
Linehan says that the Mega Shows grow every year and there is always something to look forward to. Wolloff adds that this year features local favorites She Rides, The Hammer Party, and Hope Anchor, regional returning acts like White Dynomite, Death Pesos, and Miracle Blood, and a bunch of NYC bands like Skorts, Mary Shelley, Hard Nips, Clone, TV Moms, and the Lookout Honeys. Full lineups will be announced soon.
“The cool thing about the audience and performers is they aren’t there to be shown that Providence is great, they are there because they know Providence is great,” Linehan concludes. “As long as they keep coming, we will keep doing them!”
Parking Lot Mega Shows take place Aug 10, Aug 31 and Oct 12. Follow Scurvy Dog on fb.com/thescurvydogbar, Rebel’s Rations on Instagram @Rebels_rations.