Shaggy2Dope Sets Bigs Bar Ablaze
Shaggy2Dope Sets Bigs Bar Ablaze
Juggalos Gather at Bigs Bar
Bigs Bar witnessed a musical extravaganza that left attendees buzzing long after the final note was played. For those unaware, the evening was headlined by the indomitable Shaggy2Dope, but he wasn’t the only highlight.
The stage was set alight by some outstanding local talents. First up, we had Gabriel Night Shield, a talented local artist who not only gave a passionate performance but also introduced the crowd to an upcoming memorial show he is orchestrating. This event, to honor one of his late friends, is set for August 27th at the Phoenix Lounge in Harrisburg. The dedication he displayed was evident, not only in his performance but also in the memorial shirts he showcased, which will be available at the memorial. All proceeds from these shirts will be channeled to support the family of his fallen friend.
Adding to the musical richness, Rogue Nation Ent.’s GunnerB and Louie Fontana took to the stage with vigor, ensuring the crowd was amped up and ready for what was to come. Their performances undeniably got everyone in the groove.
Special recognition is due to DJ Chestaboy, who not only managed the decks for five of the artists tonight but also showcased his new line of Chestaboy shirts, available at the local Ravetopia Merch booth. If you're keen on catching him live, and you’re lucky enough to be on the private invite list be sure to mark your calendars for Shorefest in MN later this month, or buy a ticket to Electric Summer in WI later this month!
Momma Sam an amazing local artist who live paints at many local shows!
Now, as someone who doesn’t primarily lean towards Juggalo music, it’s a testament to the artists' talent and stage presence that I found myself thoroughly engrossed. Among the acts, The Odd Squad Family’s engaging rhythms and lyrics truly captivated the audience. But the star of the night, without a doubt, was Shaggy2Dope.
For those unfamiliar with this powerhouse of a performer, Shaggy2Dope (real name Joseph William Utsler) wears many hats. Apart from being an American rapper and record producer, he’s also a podcast host for Shaggy and The Creep Show and a professional wrestler. As one-half of the hip-hop duo Insane Clown Posse, he's made waves in the music industry. His talents don't end there. He co-founded Psychopathic Records alongside fellow rapper Violent J and their former manager, Alex Abbiss. Moreover, his passion for wrestling led him to co-found the Juggalo Championship Wrestling, where he currently commentates.
As an ardent traveler and lover of music, I’ve had the privilege of stepping foot into countless music venues, from the grand and famous to the intimate and obscure. One aspect of these venues that often goes unnoticed by the average attendee, but is paramount to artists and crews, is the merch area. Surprisingly, it's the smaller venues in lesser-known cities that often outdo their big-city counterparts in this regard.
Sioux Falls, my hometown, is a case in point. Despite having a burgeoning music scene and playing host to an array of talents, not a single venue here has a dedicated and well-equipped merch area. It's a stark contrast to some of the smaller venues I've encountered in my travels, which have beautifully designed spaces catering to this specific need.
The merch space is more than just a place to sell memorabilia. It's an extension of the artist's brand, a place for fans to connect more deeply with the music, and often, a significant source of income for touring musicians. Yet, in Sioux Falls, irrespective of the venue, the setup remains pretty much the same – a makeshift space that artists must adapt to.
In many of the smaller venues in other cities, I've been pleasantly surprised to find dedicated spaces for merch, equipped with small lights and permanent grid wall panels. These additions might seem trivial to some, but they make a world of difference. Not only do they give the merch space a more professional appearance, they greatly expedite setup and teardown times. This is crucial for touring bands that often face tight schedules. Plus, the less equipment that needs to be hauled in and out, the less wear and tear on the venue, making it a win-win for both artists and venue owners.
This night wasn’t the first time I have thought about this lack in my local venues but I was once again reminded of our local venues lack luster merch areas as we had to set up and teardown our gridwalls, thinking of the unnecessary hassle that could easily be mitigated with a permanent solution.
Music venues are more than just places where artists perform; they're spaces where memories are made, where artists and fans connect, where music comes alive. Giving equal importance to all aspects of the venue, including the merch area, only serves to enhance this experience. Sioux Falls, with its vibrant music scene, deserves venues that reflect this, and I hope to see changes in the near future.
In a nutshell, Bigs Bar hosted a night to remember, seamlessly merging music, memories, and merch. Kudos to all performers and the vibrant crowd for creating a magnetic atmosphere.