When I first noticed Diamante’s show on our schedule a few weeks ago, I did a double take looking at the venue. The Piggy Bank? A quick search got me some basic info and I reached out to Diamate’s PR folks to get approval for our photographer. Fast forward to yesterday and the photographer had strep throat. Our number 1 unwritten rule: “Don’t infect the audience or the artist” so I found myself covering the show.
Turns out the Piggy Bank is run by the company behind Crave and Union and by the looks of it just recently just added live music booked by LiveNation. There was a bit of confusion about door time but once that was sorted out, everyone filled in for the first set to start on time. We are spoiled by First Avenue’s smoothness and it takes a bit of trial and error to get the complexity of running a music venue right. Piggy Banks biggest challenge is probably the low ceiling, so don’t expect high jumps (unless the performer is wearing a helmet). Sound was great, and as an added bonus the food was quite good as well. There numerous vegetarian and vegan options. With a bit of luck, the Piggy Bank will turn out to be a great smaller venue.
Caster Volor was the first band on stage. This was my first time seeing (or honestly even hearing about them). The band describes themselves as Industrial Theatre. Even on the small stage their set was a wild spectacle. Caster Volor channels everything that’s great about hair metal bands into one tidy package. There’s not a single moment where at least one member of the band is not doing something that’s over the top Rock. Guitar poses, devil horns, tongues, hair flips it’s a never ending visual barrage. If you are looking for a band that will get your show started in a hurry, book those guys, just make sure to step up your game, because they will give 110 %.
