After O'Cayz Corral burned down in 2000, Madison was left with a dearth of proper music venues that could give the frustrated Madison music scene what it needed to grow and expand. The void received a band-aid a couple years later when Mr. Blues took over the Anchor Inn and gave Darwin Sampson the room to book bands. Sampson, a member of the infamous Skintones and also Helliphant, was well connected to the local scene and opened the stage to local and smaller national acts alike. While not the best situation, it served it's purpose, nurturing the scene until some other venues, like the High Noon and the Slipper Club, could open their doors. Some high drama on the property management end of the Anchor resulted in the doors closing as a music venue and eventually as a bar all together.

When the Slipper Club closed on July 30, 2006 it led to an outpouring of regret from the local music and cabaret community. The small space at 121 West Main Street had built a reputation for being a strong supporter of local music and eclectic entertainment. It created a much needed venue for bands just starting out and also touring acts that were looking for a smaller space. After closing, the space would eventually rise again as a quaint jazz club, Adair's Lounge, but that too closed earlier this year.

Meanwhile, early last year Sampson took on the unenviable task of rebuilding the reputation of The Annex, but when he saw the space at 121 West Main was once again going to be available, he quietly maneuvered to make it his. The close few who found out Sampson was making a move to occupy the space began keeping their eyes on the Alcohol License Review Committee meetings (because everyone knows that all secrets are revealed in ALRC meetings) and sure enough, on April 16, Sampson made his appearance and was surprised to find a very encouraging and welcoming committee.

When we met up with Sampson prior to Dane101's Enon show at the Annex on Sunday he was positively beaming. The 99 capacity space is the perfect size for someone like Sampson. He understands what it means to a band to look out into an audience and see a crowd, even if it is only less than 100 attendees. Over the past year Madison has lost most of the small size music venues where smaller bands could play, pushing acts into basements and out of the view of audiences. The 150-capacity King Club converted to a gay sports bar sans live music and Cafe Montmartre has shifted to a "sure thing only" booking mentality. Madison is hungry for such a space downtown.

Most encouraging is that Darwin said he will actively pursue an all ages license for the space, something Alderman Mike Verveer highly encouraged during the committee meeting. If he is successful then downtown Madison for the first time in recent memory will have two all ages venues. The Majestic already has an all ages license, but with a capacity of 600 they cater to larger and more well known acts.

What are the other plans Sampson has for his new space, The Frequency? He gave us some details, but those are off the record according to Sampson. However, we can say they reinforce our faith in The Frequency and hope for the scene. Stay tuned...

Related Links:
TDP: Darwin Sampson to open The Frequency live music club in downtown Madison