Now, it’s all in the name for the French Quarter Café. The restaurant, located below Luther’s Blues at 1401 University Ave., not only caters to the New Orleans taste bud, but has also recently stepped up the spice of its traditional Cajun dishes with the addition of music shows and events. Just like a true French Quarter restaurant, patrons can enjoy good music and good food all in one place.
Before last April, FQC provided solely a unique menu with a pinch of New Orleans flavor for lunch and dinner, sometimes renting the room for private parties and the like. Often a hot pre-show spot for bands performing at Luther’s Blues, FQC food is responsible for heating up just about all the big names that come through the Luther’s stage. Nowadays, FQC spreads the warmth from its own stage as well.
The Café intends to find root in Madison as a sort of “coming-out stage” for local musicians. “It’s a sort of mini-Luther’s,” FQC marketing director Mike Haight said. Since the venue can only fit around 150 people, the stage gears its acts toward smaller groups such as local bands with budding followings. Know Boundaries, an Asian Poetry night and a pan-African DJ from WORT radio have all graced the new stage over the past months.
While it serves as a “stage for local bands to get good exposure on weekend nights,” according to Haight, FQC caters to Luther’s fans as well. On nights when both venues are in use, there may be a dual ticket available. For example, the Halloween event coming up will host Mr. Brownstone playing all Guns ‘n’ Roses songs and the Denim Demons, who will play all Turbo Negro songs.
For students looking to save a buck, FQC hosts a happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. During these weekday hours, patrons can wind down with a low-tempo D.J. and cool down with some low-priced drinks. Also, Wednesday nights FQC hosts a free D.J., while Thursday nights offer an opportunity for those who want to display their karaoke and stand-up comedy talents.
FQC also looks forward to hosting a two-semester-long Battle of the Bands. This event will include 18 bands throughout the school year and bestow very generous prizes upon the winning group. Although full for this semester, next semester still remains open to bands willing to showcase their talent and compete against other area musicians.
The basis for judging includes ticket sales (both how many each band sells on its own, as well as how many sell at the door), along with how well the groups play. The contest will be done in three installments, or “mini-battles,” one each month until November. On a given Friday night of each month, three bands will play and a winner will be chosen. The winner of each night will go on to play in the semifinals in December.
The first installment of the Battle of the Bands will be Friday, Sept. 26, with Syncronous Soul, King Finger and Sin City. These bands and others will be competing for prizes such as a $75-dollar gift certificate to Music-go-Round, two days of studio time for a two-song demo, $500 (25 cases) worth of Budweiser beer and a showcase spot at the North by Northeast Music and Film Festival in Toronto. These prizes will be awarded at the finals — May 1, 2004 — at Luther’s Blues.
If a group would like to be a part of the first ever FQC Battle of the Bands, it can still register by sending in a press kit and turning in an application form no later than Jan. 2, 2004.
Along with this promising event, FQC will continue to host private parties and serve lunch and dinner. FQC seems to be a pretty flexible host to any musician or party.
With the addition of music entertainment, FQC hopes to maximize the space it owns. It hopes to improve the sound system it currently uses and improve the stage and seating areas. But, overall the French Quarter Café hopes to establish a consistency for local bands while helping them grow and mature as musicians.
For Battle of the Bands information as well as booking information, please contact Rich Peterson at (608) 268-6788 or visit www.luthersblues.com.
