I checked out The Sydney last night for the first time since it switched over from Mick's, and I definitely give it a thumb's up. The place looks distinctively different -- more open and yet more comfortable. I walked around trying to figure out what they did other than throw up a fresh coat of paint. There are fewer tables than before, and the raised stage has been replaced with a "stage" that stands about three inches from the floor. I always thought the old stage was too high and probably added to the room's acoustic problems. One of the owners told me they wanted to take the stage out altogether until they discovered that the flooring beneath it was messed up. Overall, The Sydney feels more like a saloon than a neighborhood bar, thanks to its high ceilings and dim lighting. One somewhat strange side note -- I was there from 8:30 to around 11 and didn't see a single woman walk through the door (I described it as a "sausage party" to Teresa, who had no idea what I was talking about). I assume this will change after bar's grand opening in early March. PS: I can't wait to see the first live show there.

* * *

Looks like Nik Fackler's debut film, Lovely, Still, has found international sales and Canadian distribution, according to this item in IndieWire. The distributor is Cinemavault, based out of Toronto. "With the producers currently in post-production on the new cut, Cinemavault is presenting the film at the European Film Market and will be premiering the final version at the Cannes Film Market," says Indiewire.

* * *

Sarah Benck sent out an email yesterday saying that her band is dropping "...and The Robbers" portion of their name. From now on, they're simply known as Sarah Benck. People poo-poo the importance of a band's name, but the fact is it impacts everyone's first impressions. "Sarah Benck and the Robbers" had a cheesy connotation to it from the beginning; it sounded like someone you'd hear at a Holiday Inn Lounge. This name change is a long time coming.

* * *

Lots of chatter about yesterday's column on the webboard. Check it out and add to it.

* * *

So what's going on tonight?

-- The Hyannis CD release show at Slowdown Jr. with Brimstone Howl, The Night Gallery and Outlaw Con Bandana. Everyone gets a free copy of the Hyannis CD with their $5 admission. Show starts at 9.

-- Domestica plays at O'Leaver's with Techlepathy and Wagon Blasters. $5, 9:30 p.m.

-- Brad Hoshaw and The Seven Deadlies opens for Kris Lager Band at The Waiting Room. $7, 9 p.m.

--Got comments? Post 'em here.--