MOC Talk

The first time I entered Fourtriplefive in downtown Niagara Falls, it was a different place all together.
Many people who are not native to the Falls or Niagara region may be surprised at what they find if they venture only a kilometre or two from the light show and circus that is Clifton Hill. Like many other working class Southern Ontario cities, like St. Catharines or Hamilton, Niagara has some wonderful gems that are in heavy contrast to the cold, grey streets of downtown, coloured only by the eccentric anomalies of random small shops and sketchy characters lurking the streets. However, there is a hint of positivity, a suggestion of progress on the streets which are separate from the tourist gaze.
The first time I went to 4555, it was only a short while after it opened. The building once was a night club, part of the seedy greyness of downtown Niagara Falls. The interior showed signs of aesthetic decay. It was quirky, but less than appealing. But anyone could see the possibility of potential.
Fourtriplefive was opened with the intention of becoming mecca for local artists and musicians, or a "living arts space." Then and now, original paintings and photographs of various styles are hung from the walls. To the back, there is a stage with a large open space in front. To the right of the stage, a staircase leads to the "book nook," a fairly large used book emporium.
All these features remain today, over a year after Fourtriplefive opened in its current incarnation. However, the walls have been painted, creating a cozy and welcoming environment. Old furniture gives the space a lounge-like appeal. The stage has been refurbished with decorations from a local furniture store. But I believe that Fourtriplefive's saving grace, apart from its recent acquisition of a liquor licence, is "MOC Talk," a monthly feature similar to a late night talk show, taped live from 4555.
MOC is an acronym for "musicians online community," and as the name suggests, the show focuses mainly on local music. Last month, from front and center, I got to watch the magic unfold. While MOC Talk could be compared to the real life version of Waynes World, it's also serious business. Joe Stracuzzi and crew equipped the room with great sound equipment which is run and monitored from a station, with lots of intimidating equipment and multiple Macbooks, set up in the middle of the room. There are about five camera operators, a stage manager, a big screen showing awesome graphic designs and video during the live taping, and of course, a charismatic and slightly eccentric long-haired host.
Arriving about an hour early, I was curious about how many people would show up to this event. To tell the truth, I wasn't expecting much. There were several tables in front of the stage reserved for special guests as well as around 40 chairs and a few couches around the room. Virtually all the seats were full by the time the show was about to begin, which is proof of the fan base the independent production has built in just eight episodes.
The show consisted of back and forth banter between the host, Blenderhead and his newly acquired sidekick-on-keyboard, Joel. Blenderhead interviewed musical guests, such as Ginger St. James, a singer/songwriter and burlesque dancer. Ginger performed on acoustic guitar her sexually explicitly blend of rockabilly tunes accompanied by a lead guitarist. Ginger was followed by the comedic styling of Robert Browning and his (sometimes offensive) observations on life and love. Blenderhead then interviewed artist Anna Ripmeester, who painted live during the taping and whose works were featured throughout Fourtriplefive. The Roxwells were then interviewed and performed a couple of hard rocking songs. The show finished with the crowd rushing the stage and dancing up a storm. After the live taping people are encouraged to stick around as the musical guests perform until 2 and drinks are plentiful.
Check out past episodes of MOC talk at moctalk.ca. The episode I attended should be online very soon so check it out and look for me in the crowd. The next episode of MOC Talk is being taped at Four Triple Five on July 31st. More info can be found on the official facebook group.