tornado bait party
Posted on 20. May, 2010 by nicole in entertainment
words > CRAIG AINSWORTH
Sitting at his bar and smiling up from his cup of coffee at 11am on a Wednesday, Dave Stough, the owner of one of Wichita’s oldest bars, The Shamrock, tells the story of how “The Tornado Bait Party” began. In the spring of 1983, Jerry Wood, a local musician, and Wes Race, the creator of the party, were sitting at a softball game together. Jerry asked Wes, “Why do tornados always hit trailer parks?” Wes responded, “Because they’re Tornado Bait,” and with that came the idea to create one of the longest running local music festivals.
Wes Race took his idea to Jim Young, who was then the current owner of Wichita’s famous blues establishment called The Spot. The Spot was located on the southwest corner of Douglas and Hydraulic. The Tornado Bait Party began in 1983, as an excuse to celebrate live, local music. In 1986, 24 years ago, Jim sold The Spot to Dave Strough who then began working with the local music scene to continue the party.
After The Spot closed in the 1990s, the Tornado Bait Party had a few short runs in venues such as Rivers Edge. However in 2002, Dave Strough bought The Shamrock and rejuvenated the party, and the historical building was the perfect place to do so. The building was constructed in 1927, and after the Prohibition on alcohol in 1933, the building was sold and turned into a Bar & Grill by T. C. Geselle, a reported bootlegger. Geselle’s Bar & Grill was open until 1949, when the building was sold and The Shamrock was opened. Today many pictures of the original bar are still hanging on its walls. This year The Shamrock is going to enjoy its 8th annual Tornado Bait Party. Past parties at The Shamrock have celebrated the glamour of trailer park life, the glory of tornados, and the gift of live, local music.
In 1986, the door cover was $5 per person and each band was paid only $25. This year the bands are paid a little bit more, but the door cover is still $5. However, the cover charge now includes a free pig roast, an $100 costume contest prize, and prizes for the best pool and shuffleboard players. Tournament prizes for pool and shuffleboard are $100, as well as reimbursing entry fees. In past years, The Shamrock has been dressed for destruction with police cars, fire trucks, and EMS vehicles in front of the bar with their lights flashing and sirens blaring. Inside the bar, trash and devastation were the theme, and past parties have been decorated to look like a tornado blew through the building wrecking everything in its path.
Prairie Fire Production Co. is organizing and providing the musical line up. This year Carrie Nation & the Speakeasy is one of the most anticipated groups at the Tornado Bait Party. Their toe tappin’, stand-up-rockin’ bluegrass style has allowed them to quickly become the most popular upcoming sensation since Split Lip Rayfield. Another local favorite is the Dub/Reggae/Ska sounds of Flatland Dub Club. Flatland Dub Club, or FDC, mostly plays completely original songs, but they have been known to pay homage to music greats by redoing songs in the traditional dub style. The Fast Food Junkies will be headlining the 8th annual Tornado Bait Party. The Junkies have a hard-hitting, progressive, bluegrass style that has been a local favorite for years. Other musical guests include the alternative sounds of Somber Solutions, the acoustic music of Jenny Wood, and the blues music from Ruby White and the Blues.
Later in the evening, Dave will award a $100 prize for the best costume. Past costume winners have included Tornados, Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, EMS workers, and Joe Dirt type characters. Trailer park costumes and redneck jokes are common favorites for this party.
Show up at The Shamrock around noon on Saturday, May 22nd to join Dave Strough for the 8th annual Tornado Bait Party. We will celebrate some of the best local groups Wichita has to offer, along with great food and great people. Show up in costume or with some skills and you might win $100. “Test Your Fate” at the 8th annual Tornado Bait Party.
One Response to “tornado bait party”
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Craig Ainsworth
19. May, 2010
Change to the MUSIC line up this weekend… Somber Solutions canceled but the GREAT news is that CLETUS GOT SHOT is going to take their place!!! Come out this weakened for 14hrs of GREAT music, FREE BBQ, Games and Prizes!!!