Toad's: a hopping venue

TYLER MERTES/YH Few Yalies know that Toad's started out as a French restaurant. (Hence, the name.)

Yale is not the only legendary institution in New Haven. Toad's Place, opened in 1972, attracts concert-goers from across the Northeast to the Elm City. Although most of the bands it hosts are of the '80s has-been variety, luminaries such as Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and Guided by Voices have all headlined there in the past. This year's performances included Fishbone, They Might be Giants, Frank Black (of Pixies fame), and a secret, unadvertised Hootie and the Blowfish show.

While Toad's may lure big-name stars, the club still has a comfortable, almost cozy atmosphere. It fits 750 people, a modest space compared to other concert establishments. At a Morphine concert in October 1996, I sat on a corner of the stage, just feet from the bass player, without any problems.

The club's size makes it seem unlikely that groups like Morphine and Porno for Pyros would choose to play Toad's. But according to Stephanie Panico, director of booking and promotions at Toad's, a club's reputation means more to bands than its size. "The image of a club is usually based on how many years you've been in the business and how bands are treated," Panico said. Lach Buchanan of the Premier Talent booking agency has worked with Toad's for over ten years. "Toad's is good to deal with," he said. "As an agent, you want to get offers in a timely fashion and you want deals to be honest. They live up to that expectation."

With Sterling Memorial Library across the street and Morse College behind the club, Toad's cannot ignore Yale. As the years have passed, the two institutions have worked together many times. University President Richard Levin, GRD '74, has held awards ceremonies at Toad's Place. A definite friendship also exits between Yale students and Toad's.

Frosh shouldn't wait until the bi-annual Harvard weekend bash to check out the famed club. Whether you drop in on a whim to see a local ska band or wait until the big names grace the marquee, Toad's deserves a visit.

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