By: Natasha Tar
Biltmore Cabaret opens promptly at 7:30 p.m., allowing the early birds in. My friend and I are here to see Hotel Mira, formerly JPNSGRLS, performing for the first time in two years. Needless to say, I’m excited to see them and to explore the Biltmore for the first time.
Ambience: A-
I find myself in what looks like a cross between Dracula’s party lair and a hipster lounge. This isn’t necessarily bad, but it takes some time to get used to the extra dim lighting and stuffed deer heads.
Most features are red, from the wallpaper to the cushy booths. It’s quiet at first, but steadily grows louder as more people file in and the background music is turned up. Half a disco ball spins above the wooden dance floor. There are a few old-fashioned arcade games beside a photo booth in case you want something to do between sets.
Accessibility: D
There’s no ramp leading down into the venue from the front doors, so a patron in a wheelchair would have to go in another way. The men’s bathroom is clearly labeled “gents,” but the sign for the women’s washroom is so dim that I don’t see it until the end of the night. Both washrooms are clean and the women’s washroom has signage reminding you to take care of yourself and keep the space safe and inclusive (these posters aren’t present in the men’s washroom). As far as my friend and I can tell, there are no gender-neutral washrooms.
Bar service: A
The bar is adorable. Adorned with fairy lights and candles, it gives off a magical feel reflective of the alcoholic elixirs within. The bartender allows my friend to try a few beers before he settles on a citrusy one, and I get a rum and coke. Round two for me is a Long Island, which thankfully isn’t half-full of ice. Service is friendly and quick, but something to note is that they only accept cash and credit.
Nearby there’s a self-serve water “bar” which consists of a few taps and plastic cups. I think at first that this is a neat idea, but my friend points out that the cups could easily be tampered with. If you want a safe glass, I suggest emptying your own cup and holding onto it for later.
Music: A+
As soon as the first band, Whisper Disco, starts playing, everyone goes to the dance floor. If you’re the kind of person who would rather sit on a bar stool the whole night, you won’t be seeing much of the bands over people’s heads. Whisper Disco starts the night off with some fast songs, only missing a few notes. Their lead vocalist is super cute.
There’s a short break before Band of Rascals come on stage barefoot. They start with a harmonica solo which throws everyone off. They’re a little extra in general, but play a couple solid songs. It’s entertaining to watch the frontman’s eyes roll back as he drags out his “ooohs.” He breaks a string after the first song and Whisper Disco come to his rescue.
After they finish, a screen is lowered between the audience and the stage. I’m officially getting excited. A teaser trailer for Hotel Mira’s new lineup plays before the screen rises and they launch into their first song.
Vocalist Charlie Kerr of Hotel Mira looks as beautiful as ever, and I’m glad my friend and I have made it close to the front. Old fan favourites are sandwiched between new songs, and Kerr dances and sings his heart out, acting out the lyrics so everyone has a sense of what’s being sung. The new members of the band are pretty static next to him, and the drummer is inexplicably shirtless. Nevertheless they easily keep up with Kerr’s energy. When they finish, Kerr comes onto the dance floor and meets fans. Most people have left at this point, and I manage to get a hug from him.
Overall, Biltmore provided a great time for a $10 cover charge. The venue has issues with accessibility, but features reasonable prices, quirky performances, and a generally comfortable atmosphere. Grade: B+
