Back to base camp

An old legend has returned to the Cape music scene.

Rick Werner, owner of the Main Street Bar, and Bob Camp have teamed up once again to reopen The Camp in Warner's bar. Away for a couple of years, Camp said he more than welcomed the opportunity to return.

"I decided this was just the right time to do it," he said. "When I left before I was frustrated with the fraternities. They would trash the place and leave me less and less time for what I wanted to do. But it's different now; more nights are available, and we can get something going."

Since returning, The Camp has had only three bands play shows -- Powdermill, Shindig (both side projects of Shady Deal band members) and Afternoon Delight -- all last weekend. However, local jam trio Fill has been hosting an old Camp favorite -- Wednesday night open mic.

"We love doing this for Bob. This place is our musical home, and that's something you have to appreciate," Fill bassist Wes Ables said. "We're just trying to get the ball rolling, and in the process we're definitely down with doing a little jamming."

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com

And after last weekend, Camp said he is optimistic about exactly where that ball is heading. According to his estimate, 150 people came out to see Powdermill and Shindig on Friday night, and now Camp hopes to build on that success with the help of local bands.

"I'm really hoping all local bands will come down here and play a show," Camp said. "Really, to keep your doors open you've got to have local bands with a fan base play at your place."

He also said that with a capacity of 299, The Camp could once again become the spot to catch touring acts.

"Only time will tell. I know right now we are testing the waters and getting the word-of-mouth going again," Camp said. "But I want to get the regional and national acts back in here, and that's always been one rough part of the business. Only half of the music club business has to do with music. The other half is courting these bands to come in."

Camp said that in spring "about a half-dozen" nonlocal bands will be brought to the venue. For now, more local bands are already scheduled to take the stage at The Camp, starting with the Futz and Fill on Friday night. Doors open at 8 p.m., music begins around 9 p.m., including a cover charge of $5.

Wednesday night open mic with Fill begins at 9:30 p.m., which Ables describes as "a straight-up, anything goes open mic."