Big Disappointment

I heard a rumour from a karaoke friend. I was going to confirm it but it's harder than I thought.

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post about an upcoming karaoke event at Overflow Brewing, which is supposed to be happening tomorrow night. Now, it seems like it's not happening.

Overflow is a great venue for music. It has a bona fide stage, complete with lighting and a great sound system. It's raised above the taproom floor so that everyone gets a great view of the performers.

They hosted a karaoke night in September and October, and at the last event they mentioned another one was scheduled for November 19. I was stoked for tomorrow—so much so that I advertised it on The Brown Knowser and told all of my karaoke friends about it.

As good a venue as Overflow is, with its decent food and great beer, it's terrible about promoting events. Every Monday, I receive a newsletter about the coming week's calendar lineup, plus announcements of upcoming live-music performances.

Yesterday, there was no mention of a karaoke night. In fact, there's not much going on at the brew pub this week.

Have they booked the venue for a private party? After all, now is the time that companies start their holiday staff parties, and Overflow has been advertising that they have available dates. Did someone book tomorrow night?

There's no way to know from their events calendar. They don't indicate one way or another what's happening in the taproom.

After learning—through one of my karaoke buddies—that another karaoke friend called Overflow to confirm the karaoke night, and that person was told that the event may be cancelled, I wanted confirmation. I was sure that the weekly newsletter would tell me what was happening this Wednesday.

It didn't.

Figuring that I would have to call the brewing company, myself, I learned that the place is closed on Mondays. I scoured their Web site but there is no mention of a karaoke event at all.

So I have to conclude that it's not happening.

In fact, when I looked at Overflow's calendar, there are only a handful of events that are scheduled. What is happening on all of those other nights?

More than a month ago—before the last karaoke night at Overflow—Kid 2 contacted me to say that her band, Sextet, was coming to Ottawa to perform for one night only. The venue: Overflow Brewing Company. The date: Friday, December 12.

Excited with this news, I announced it to the scant audience of the October karaoke night. I've been telling all of my friends and close family members.

Overflow is promoting three shows in November on their calendar and two shows in December. The December dates are the 13th and 31st. Nothing is listed for the 12th.

If I knew about the December 12 show in mid October, why is it not on their calendar?

Overflow: wake up!

If you don't have someone to stay on top of your Web site or promote events on social media, I humbly offer my services. I'm good at promoting events. Reach out to me.

I'm disappointed that I won't find out, for sure, whether karaoke night is happening tomorrow until sometime today. I'll update this post when I know, and if it is, I'll spread the word as much as I can.

(Seriously, Overflow, contact me.)