first published in NUVO newsweekly February 11, 2004
Speakeasy: Q&A with Nora Spitznogle
by: Danica Johnson
Nora Spitznogle operates Cath Inc. coffeehouse at 52nd and College.
Please explain the Underground Railroad of Musicians.
That is a phrase I’ve been using to describe how these great musicians land on our doorstep. Someone from NYC plays here, tells a friend, and suddenly we’ve got people from all over the country. We’ve been hosting singer-songwriters for about four years. We’ve gone from doing about a show a month to hosting 125 musicians last year and being a venue for the Midwest Music Summit.
Who are some of your favorite regular out-of-towners that pass through to play Cath?
Edie Carey, Joel Ackerson, Seth Horan, Trina Hamlin, danny flanigan, Amy Speace and Ripley Caine.
Favorite locals?
Joel Henderson, Stasia Demos, Otis Gibbs, Amy Lashely, Kit Malone, Middletown, Loretta
...Because the nature of the beast naturally attracts smaller crowds, have you ever considered closing the doors to musicians because it’s more trouble than it’s worth?
That is a frustration for me. We have musicians that will sell out a venue in NYC or Chicago, and bring in just a few people here. I am committed to continuing to bring great original music to Indianapolis. Every musician that has played at Cath has had a great experience. They all tell me it’s like playing in their hometown and customers always enjoy the show. That makes it worth it.
Are there advantages for artists to play in this forum rather than the Patio, etc?
Cath is a great listening room. People are there to hear the music. The acoustics are great, it’s cozy and we promise not to steam milk during the songs! They usually sell CDs and get immediate feedback from the audience.
Why are coffeehouses such a natural place for acoustic artists?
The intimacy, not competing with bar chatter, smoke and dance floors. Coffeehouses are also a place where people feel comfortable coming alone.
You don’t book a lot of metal at Cath, I would imagine.
We’d love to have an acoustic version of a metal band. There have been some local bands that will play a show at Cath so their family can see them. It’s hard to convince rock bands that people will come out to see music in the afternoon and early evening!
Are there any upcoming shows you’re especially excited about?
Anne Heaton’s Valentine’s Day show, Joel Henderson and Heidi Howe Feb. 20, Sam Shaber Feb. 28.
Please explain the Underground Railroad of Musicians.
That is a phrase I’ve been using to describe how these great musicians land on our doorstep. Someone from NYC plays here, tells a friend, and suddenly we’ve got people from all over the country. We’ve been hosting singer-songwriters for about four years. We’ve gone from doing about a show a month to hosting 125 musicians last year and being a venue for the Midwest Music Summit.
Who are some of your favorite regular out-of-towners that pass through to play Cath?
Edie Carey, Joel Ackerson, Seth Horan, Trina Hamlin, danny flanigan, Amy Speace and Ripley Caine.
Favorite locals?
Joel Henderson, Stasia Demos, Otis Gibbs, Amy Lashely, Kit Malone, Middletown, Loretta
...Because the nature of the beast naturally attracts smaller crowds, have you ever considered closing the doors to musicians because it’s more trouble than it’s worth?
That is a frustration for me. We have musicians that will sell out a venue in NYC or Chicago, and bring in just a few people here. I am committed to continuing to bring great original music to Indianapolis. Every musician that has played at Cath has had a great experience. They all tell me it’s like playing in their hometown and customers always enjoy the show. That makes it worth it.
Are there advantages for artists to play in this forum rather than the Patio, etc?
Cath is a great listening room. People are there to hear the music. The acoustics are great, it’s cozy and we promise not to steam milk during the songs! They usually sell CDs and get immediate feedback from the audience.
Why are coffeehouses such a natural place for acoustic artists?
The intimacy, not competing with bar chatter, smoke and dance floors. Coffeehouses are also a place where people feel comfortable coming alone.
You don’t book a lot of metal at Cath, I would imagine.
We’d love to have an acoustic version of a metal band. There have been some local bands that will play a show at Cath so their family can see them. It’s hard to convince rock bands that people will come out to see music in the afternoon and early evening!
Are there any upcoming shows you’re especially excited about?
Anne Heaton’s Valentine’s Day show, Joel Henderson and Heidi Howe Feb. 20, Sam Shaber Feb. 28.
