Lampo

Lampo is an odd venue in an even odder location — in a barely-​fleshed out second story loft space above an office with lush picture windows. On the day we attended, the first floor space blushed with poinsettias. Lampo was unchanged.
The space hosts musicians — mostly of the avant-​garde persuasion –almost every month. They come from every corner of the globe but are united in their mission to push envelopes, even if the envelope was first stamped and mailed in 1968 (errr, I’m exaggerating, as Lampo does include younger musicians in their schedule).
Because the space is so raw, the ambient temperature reflects the seasons. In the winter wear layers, in the summer be prepared to sweat.
One sin Lampo commits — something I’ve despised since I first started attending shows in the 80s — is the junction of pretentiousness and unfriendliness in the staff. Look, if you are going to try and encourage support for less-​than-​mainstream music, and if you are going to ask me for money when you fundraise, the least you could do is be pleasant when I’m giving you my money, asking you questions, etc. I’ve been donating to your cause for a few years. I’ve asked for nothing in return except maybe a little pleasantness.