It's one of those days where he's been at the bar since 10 am. He's hoping to leave by 8 pm, but there are many nights when he doesn't leave until closing time — "It's all part of the service industry. It's my passion," he says.
The 30-year-old Viking Tavern reopened as Viking Bar & Grill nearly two years ago under new owner Troy Hardy. Barclay was hired to try new things, and a big part of that has been bringing in more live acts.
The antique beer signs, flags from around the world, 34 beers on tap and free popcorn aren't going anywhere. But when it comes to the music, Barclay wants an element of surprise — he doesn't want people to expect a certain type of demographic when they walk through the Viking's doors. Two months ago, the bar amped up the lights and sound system for the tiny corner stage. On that stage, Barclay says he wants to give bands a shot that other venues aren't necessarily interested in.
The All Age Rage formed last year as an extension of that approach.
"I wanted to showcase how music in Spokane is going," Barclay says. "I want the younger generation to see there's so much more out there to listen to locally, but also create an event parents feel safe bringing their kids to."
Last year's show only had eight bands; this time around the Viking parking lot will host 30 bands, two stages, a beer garden and even a pre-party Friday night. The plan is to have one of the stages on the front patio (after the railings are taken off), then another stage perpendicular to it in the lot.
"It's going to be like Warped Tour, where there's a band setting up while another is playing. That way, if all goes to plan, there will be no dead air," Barclay explains. ♦
All Age Rage Vol. 2 feat. the Nixon Rodeo, the Lion Oh My, Helldorado, the Fail Safe Project and more • Sat-Sun, 11:30 am-close • $10 buying from any band/$15 day of • Viking Bar & Grill • 1221 N. Stevens • vikingbarandgrill.com • 315-4547
