In May of 1984, the newly reformed, streamlined all original Parousia moved into a rented loft at the corner of Elmwood Ave and Kenmore Ave., soon to be known to the underground music scene as “The Chamber” our exclusive practice-place, art studio, video studio and performance venue.
When we first set up shop, it was the four of us, Patt Connolly on vocals, flute and keyboards; Garth Sherwood Huels on vocals and guitar; Robert Stuart Lowden on vocals, bass and guitar and Gerry North Cannizzaro on drums. We continued with that line up for our first three shows at the Chamber in 1984, three more shows at the Plant-6 in 1985 and then one show at Broadway Joe’s, February 1986. After that, we decided it would be best to free Patt up from playing the keyboards. He was tied to one spot most of the time and couldn’t move around as much as he liked. Bill Simms, a good friend of ours and veteran band mate, offered to take over keyboard duties. Parousia became a five piece for nine more shows at the Chamber until August 1986.
Here are some photos from our initial move in to the building and its transformation into a musical and artistic studio for Parousia projects of all types.
Parousia inhabited the entire second floor of this building.
The birthplace of our most ambitious artistic musical phase.
It had ample parking making it easy for our fans to attend our concerts.
No neighbors to complain about noise. The back of the building had a lumber yard and warehouses.
Conveniently located off Kenmore Ave, it had a huge driveway – easy access for production vehicles.
Patt evoking the initial synth sounds in an industrial atmosphere, surrounded by the twisted works of artist Robert Stuart Lowden.
Patt says, are you ready to rock, 80s style?
Gerry, just a little too excited to be here. Settle down there, wild man!
Bob bringing his own style of art, bass, guitar and general mayhem to the project.
Garth says, “Let’s do this!”
Billy Simms, the fifth member to join the new Parousia in 1986
“Hey,” says Bill, “how about if I play the keyboards?”
Damn, I loved that guitar. RIP, hallowed Halifax. (Actually, I could probably resurrect it, but how to find the perfect neck?)
Juno 6 in a pile of debris, the perfect 80s “technology meets industrial degeneration” photo.
What, did you expect us to put a Zildjian out there? I don’t think so!
Flute on concrete. No words are necessary.
I can’t believe the weeds were high enough around the Chamber to get this shot of the bass.
Gotta love the “Hot” knob… and, it went to 11!
Freddie the Flute makes a celebrity cameo outside The Chamber. Thanks, H. R. Puff-n’-stuff!
Roland Juno 6 synthesizer against a cracked wall. It must mean something…
Nobody wants me (sniff, sniff).
Holy crap, I haven’t seen this in so long. I used to live in Buffalo and we would all go and party at this weird industrial attic on Kenmore Ave and these guys would be playing and they would have TVs showing weird videos and the bass player was kind of scary. I think I passed out in the parking lot once. What ever happened to that singer, he was kind of sexy, in a Bowie kind of way. I hope he’s not dead or something, I thought for sure he’d be famous by now.
Funny, I’ve always associated that corner with your band, and now I remember why. I must’ve hung there with you guys at some point