Five Bucks at the Door is a new documentary about a small venue in a town that I have never been to, but I feel like I grew up next to.
Crocks N Rolls was located in the isolated Northern Ontario town of Thunder Bay. A new version of it exists today, but the film focuses on the original venue that had its heyday during the indie rock scene of the mid-’80s to mid-’90s.
It’s owner, Frank Loffredo, is a talented organizer and businessman who had a few options when he was getting started. He could have set “Crocks” up as a family restaurant with a better reliable income. Or move to a city where the chances were greater to work on a big stage. But he stayed in Thunder Bay.
He spotted a need for the touring musicians who were traveling through Thunder Bay as they headed up from Southern Ontario to the prairies in the west. T-Bay is 11 hours out of Sudbury, with another 8 to go before arriving in Winnipeg, so they needed a place to stay and perform. He made Crocks N Rolls just that.
And it wasn’t only for the high profile artists. Frank booked the struggling bands, the up and comers, the ones who still needed to work out the kinks. He understood the process and enjoyed hearing how much they improved when he would book them again. Even if the crowd was small and only a few beers were sold, he would book them again.
Frank’s approach to the business meant a lot to the people who would see these shows as well. The film’s director, Kirsten Kosloski not only shares her experiences at “Crocks”, but the pre-internet struggle of finding new music in an isolated town. Of trying to fit the taping of late-night radio shows and LPs from neighbors in with a regular day to schooling.

My teen years in the ’90s were spent in Sudbury, Ontario pretty much doing the same, and we had it only half as bad as Thunder Bay. We had our “Crocks”, The Townhouse Tavern (which everyone shorted to “The Townhouse”) and lived four to five hours away from a big city. So I was able to connect with this movie very easily.
But Kosloski does an excellent job making her story relatable to anyone. Crocks is described in the documentary as an oasis for music lovers who were surrounded by blue-collar, hockey lovers. When you discovered it, you found a place where you can be yourself. And who doesn’t want to find a place where you can be yourself? #MarsApproved
And don’t just take my word for it! Check out Super Deke’s review right here and Mike Ladano’s review right here!
And hopefully, you have read this sooner than later because you have until the 20th to stream the movie for free right here!
Anybody who likes rock and roll should check out this film. Frank just makes me wanna travel up to the Bay and drink it all in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Our first post-COVID19 road trip!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Deke is coming here for Sausagefest in a few years!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It feels like you say that every year…
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s how excited I am! When he retires, he promised he’s coming down for it. Which means you have to as well. LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome review and story Kev. I sent this to Frank and I know he will forward it to Kirsten as well. This is a grassroots doc and it’s really awesome to see you and Mikey jump on board with the reviews and spreading the word!
Awesome Stuff Pal!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Deke! It is a great doc and I hope more people get to watch it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aweosme to see how it resonated with you as well. Thats the best thing as you can be from Tbay, Sudbury, North Bay and get it. You got it man! Awesome.
LikeLike
Thank you so much for the wonderful review of our movie — it feels great to have such incredible support from a community of music lovers. Also, I LOVED that you wrote about how the story is universal — and even if you didn’t “go to Crocks” that love for hometown live music venues is a common experience. That was my hope when making the film — that people could relate and remember how transformative music and community can be especially in ones youth. Thank you again for your awesome review — it made my day!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeah, you guys nailed it. Weaving Frank and Kirsten’s stories together was a perfect way to go about it. Really enjoyed it!
LikeLike
Three reviews from three different people. Organising Time on the weekend to watch it and I’m not from Thunder Bay
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yas, watch it! I think you should still be able to relate to it like I was.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love these slices of music history. Keeps it in perspective for me.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeah, it is a reminder of how easily accessible the internet has made media today and to not take it for granted.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice one, Kevin – excellent closing rhetorical question!
LikeLiked by 1 person