From the Apr 14 – Apr 20, 2005 issue

Music

UNDERAGE

by Megan Seling

Though they've been hosting shows since last October, until last weekend I had never visited the L.A.B., the Seattle Drum School's all-ages venue. But last Friday, I was happily whisked back to my high-school years of pop punk shows in grange halls and community centers. I walked into the small room to find the modest crowd of young teens skanking to a slightly sloppy but heartfelt cover of Operation Ivy's "Knowledge." I couldn't help but smile.

The groundwork for the L.A.B. (an acronym for the Little Auditorium in the Back) was laid last spring after an auto-body shop behind the Seattle Drum School moved across the street, leaving behind a 2,550 square-foot space. Steve Smith, owner of SDS, eagerly seized the opportunity to expand.

"I've been longing for a full-blown performance hall at the school for years," he says. "We've had a couple of smaller rooms that have worked well for small concerts, but we've completely outgrown them."

After seven months of labor, the L.A.B. was up and running.

"Seattle can certainly benefit from another nonsmoking, nondrinking all-ages venue," says Smith. "Especially one where the attention to acoustics and quality of sound has been a priority from the very start."

The vibe at the L.A.B. is laid back. A small light rig lights the stage and a couple throw rugs cover the concrete floor. In the back, there's a small balcony with several rows of chairs--that's where a few supportive parents hung out the night of my visit.

"I think it's important for those musicians who may feel a little timid or insecure about where they're at musically to have a safe, inspiring haven in which to explore and fine-tune their craft," says Smith. "You don't have to be a 'happening' band or have a substantial draw to play here, you just have to set up a show."

The L.A.B. welcomes every genre, from jazz to death metal. And not only does it offer the opportunity for young bands to get in front of a crowd but it also gives them a CD of the evening's performance, a huge deal to a young band without the means to create a recording of their music.

"The opportunity to get a high-quality multi-tracked recording of your show for free is pretty rare," says Smith. "Several younger bands who've played here have gotten shows at other more established venues using demos that we recorded."

It's a lot of hard work, but Smith says the payoff is worth it.

"I love that I've been able to add a great-sounding, comfortable, and intimate auditorium to my place," he says with a smile. "I've met more musicians and heard more great live music in the last six months that I have in the last six years."

If you're interested in booking a show at the L.A.B., you can send demos to the L.A.B. c/o Seattle Drum School, 12510 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125. The e-mail is seadrumscl@aol.com. MEGAN SELING

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