September was a tough month for the Viaduct, the all-ages venue in Tacoma that specializes in hosting local hardcore, metal, and punk bands. After too many expenses (including $4,000 a month rent) and too little profit, the five co-owners of the volunteer-run venue faced the difficult decision of either paying several hundred dollars each out of their own pockets or closing the Viaduct's doors.

"Everything bad that could've happened did happen," says co-owner Josh Brumley. "We had some repair work that had to be done on the venue, we were short on supplies like concessions, and instead of having a normal 12-show month, we had only nine shows booked, and two of those got canceled. And those seven shows had bummer turnouts."

But before giving up, they asked the local music scene for help on the hardcore-music message board nwhard core.com. Word spread further at the Undertow reunion show at El Corazón a couple weeks ago, when the bands praised the Viaduct for its work and urged everyone to make a donation at the merch booths.

To Brumley and his partners' surprise, the scene responded with overwhelming support... and money. And for now, he says, the Viaduct is safe.

"It was initially really bad, but thanks to the donations at the Undertow show, we pulled through. I really want to thank all those people—the volunteers and the people who sent us random donations of $20 here and there—the local music scene really came together to help us out."

You can check www.myspace.com/viaductvenue for a complete list of upcoming shows, as well as for information on how to volunteer. And if you're looking for something to do on Halloween, the Viaduct is hosting a benefit show with reunion performances from Never Looking Back, Left Alive, and more. It's $10 at the door (only $5 if you're wearing a costume), and all the money raised will go to keeping the Viaduct open.

Thurs Oct 22: Times New Viking, Herr Jazz at the Vera Project, 7:30 pm, $10/$9 with club card.

Fri Oct 23: Gossip, MEN, Champagne Champagne at Showbox at the Market, 8 pm, $20 adv/$22 DOS.

Sat Oct 24: Dan Deacon, Nuclear Power Pants, Alexis Gideon at the Vera Project, 7:30 pm, $11/$10 with club card.

Tues Oct 27: S at Sonic Boom Ballard, 7 pm, free.