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.
