I spent the next 10 minutes standing and scribbling in my notebook, then Justin joined me again. The shy, polite 25-year-old voiced his friends' concerns about giving out the address and ruining the good thing they have going by bringing in too many people or the police. But I wasn't there to blow a "punk rock secret," I just wanted to make it more accessible to those who would care. Having recently been 17 myself, I know that one way to see a cheap, and usually good, show is to visit local basements. Nowadays when I talk to kids at shows, many of them don't know that places like the Flophaus exist. Hidden on a quiet side street in West Seattle, this particular basement is a small space with a concrete floor, a water heater, and the lingering smell of old house and sweat.
With some help from friends and the other roommates, Justin has been welcoming bands to the Flophaus since September. The name was inspired by a conversation Justin and his roommates had with their landlord.
"Originally our landlord was really unhappy with us, because she didn't like us having very little furniture and having bands play here. She said, 'I'm not going to turn this into a flop house!'"
After some negotiating, and assurances that bands and a house show don't always equal drugs and property damage, the Flophaus was born.
"A lot of bands coming from out of town need a place to play," says Justin, "and it's really hard for a band to get into most of the local clubs. Also, it's just something that I enjoy doing."
When local bands play, admission to the Flophaus is free. When touring bands play, admission is a couple of bucks, with all the money going directly to the band to help out with touring expenses. On Saturday, March 23, the show included Saccari from Olympia, Ahisma from Portland, and Witness Protection Program and Three Inches of Blood, both from Vancouver, BC--all for only three bucks a head. Saccari and Witness Protection Program alone were worth the small charge.
The Flophaus will soon be relocating, to a space next door to their current location. With a more supportive landlord owning their future property, the Flophaus will survive, so grab a flyer or e-mail for directions (flophaus@hotmail.com) and check out an upcoming show. Just don't tell them I sent you. MEGAN SELING
