If you've visited the NWHardcore.com message board lately, you've no doubt read all about the unfortunate fight that broke out at the Lahar CD release show a couple weeks ago at the Paradox.
"Kids were dancing and [some were specif-cally] targeting the crowd," said show promoter Ryan Flaherty. "Someone got hit in the face, and a fight broke out as a result."
Hardcore dancing is one thing-but when someone intentionally hurts another person, that's something that Paradox can't allow to happen (nor should they). The venue's goal, after all, is to "provide a safe and hospitable environment for all-ages shows," says Flaherty.
The incident-which sent one kid to the emergency room with a bloodied face requiring a few stitches (but no serious injuries)-could've easily been a huge blow to the local hardcore scene. But the Paradox is hoping it was an isolated incident and the club is willing to continue hosting shows. They have stepped up security to enforce stricter rules, though, hoping to avoid such discord in the future.
"At the Paradox our policy has always been to ban anyone who causes a fight," explains Flaherty. "If you're intentionally inflicting harm, whether it's dancing or fighting, you're gonna get kicked out. It doesn't mean we're not gonna allow hardcore dancing, we just won't allow dancers to target the crowd."
Flaherty has been booking hardcore shows for about four years now. Since the Paradox moved into their new Ballard space in 2003, he's become the resident hardcore hero, the guy behind all those free showcases. He's a huge supporter of the local scene, as well as a fan of hardcore music (and can talk your ear off for hours about it), but he won't tolerate fighting at his shows. The reason he started booking at the Paradox in the first place was because of its appealingly safe, all-ages environment, and he's not willing to compromise that.
"I think the bar environment, with the cigarettes and alcohol, is really negative," he states. "Bars trap kids in a room where they're not allowed to leave and it's not positive or healthy. It's no place for an all-ages show."
So with the fighting incident behind them, Flaherty and the Paradox look forward to a summer full of hot hardcore action (uhh... yeah). This weekend brings us the annual NWHardcore.com benefit show starring Himsa, the Answer, Killing the Dream, Owen Hart, and the Helm. NWHardcore.com was founded by Jamund Ferguson, a 22-year-old University of Washington student. He started it five years ago in an effort to help support friends in local hardcore bands. Since then, the site has become the mecca of the hardcore scene, with show listings, news, links to tons of band pages, and a very active message board. This show will help raise money for the site, which Ferguson is paying for out-of-pocket. Bands start at 7:30 p.m. and it costs $7 at the door. And remember, if you go, NO fighting.
