Since its first show on January 27, Vera has grown to over 150 volunteers and has held several packed shows at the union hall Local 46. "Dude, it's been sweet. I want a music job someday, so volunteering has been great," said 17-year-old volunteer Justin Reynolds, struggling to hear himself over the handcuffs and punk rock jewelry dangling from his pants.
Late last November, with the help of Council Member Richard Conlin, Vera received a $25,000 start-up grant from the city ["Viva Vera!" Pat Kearney, Jan 25]. Since that time, Vera has operated within budget, while paying bands more than most private music clubs. "It's everything I've hoped for," says Vera Executive Director James Keblas, 28, who started the all-ages project from a college thesis idea. However, to keep going, Vera needs cash.
Though Vera has secured $20,000 in additional funding from the Seattle Arts Commission to run shows through the summer, winter shows are still up in the air. Grants, like the $60,000 proposal to the Paul Allen Foundation, have yet to be secured, and renting the Local 46 space is temporary.
After the upcoming show this Saturday, April 21, with the Ruby Doe and a DIY film called Magic City, Keblas and other Vera members are taking a month-long break to evaluate the all-ages project and meet with city officials to discuss additional money and long-term location options.
