This café exists to make a positive impact on the local, national, and global communities.

For the local community, Q Café holds weekly all-ages shows, monthly visual art exhibitions, and a variety of other events, many of which benefit the local homeless population as well as foundations such as World Aid and the Save Darfur Coalition.

For the national and global communities, organic fair-trade coffee is served and 10% of all the proceeds are donated to various non-profit organizations around the world. The café can also be rented out for personal occasions.

Name: Q Café
Founded: 2002
Location: 3223 15^th Ave., Seattle, WA 98119
Booking contact: melissa@qcafe.org
Q&A With: Melissa Cushman, Music, Art & Rental Coordinator

What type of bands do you book?

Mostly folk, rock, pop, and singer-songwriter, but we have also booked hip hop, R&B, electronic, experimental, country, Americana, and bluegrass.

Why did you want to open a DIY venue?

The staff and volunteers at Q Café have a passion for music and wanted to create an all-ages space that supports the local Seattle music scene. We feel that music and other art forms have the potential to make a positive impact on people and communities by encouraging creative expression and dialogue.

Just as the Q Café aims to support artists with its space, artists who use the Café are supporting its efforts to foster community and social change.

What kind of crowd do you attract?

The Q Café is an all-ages venue, so we see a wide range of people who come to our shows. However, our crowds do all have one thing in common: they come for the music, without all the interruptions of the typical bar and venue scene.

How has the venue been an attribute to your community?

The Q Café is a community presence. Hundreds of homeless men and women have been helped through the resources that we collect in partnership with Quest Church's To The Streets program.

Two families were given an opportunity to be placed into permanent housing [through this program]. We have raised over $10,000 for benevolent and justice causes like the Tsunami Fund, World Aid, Northwest Harvest, Save Darfur Coalition and many more.

Q Café is also committed to giving 10% of all café sales to local and global non-profit causes. The space is used by local business, neighborhood groups, study groups, churches, other nonprofits, moms groups and rented for all purposes — even weddings.

Have you been met with any challenges running a DIY venue?

Over the years, we've found that some artists who aren't familiar with our space get turned off by the idea that we are a "café," and think that our vibe won't suit a live music show. The Q Café is unique from other cafés in that it has a 238-person capacity, a large stage, and an atmosphere that goes well with a variety of music genres.

Are there any significant musical acts or artists that have drawn a crowd or have had a significant performance?

The Q Café has hosted such national artists as Tyrone Wells, Ingrid Michaelson, Nickelcreek, Chris Tomlin, Shawn McDonald, and many local artists such as Smoosh, Tiny Vipers, Grand Hallway and Hoquiam.

What advice could you give those who are interested in opening their own venue?

Anyone interested in opening their own venue needs to think carefully about whom they want their audience to be and what their venue needs to have in order to attract a particular audience.

A team of passionate and dedicated staff and volunteers is absolutely essential. A thorough understanding of the local and national music scene is also a must.

What events do you have coming up?

On February 27, we will feature local musician Noah Gunderson with Garage Voice and The Barefoot Contingent. April 24 will be a great show with national artist Josh Hoge and Curtis Peoples, Tony Lucca, and Allen Stone.

The Lollybot Collective is the first roaming DIY venue that we have featured.

Founders Matthew Pritchard and Jeffrey Nolan seek out spaces around the city to showcase various artists and performers. Their event line-ups and themes have carried out their goal of a guaranteed good — and free — time for everyone who attends.

Name: The Lollybot Collective
Founded: 2007
Location: Detroit, MI. No permanent location as of yet — still fund raising.
Booking contact: Matthew Pritchard or Jeffrey Nolan, ThePritchard@gmail.com and TheRealJeffNolan@gmail.com
Q&A With: Co-founders and Directors Matthew Pritchard & Jeff Nolan

What type of bands do you book?

We try to match the music to the theme of the show and to the space we are using. Usually it's an assortment of warehouse musicians that have sprung up since the garage-rock scene has started to fade here in Detroit. The music is always upbeat; we have no room for the melodramatic.

Why did you want to start a DIY collective?

We wanted to create a name that people would come to trust as a good (and free) time, guaranteed. We knew all these musicians and all these fabulous artists who were putting on their own shows with only mild success, so we slammed them together into one fabulous evening.

Is your collective grounded on any ideals?

The main philosophy when planning our shows is to make sure that everyone has the chance to participate. Audience participation is half the fun; thinking of different ways to get them involved beyond just dancing is key.

Also, a lot of galleries will have submission fees for the artists on top of commission, which is bullshit; everyone hates paying cover to get into shows. So there is no cover; Jeff and I pay for it all out of pocket. It is no easy task but we cross our fingers that we make our money back in donations and sales.

No one needs to profit from this; we just need to make enough to put on the next show.

What kind of crowd do you attract?

Those who have found themselves lost in their 20s, and Detroit has plenty of them.

How has the venue been an attribute to a community?

The amount of exposure that our artists have received is astounding. It's a lot easier to attract a large crowd to a concert than to an art opening. By combining the two, having quality work and music to back it up, we're getting people to go to art shows who wouldn't otherwise and attend on a regular basis to boot.

Have you been met with any challenges running a DIY venue?

Hopping from space to space for every show comes with its own set of challenges. It is by no means easy, but the payoff is always well worth it. By working under the table to manage, we get away with a lot of things that larger venues don't. We can make our own rules.

Aside from live music, do you host any other events or programs?

Music, painting, illustration, sculpture, video installation, performance, photography, poetry, and anything else that I haven't listed. We look for quality work; we have yet to turn away something based on medium.

Are there any significant musical acts or artists that have drawn a crowd or have had a significant performance?

A.Squirrel and Elephantom played our last show to a great response from the crowd. We are really excited to have Lenny Stoofy playing at our next show.

We try to pick up-and-coming musicians and artists who can use our shows as a jumping-off point. Lauren Moyer, Ed Brown, Kristina Rafalski, and Ebenezer Kling are all young artists who are gaining in popularity.

Do you have a favorite anecdote regarding your collective?

Our first show had "accidents" as its theme. Curt Greene, one of our artists, created a sculpture of intricately balanced components and requested to have it installed in the center of all the activity. It was, by its very nature, an accident waiting to happen.

The sculpture would crumble as it was bumped into, but Curt was on hand to attempt to put it back together amidst the chaos.

After it became part of the fun to watch the intricate mess fall to pieces over and over, one fed-up patron, sick of hearing the crash, took one of the key components — a bowling ball — and threw it out the 4th-floor window into the parking lot below.

As far as I'm aware, the only damage done was to the bowling ball, but we certainly learned a lot about how to better integrate audience participation into future shows.

Do you plan on opening a venue in the future?

We would love to open up a permanent location, but we're having trouble keeping ourselves afloat as it is. However, Detroit is a city full of opportunity if you know where to look, and we have keen eyes.

What advice could you give those who are interested in opening their own venue or starting a collective?

It isn't going to happen overnight. Make sure that you have the energy for all the planning and preparation. To stay relevant, you'll often end up planning multiple shows and exhibitions on top of each other.

What events do you have coming up?

Group Hug at the Garment District (unofficial show, Jan 25 – March 15), Thursday View at the 555 Gallery (unofficial show, Feb 12 – Feb 26), RESTRICTIONS on February 28 at Izzy's Raw Art Gallery (official show, closes March 13).

ALARM’s ongoing series exploring the best grassroots, non-traditional music venues

Name: Universe City
Founded: 2007
Location: The University of Oklahoma residential area in Norman, Oklahoma. The venue is near the intersection of Boyd and DeBarr.
Booking contact: universecitybooking@gmail.com
Q&A with: Rai Fordyce, in charge of booking events and art-room maintenance.

What type of bands do you book?
Local and non-local rock, progressive, grindcore, ambient, folk, blues, electronic, experimental, etc.

Why did you want to open a DIY venue?
We wanted to create a free, comfortable environment for musicians and artists to show their talents to an audience willing to participate.

Is your venue grounded on any ideals?
Our venue is grounded on ideas, and the ability to show them freely.

We want people of any kind with a thinking mind to come and experience — a place to gather. Can you dig it?

What kind of crowd do you attract?
All walks on the Norman streets and some from other states.

How has the venue been an attribute to a community?
We are an outlet for the abstract and creative. One of the members of Universe City, Stephen Tyler, has gotten the house involved with the Norman Sustainability Network, Critical Mass, OnTrack, and Norman Historical Society by holding meetings inside our venue and participating.

Are there other DIYs that you have a relationship with or another DIY space you would recommend?
OKC Info Shop — it seems the others have retired.

Have you been met with any challenges running a DIY venue?
Noise complaints, clean up, and some disrespect, but it's worth it.

Are there any significant musical acts or artists that have drawn a crowd or have had a significant performance?
Ghost Of Monkshood has always had significant shows. The lead singer, Chase Spivey, is one of the Universe City originals and the father of Open Mic. Also, the band Penny Hill always brought in a crowd when they played during our art shows.

Do you have a favorite anecdote regarding your venue?
Our Open Mic comedians keep our bellies jiggling.

Do you plan on expanding or modifying your venue in the future?
We're not expanding since we already knocked down a wall to make more room for our audience. We modify our venue daily; it's an old, creaky historical home. It has its downfalls (e.g. ceiling and walls), but it still has charm.

What advice could you give those who are interested in opening their own venue?
Keep an open mind; place some ground rules and goals. Keep your community posted, interested, and coming.

What events do you have coming up?
On February 5, we are welcoming a raw punk band called the Warcolas, and on the 6th, a rockin' band called You, Coward.

ALARM’s ongoing series exploring the best grassroots, non-traditional music venues

Name: 1919 Hemphill
Founded: 2002
Location: 1919 Hemphill, Fort Worth, TX 76109
Booking contact: Rick: rick@1919hemphill.org
Q&A With: Al, The loudmouth, website, and flyer guy and Rick, the event coordinator, guy to ask about 1919, and bad communicator.

What type of bands do you book?
Al: All kinds, but mostly DIY punk and hardcore bands.

Why did you want to open a DIY venue?
Al: Well, we didn't, but this guy Cri did. He wanted to have a DIY safe space for artists, musicians, activists — basically anyone — to call home.

What kind of crowd do you attract?
Al: Depends on the show, but mostly young people, punks, and non-punks.

How has the venue been an attribute to a community?
Rick: We are located in a kind of poor area, and we allow people to wander in and watch shows if they want. Sometimes they are drunk and rowdy and we have to tell them to leave.

We also have a room full of donated clothes and household items. People will sometimes drop donations for people outside 1919 when we're closed and it will be gone before we get there.

I was told by a neighbor once that somebody dropped off like a hundred cans of food outside of our space. It was picked through and cleaned out in less than an hour. Our neighbors (community) love us.

Have you been met with any challenges running a DIY venue?
Rick: Yes. People straight up not giving shit seems to be the main challenge. Trying to convince people that it's not just another club is kind of hard.

Al: I think it's people thinking that we're something that we aren't. We get complaints from certain aspects of the punk community that get angry at us for sticking to our ideals (i.e. DIY, no drinking or smoking at shows, not tolerating intolerance, etc.). We occasionally get accused of being PC fascists or "crusty hippies," and neither of those things are even close to true.

Aside from live music, do you host any other events or programs in your space?
Rick: We have a lot of different on-the-road acts come through. We have also hosted a freak show, a play, several film fests, some art shows, and fun skill shares / workshops.

Are there any significant musical acts or artists that have drawn a crowd or have had a significant performance?
Al: This Bike is a Pipebomb, The Bananas, An Albatross, Best Fwends, Japanther, Hot Cross, Brickfight, Matt & Kim and Iron Lung.

Rick: Kimya Dawson, Blueberry Fist, O' Pioneers, Boogdish, Can Kickers, World/Inferno Friendship Society, Surrender and Ooga Booga.

Do you have a favorite anecdote regarding your venue?
Al: Keith Morris talks a lot about boring stuff.

Rick: The night that someone went into our parking lot and smashed a bunch of people's windshields for no reason. Wait, that wasn't funny at all!

Do you plan on expanding or modifying your venue in the future?
Al: Right now we're in the process of trying to get more diverse events going on. Eventually, we'll fix the leaks too.

What advice could you give to those who are interested in opening their own venue?
Al: Don't, unless you have a person that's ready to spend about 15-20 nights out of the month doing stuff related to the venue. Also, if you are going to let people drink, then you are up for a real challenge.

Rick: Don't let anybody tell you how you should be doing things, and don't let the lack of interest get you down. It took five years for people to start going to shows that I set up.

What events do you have coming up?
Check out this link.

1919 Hemphill: www.1919hemphill.org

ALARM’s ongoing series exploring the best grassroots, non-traditional music venues

Photo courtesy of venue.

Name: The Bike Barn
Founded: 2004
Location: 547 Blackstrap Rd, Falmouth, ME 04105
Booking contact: Aaron Parker, rustic_live@yahoo.com
Q&A With: Aaron Parker, main organizer and resident.

What type of bands do you book?
Punk, hardcore, indie, folk, pop and weird…sometimes hip hop, noise and ska. Once, jazz.

Why did you want to open a DIY venue?
My friends had been setting up shows in an illegally rented space that got busted; we were without a show space, and we had this big old barn at my dad's house.

Is your venue grounded on any ideals?
Sure. DIY is the big one, but also being anti-capitalist/anarchist and sober. We would let people drink if it wasn't a hazard to losing the space, but most of the people who set up shows are sober and prefer shows without alcohol.

What kind of crowd do you attract?
Mostly the same old crowd of local punks and travelers. Occasionally, a wider audience shows up if someone outside of the punk scene is playing (Kimya Dawson, for instance).

How has the venue been an attribute to the community?
The Bike Barn has been a consistent place for a few types of music to have the chance to be heard. We also host workshops and cheap classes once in a while.

Have you been met with any challenges running a DIY venue?
Because the barn is owned by my family and is a multi-use space, there is no rent, so it's a very easy project to maintain. Of course, we have perennial problems with noise complaints, but the police department has finally given up on shutting down shows as long as they end at a reasonable hour.

Aside from live music, do you host any other events or programs in your space?
We have had video showings as well as workshops and classes, which are usually centered around gardening and sustainability.

Are there any significant musical acts or artists that have drawn a crowd or have had a significant performance?
We have only broken the 100-person mark twice. The first time was Plan-It-X Fest 2005 (a traveling festival) and the second time was when Defiance, Ohio played here…anytime Defiance, Ohio plays here, it's a good show.

Do you have a favorite anecdote regarding your venue?
This might not be the best one, but it's recent so it stands out in my head. I was at a local art festival a few months ago and a random guy approached me and my partner and asked to take our photo.

After he took some photos, we got to talking, and his first question was about where we lived. With no information other than that we live in Falmouth, he asked if we lived at the Bike Barn, and we do. I guess it's just funny because apparently, we are the only interesting thing going on in Falmouth.

Do you plan on expanding or modifying your venue in the future?
Not really. We would insulate it, but we're building a house and winter shows will probably just happen there.

What advice could you give those who are interested in opening their own venue?
Just do it. Almost any space can be a decent DIY venue. If the Bike Barn has become a known venue (in some circles), then your living room could be as well.

What events do you have coming up?
None right now. It's currently 27 degrees in the barn, so there won't be anything happening 'til the spring.

The Bike Barn: www.geocities.com/rustic_live/bikebarn.html

ALARM’s ongoing series exploring the best grassroots, non-traditional music venues

The Womyn of Detroit gather at the Trumbullplex for Womyn's Night. Photo courtesy of venue.

Name: Trumbullplex
Founded: 1993
Location: The 'D' as in Detroit. Motown. The motor shitty. 4210 Trumbull Ave, Detroit, MI 48208
Booking contact: Booking is done via e-mail and anyone in the collective who is interested will respond, otherwise we will try to get back with you to at least reply.
Q&A With: Jhone, old collective member

Why did you want to open a DIY venue?
That conversation was probably had by people who have long since moved on, but why does the current collective want to run a DIY venue? For kicks and for the kids, because rebellious rock and roll music feeds the spirit to be bad. We also want to carry on the legacy of this awesome resource we have.

Is your venue grounded on any ideals?
I would say it has a good amount of its anarchist roots intact. Mix in some youth culture, a sadomasochistic helping of trying to make decisions together, believing it is important to take control and build our local culture and community, which is a piece of a broader struggle — hell bent on hating oppression, militarism, and robot technology, and…you're getting close.

Drinking + dancing + barbeques + revolution = have some fucking fun while you're at it. That's what we believe.

What kind of crowd do you attract?
Aside from the regulars (folks who live in the houses and their friends), it really depends on the band. Shows range from small, cute, and well-behaved people to run for the hills, people who act like they're on crack and break shit. Because we host many different types of sounds; it's usually folks who know the bands, saw a rad flyer, or just love interesting new music. For the bigger shows, it's not uncommon for us to get kids from other states and countries.

How has the venue been an attribute to a community?
You mean like using the space as a meat locker, after one of the goats gets too annoying or someone runs over a deer? Or do you mean like doing legal-defense benefits and helping other collectives out? Or when we gather to dance ‘cause that's what one should do if they are trying to live a good life — especially in Detroit. Yeah, after so many years, [the venue] is central to our lives. We are not a model; we just are.

Have you been met with any challenges running a DIY venue?
Inspection threats and zoning issues from the city. The cops come and intimidate us. The fact that the space is falling apart; we had to raise over 10 grand to get a new roof. Fights, underage abuse of alcohol — did I mention all the repairs that are needed? Yeah, in the eight years I've been involved, it's always been a challenge.

Are there any significant musical acts or artists that have drawn a crowd or have had a significant performance?
Back in the day, Crudos packed it, and more recently, the Star Fucking Hipsters and Mischief Brew show was out of control. From Ida and Lungfish to Defiance Ohio and Japanther — we have definitely packed it in. Usually, the puppet shows are a good draw too. Ron Allen, the playwright, used to do some cool shit here. Oh, the memories.

Any stories you would like to share?
One time, probably about 6 years ago, we had a circus show and someone decided that it would be a good idea that if you got naked, you could get in for free (not really thinking so many people would do it). After a while, a few naked folks slipped out, and someone from the neighborhood was like, "What the hell are they up to now?"

Long story short, you should have seen the look on that cop's face. [The cops came] in the middle of the sword swallowing, which was accompanied by loud music, so I could just read his lips, saying something like, "What the fuck is…" Yeah, that was classic.

Or there was that drunken rendition of the International during a dance party after Oona and Emma died [two members of Trumbullplex who were killed in a car accident]. Anyway, it's all good times.

Do you plan on expanding or modifying your venue in the future?
Funny you should ask. This winter we are going to be building some walls and hopefully installing a new heater so we can go year round and do more art openings. And don't think we mean that bullshit "I go to a fancy school shit." Real art. Like jackets and scrap metal and shit.

What advice could you give those who are interested in opening their own venue?
Ours is so different, but consider who you will work with, like other organizations and do those organizations have money? Be fucking dead serious about it, not being about the money, but come on, you gotta either save all the time or be a non-profit. Realize that you will need money. Be inventive, do something new, get out of your comfort zone.

Trumbullplex: myspace.com/trumbullplex

Ten minutes before the Collective opened its doors for the first show. Photo courtesy of the venue.

Name: The Dayton Dirt Collective
Founded: May 2008
Location: 144 East Third Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402
Booking: www.daytondirtcollective.org
Q&A With: Founder/treasurer Nick Anderson and public relations specialist Ambir Turnpin

What type of bands do you book?
We book lots of different genres of DIY music — mostly punk rock, but we also have experimental jazz, post-rock, noise, alt. country, and acoustic — pretty much anything that sounds good.

Why did you want to open a DIY venue?
The limitations you have with booking in bars is frustrating. I don't care how much beer I can help sell; I care about the music.

Is your venue grounded on any ideals?
We started this because around Dayton there isn't anywhere for touring bands or for anyone under 21 who wants to go to a show. We want to contribute to touring bands, inspire our community and create a place where the youth is welcome.

What kind of crowd do you attract?
We thought that opening the space would have tons of 15- to 18-year-olds dying to get in and see bands. We do get some, but ironically, it is mostly people old enough to go to bars.

How has the venue been an attribute to a community?
We have had some benefit shows and were able to give some money to events such as a local Ladyfest and we [held an event] for a friend who was hit by a police truck while riding his bike. Also food drives — we work with juvenile probation officers and let the kids work in the space. And every time we are open, it gives someone an alternative to sitting around taking bong hits and playing video games.

Have you been met with any challenges running a DIY venue?
Attendance is hands down the biggest problem. As technology keeps going, it seems the desire to see actual live music or talk face to face with real live people is fading away.

Are there any significant musical acts or artists that have drawn a crowd or have had a significant performance?
Defiance, Ohio drew the biggest crowd of any touring band we have had so far. Lemuria is the first touring band to play the space twice. CJ Boyd Sexxxtet was the first and only band to play completely naked. Brody's Militia came and bled all over the floor. I thought it was amazing when we had overseas bands come to town. In our six months of being open, we've had bands from Sweden, Germany and the UK.

What advice could you give those who are interested in opening their own venue?
We decided early on that we were going to go completely legit. We didn't want to put all kinds of work into raising money to get a space to get it shut down in two months. Once you get organized, go to the city and tell them what you are doing.

Be upfront with everyone: landlords, police, neighbors. You'd be surprised how supportive people can be. Always use the words "art space." "Music venue" scares the shit out of people. But let them know there is going to be music.

Try not to get frustrated when people don't come. Set low expectations. Be happy if 20 people come. Don't take donations at the door for entry! People will not pay if they know they can get out of it. I know — it's not punk, right? Well, get rid of that attitude right now. Being "punk" isn't going to pay the rent. Then your space will close down and you'll be back to sitting on your porch complaining and drinking shitty malt liquor.

What events do you have coming up?
We have great touring bands coming: La Armada, Off With Their Heads, Bomb the Music Industry, Runnamucks, Finisher, Lord Mantis, Foul Stench, Brother Von Doom, Half Gorilla, Daisycutter, Landlord, plus more.

The Dayton Dirt Collective: www.daytondirtcollective.org and www.myspace.com/daytondirtcollective

Name: Rererato
Founded: May 2007
Location: 5135 NE 42nd Ave. Portland, OR 97218 (a few blocks east of the Alberta Arts District)
Booking contact: Adam Keller / Stephanie SImek
info@rererato.com
Q&A With: Adam Keller and Stephanie SImek: founders, booking, coordinating, curating art shows, webmasters (they do it all).

What type of bands do you book?
About 80% local, 20% touring acts. A majority of the shows are experimental/sound/noise acts…with the occasional show of more traditional song-writing acts.

Why did you want to open a DIY venue?
We had recently moved to Portland and wanted to connect with local artists and musicians, and we thought that this was the best way to do so. The space we moved into is perfect for running events like this, and the landlord was also very supportive.

Is your venue grounded on any ideals?
Our goal is to provide a place for artists to share their work with the community — something outside of the bar scene capable of admitting all ages.

What kind of crowd do you attract?
It's a mix of people, age differences, backgrounds, etc. Most of the people who come to shows are here to experience music, so there is a lot of respect for the artists during their sets. It's not a party house, though we do have a lot of fun!

How has the venue been an attribute to a community?
We are in an area of town that is mainly residential, so it adds a bit of life to the community. A while back, we had some zoning issues with the city, and someone started a letter-writing campaign, which brought out many hopeful and encouraging e-mails.

Aside from live music, do you host any other events or programs in your space?
Art openings. We also have hosted community theater, a film festival, and figure-drawing classes, as well as hosting RereratoTV events, an online TV show with performances, music, etc.

Are there any significant musical acts or artists that have drawn a crowd or have had a significant performance?
Biggest shows: Lucky Dragons, Tripper Dungan shadow puppet show, Lake and Desolation Wilderness, Adventure and Future Islands, Paper Rad side project Extreme Animals, Elmapi and Matterlink from Paris.

What advice could you give those who are interested in opening their own venue?
It can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also take a lot of time. It should be a labor of love. We found most of the bands on MySpace. Many of the touring bands found us through myspace.com/dodiyusa or dodiyusa.org.

Rererato: rererato.com
Rererato at MySpace: myspace.com/rererato

ALARM’s ongoing series exploring the best grassroots, non-traditional music venues

Defiance, Ohio engages with the audience. Photo by: Ben Grad

Name: WonderRoot Community Arts Center
Year Founded: 2004
Location: 982 Memorial Dr. Atlanta, GA 30316
Booking contact: Booking@wonderroot.org
Q&A With: Witt Wisebram, co-executive director / co-founder

What type of bands do you book?
We try to keep the programming at WonderRoot as diverse as possible. We have had everything from Hip-Hop to metal to dance performances. We are always open to any ideas on how our performance space can be used.

Why did you want to open a DIY venue?
We wanted to incorporate a performance space into our community arts center, because we felt that it was important for Atlanta to have a place that bands just starting out and touring bands that don't have much of a draw in Atlanta would feel comfortable performing at. Our venue has the same feeling of a house show but we try to provide decent gear that would be expected at more of a traditional venue.

Is your venue grounded on any ideals?
We really believe that all types of artists have the ability to change the world. It is important to offer a space that allows all artists to have their voices heard, not just the ones that are good at "music business." We also believe that it is important to give the community access to new and exciting art and music, and that is why we keep shows to $5 and under (with a policy of never turning anyone away) and are one of the only all-ages venues left in Atlanta.

How has the venue been an attribute to a community?
Besides from just being a music venue, we provide the community with all sorts of art production resources such as a recording studio, a dark room, a computer lab, an art gallery, a ceramics studio, and classroom space. We believe that it is important to offer the tools and the space for people in our community to express themselves creatively.

Aside from live music, do you host any other events or programs in your space?
During the day we have workshops open to the community on all sorts of art production. We also let community groups use our space for meetings. We have had a lot of different types of events in our venue space besides music, such as dance performances, collaborative art nights, author readings and movie screenings.

Are there any significant musical acts or artists that have drawn a crowd or have had a significant performance?
The biggest turnouts that we have had have been for Defiance, Ohio, Jeffrey Lewis and the Jackals, Nana Grizol, Andrew Jackson Jihad, Hope for a Golden Summer, Best Friends Forever, and The Terrordactyls.

What advice could you give those who are interested in opening their own venue?
I would say to go for it… it has been the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life. It is important to find a good balance between planning and accepting the unexpected. It is good to have a solid foundation, but really it is important to follow your heart and instincts as well.

What events do you have coming up?
We have some really cool events coming up. We have the Gadabout Traveling Film Festival with great DIY films and art by the Just Seeds CO-OP and music by Halo Fauna. We have some really great art shows coming up including one curated by an amazing local artist Mike Germon on behalf of the local Thoughtmarker Blog.

WonderRoot: www.wonderroot.org
www.myspace.com/wonderroot

Photo courtesy of venue

Name: 591 55th Street and/or The Basement
Founded: 2008
Location: 591 55th Street West New York, NJ 07093
Booking Contact: Damian Chacon
Phone: (201)-430-6530
E-mail: astrophilandstella@hotmail.com
AIM : dmans hodega
Q&A With: Damian, renter of The Basement

What type of bands do you book?
Punk/screamo/emo/indie/post-rock/progressive/experimental bands-basically energetic, entertaining, creative music!

Why did you want to open a DIY venue?
Being in a band and hating promoters, hating having to drive half hour to an hour to play a decent venue, boredom- the usual.

Is your venue grounded on any ideals?
Not specifically. We don't preach anything but we're not really a straightedge/christcore loving group, not quite an anarchist collective or anything like that but, we are totally cool with that scene.

How has the venue been an attribute to a community?
It's strengthened the bond between bands that wouldn't necessarily be good friends.

Are there other DIYs that you have a relationship with or another DIY space you would recommend?
6862 Weymouth Road in Mays Landing, New Jersey and 420 Main Street in Sayreville, New Jersey

Have you been met with any challenges running a DIY venue?
More space is the main issue, sometimes more kids come than can fit

Are there any significant musical acts or artists that have drawn a crowd or have had a significant performance?
Most of the bands that have played here have claimed to have played their best show so, I don't know. We are hosting a touring band from New Zealand (Bang Bang Eche); I guess so far that's our biggest accomplishment.

Do you have a favorite anecdote you would like to share?
This kid face planted into our drummer's cymbals but he's a black belt so we laughed with him, ya know…

Do you plan on expanding or modifying your venue in the future?
We're hoping to knock down all the walls between the live music room and my roomate's room and make the space a lot bigger (approximately 50X50) when we move upstairs in the next year or so.

What advice could you give those who are interested in opening their own venue?
Be careful. Watch for too many kids drinking, stop any fights or make sure they take place far from the venue. Be good to the bands and the kids and you should have a great time.

What events do you have coming up?
12/26/08 BAD MASK, Ezra Joyce, Astrophel and Stella
01/02/08 Everyone Everywhere, Rumi, Jellybean Fiasco, Astrophel and Stella, Test Dream

591 55th Street: myspace.com/basementnj