All Ages Venue Startup-RockTheState
Donation protected
Music Matters!
In effort to support musicians of all ages, and to inspire the next generation of Alaskan musicians, Andy Ball (RockTheState, 94.7 KZND) is opening an all ages venue in Anchorage in late 2018.
The vision for the venue is that it will be a space where kids/adults from all walks of life will be welcomed, and will feel welcome to take the stage with their music. The venue includes a permanent/dedicated backline for bands to use (if needed).
This gofundme campaign has been created in effort to raise funds for the purchase of a used, well functioning, public announcement system (PA). If/once the funds for the PA are raised, any additional monies donated will go directly towards staging/decor/furniture/promotion involved with the grand opening on the venue.
No-ongoing fundraising will be needed to keep the venue afloat once it opens.
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About the Author
Hey friends its Andy,I'd like to share a little bit of my story with you.
I moved to Alaska in April 1999. With the move to Alaska, I found myself in a foreign, cold land, without any friends or a sense of community.. until I befriended some kids in my High School, kids that were into the local music scene. I grew up with instruments all around me, and even owned a guitar since the 4th grade, but I never realized the voice, and outlet, that music gave me until I was challenged by my peers to write original music. Within months I had started a band, and started playing as many all ages shows at as many venues as possible.
I embraced the local music community, the community embraced me, and in return gave me some of the best friendships and relationships, and set the building blocks for the rest of my adult life (to date). Music changed my life, it gave me a voice, and still acts as a healthy and cathartic release for me. My goal is to make it as easy as possible for kids, teens, and young-adults to be inspired through the live performance of music.
For the rest of this message, I'm switching to a Q&A format to answer some questions that you probably have:
Q. Why do you feel the time is right to start a venue?
A. In 2018, I feel that I am uniquely positioned to support and boost the All Ages music scene in Anchorage (and beyond), by opening a small all-ages venue in the basement of a Church in town.
Anchorage currently has few options for all ages shows (Anchorage Community Works, and Church of Love). Both of these venues have their strengths and their place in the music community. I do believe that another small venue, with regular shows, on another side of town, can bring live local music to a wider audience.
My position as a radio DJ at 94.7 KZND, my relationship with promoters, my position in the local music community, and my work through the RockTheState initiative make me feel well equipped to tackle this project at this point in my life.
Q. Why a church?
A. I have graciously been offered a place to regularly hold all ages shows with an arrangement that will make it possible to keep the venue open for a foreseeable future. This arrangement bypasses the burden of renting a dedicated space, which adds to costs of doing shows for promoters and bands, and in-turn increases door prices to our local shows.
With that said, individuals and bands of all belief systems and walks of life will be able to play at the venue. It will be open to all.
Q. How big is the venue?
A. The basement holds roughly 60-70 people. It is a small space that will feel packed when sold out. But hey, it won't be too hard to sell out! Which will make for some memorable shows.
Q. What if I am unable to contribute financially?
A. No problem! There's still ways for you to support and help. We will need a street team to help with promoting events, staffing events, and you could even start helping today by sharing this gofundme campaign!
In effort to support musicians of all ages, and to inspire the next generation of Alaskan musicians, Andy Ball (RockTheState, 94.7 KZND) is opening an all ages venue in Anchorage in late 2018.
The vision for the venue is that it will be a space where kids/adults from all walks of life will be welcomed, and will feel welcome to take the stage with their music. The venue includes a permanent/dedicated backline for bands to use (if needed).
This gofundme campaign has been created in effort to raise funds for the purchase of a used, well functioning, public announcement system (PA). If/once the funds for the PA are raised, any additional monies donated will go directly towards staging/decor/furniture/promotion involved with the grand opening on the venue.
No-ongoing fundraising will be needed to keep the venue afloat once it opens.
----------
About the Author
Hey friends its Andy,I'd like to share a little bit of my story with you.
I moved to Alaska in April 1999. With the move to Alaska, I found myself in a foreign, cold land, without any friends or a sense of community.. until I befriended some kids in my High School, kids that were into the local music scene. I grew up with instruments all around me, and even owned a guitar since the 4th grade, but I never realized the voice, and outlet, that music gave me until I was challenged by my peers to write original music. Within months I had started a band, and started playing as many all ages shows at as many venues as possible.
I embraced the local music community, the community embraced me, and in return gave me some of the best friendships and relationships, and set the building blocks for the rest of my adult life (to date). Music changed my life, it gave me a voice, and still acts as a healthy and cathartic release for me. My goal is to make it as easy as possible for kids, teens, and young-adults to be inspired through the live performance of music.
For the rest of this message, I'm switching to a Q&A format to answer some questions that you probably have:
Q. Why do you feel the time is right to start a venue?
A. In 2018, I feel that I am uniquely positioned to support and boost the All Ages music scene in Anchorage (and beyond), by opening a small all-ages venue in the basement of a Church in town.
Anchorage currently has few options for all ages shows (Anchorage Community Works, and Church of Love). Both of these venues have their strengths and their place in the music community. I do believe that another small venue, with regular shows, on another side of town, can bring live local music to a wider audience.
My position as a radio DJ at 94.7 KZND, my relationship with promoters, my position in the local music community, and my work through the RockTheState initiative make me feel well equipped to tackle this project at this point in my life.
Q. Why a church?
A. I have graciously been offered a place to regularly hold all ages shows with an arrangement that will make it possible to keep the venue open for a foreseeable future. This arrangement bypasses the burden of renting a dedicated space, which adds to costs of doing shows for promoters and bands, and in-turn increases door prices to our local shows.
With that said, individuals and bands of all belief systems and walks of life will be able to play at the venue. It will be open to all.
Q. How big is the venue?
A. The basement holds roughly 60-70 people. It is a small space that will feel packed when sold out. But hey, it won't be too hard to sell out! Which will make for some memorable shows.
Q. What if I am unable to contribute financially?
A. No problem! There's still ways for you to support and help. We will need a street team to help with promoting events, staffing events, and you could even start helping today by sharing this gofundme campaign!
Organizer
Andy L Ball
Organizer
Anchorage, AK
