domestic vibrance
Posted on 02. Apr, 2010 by Seth in music
words > TROY R. WELLS
There’s always that one random, hand-drawn, photocopied flier for a show hanging in the window of some coffee shop or bar, with an address you did not know existed, at a place you have never heard of. Is it at some church or someone’s living room? And sometimes the answers are yes and yes. Where there is a need for a place for people to see live music and for musicians to play, sometimes the best solution is in your own home.
House shows are really nothing new, but when people are willing to open their homes for something more than just some kegger and a cover band, it becomes something a little more special. Sometimes the best and most intimate performances are the ones with just a handful of kids in someone’s front room by a band on tour that just need a place to stay and a chance to play before they are off to the next town. Georgia and Torin Andersen are a young couple in a long list of open minded and hospitable folks who want to help give people of all ages a place to experience and see music, and the unique layout of their home makes it quite easy.
The Track House, as it is called, is an old church/halfway house set in a mixed zoned neighborhood, right next to a machine shop. The house is non-descript and tucked away, giving them the opportunity to make nice with their neighbors and still create an environment for audible experience. The shows that have taken place have been in the basement, which must have been the church hall in its past life. Torin, who plays guitar in Spirit Of The Stairs, uses it for rehearsal space the rest of the time, and Georgia admits to forgetting that they even have a basement until it’s laundry day.
Now to be clear, this isn’t some place to come and party every weekend. Don’t even think to find or approach them about having your super-sweet Creed cover band play there either, brah! The Andersens aren’t looking to have this place turn into a venue. Keeping the shows somewhat infrequent, and for bands they know or people in need, makes it unique and keeps it exciting without turning into a chore and losing its luster. It’s self-policed and there is no toleration for smoking, exploring the home, or consumption of alcohol by anyone in attendance. You walk in, put some bills in the donation jar, and go downstairs. It’s 100% about the music — in the sense of it being a private party of 15 to 50 people where you can help donate to some bands on tour and have a good time.
So when you are out and about, keep your eyes and ears open. There are opportunities for music and unique experiences all over this town, not just in this one home. You just have to stay aware.
