Alternative Find: Bull City Headquarters

I tend to group venues into three categories. First there's the headache venue. These tend to be stadiums, arena's, pavilions - something with a cell phone provider's name in the title that seats more people than you will ever know in your lifetime. I tend to attend shows at these venues one, maybe twice a year. If you want to see Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Coldplay, or (insert top 40 megastar here), you're going to have to pay to park, go through security checks, spend 10 dollars on a Busch Light, and rub elbows with the weirdo's of the universe. Ergo the title "headache". Second there's the go-to venue. "OMG! (insert your favorite alternative band here) is going on tour!" if they come to North Carolina, they're probably playing at your go-to venue. Around here that's usually Cats Cradle or Local 506. On the large to medium capacity size, tickets range from 10 to 30 dollars depending on the groups mainstream status. These first two categories of venues are fairly easy to locate and visit. Their existence is common knowledge, and your local record store probably sells tickets to the show (see: School Kids, CD Alley). But what about those underground, lurking in the shadows kinds of DIY venues? The places where door is cheap, sound equipment is cheaper, but bands are more heartfelt, more in your face, and more approachable? This is the venue that I refer to as the space, and Bull City Headquarters in Durham is the ultimate when it comes to local spaces.
It's essentially just one medium sized room. The back is loaded with a bunch of bicycles, because during the day BCHQ doubles as a bike co-op (see links list to the right). There are a few random pieces of furniture, a desk area where it seems someone does "work" - but mostly it's just a big empty room. A room that is perfect for setting up a few monitors and plugging in your favorite local band. This mission statement comes from the BCHQ website:
- create an opportunity to bring together neighborhoods through events such as public lectures, lending libraries and workshops.
- foster creative expression including but not limited to performing and visual arts, music events, and gallery exhibitions.
- offer public service through an organized meeting space, a bike co-op, and a resource center.
Those of you not from the Durham area don't need to worry - the space is open to anyone who wants to participate. You can go to the website to see a list of upcoming shows. Donation runs around $5, and remember to forget the substances at home - it's a drug and booze free space.
Can't wait to see the BCHQ? The Cause A Scene! Concert Caravan is driving together to an upcoming show:
- Tuesday October 7. The Midtown Dickens (Durham female fronted folk trio), A Collective of Dirt (folk from Washington), The Hail Seizures (another Washington folk group), and you guessed it...two more folk groups from Washington!
Caravan meets at Boney Fountain at 7 pm. Sign up a) by e-mailing wsoefm@gmail.com b) putting your name on the caravan list in the wsoe lounge. We provide the cars and the fun, you bring your friends! Save money! Save gas! Save your Tuesday night!