ALARM’s ongoing series exploring the best grassroots, non-traditional music venues
Name: The BFG
Founded: Fall of 2007
Location: Appleton, WI
Q&A With: BFG inhabitant, Amos (last name withheld)
What type of bands do you book?
Generally punk and all of its subgenres but really, anything we’re into. There’s also talk about screening some movies from local filmmakers on the outside wall of the house. There are actually two part time touring bands that live at the house: Tenement and Wartorn.
Why did you want to open a DIY venue?
When no one’s doing what you want to be done, do it yourself. I think we all might have some sort of passion to make an art out of the place we live as well.
What kind of crowd do you attract?
Typically, shows are attended by punks but on occasion there are neighbors and other ‘townies.’
Do you believe your venue has been an attribute to the community? If so, how?
This house is one of the few places that belong to the punk subculture in Appleton. Maybe we give back to the community by dragging kids away from import cars, pick up trucks, and radio rock as is typical with small town Wisconsin.
Have you been met with any challenges running a DIY venue?
The number one challenge we run into is informing kids with the potential to develop an interest in punk subculture. There aren’t really any spots in town where punk kids hang out so we rely on word of mouth. Another challenge is trying to get the members of the community to accept that we’re not a parasite. Most adults think we’re a house that has a lot of parties and they assume drinking and drugs are involved. We’re just trying to expose people to new music and our way of life.
Are there any musical acts or artists that have drawn a crowd or have had a significant performance?
Bands that have played here and have blown minds: Holy Shit!, Robert Sarazin Blake who performed on our kitchen table, Dark Ages and Teenage Cool Kids.
Do you have a favorite anecdote or memory you would like to share?
Favorite memories include cooking and serving breakfast and dinner for touring bands, getting to know new punk kids in town and helping neighbors with chores such as moving into their house.
What advice could you give those who are interested in opening their own venue?
Keep your chin up even if people are telling you that this dream you got crammed in your head is stupid.
What events do you have coming up?
November 15th – The Runnamucks (FL), Tenement, The Challenged (NY), Deep Shit
November 19th – Cheap Girls (MI), The Plurals (MI), The Hussy
January 6th – Sleepwall (NY), Harlequin Kid
February 9th – The Figgs (NY), Tenement
The BFG House:www.myspace.com/thebfghouse
The BFG house is magical. Hooray for the BFG.