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