ALARM’s ongoing series exploring the best grassroots, non-traditional music venues
Name: Trumbullplex
Founded: 1993
Location: The ‘D’ as in Detroit. Motown. The motor shitty. 4210 Trumbull Ave, Detroit, MI 48208
Booking contact: Booking is done via e-mail and anyone in the collective who is interested will respond, otherwise we will try to get back with you to at least reply.
Q&A With: Jhone, old collective member
Why did you want to open a DIY venue?
That conversation was probably had by people who have long since moved on, but why does the current collective want to run a DIY venue? For kicks and for the kids, because rebellious rock and roll music feeds the spirit to be bad. We also want to carry on the legacy of this awesome resource we have.
Is your venue grounded on any ideals?
I would say it has a good amount of its anarchist roots intact. Mix in some youth culture, a sadomasochistic helping of trying to make decisions together, believing it is important to take control and build our local culture and community, which is a piece of a broader struggle — hell bent on hating oppression, militarism, and robot technology, and…you’re getting close.
Drinking + dancing + barbeques + revolution = have some fucking fun while you’re at it. That’s what we believe.
What kind of crowd do you attract?
Aside from the regulars (folks who live in the houses and their friends), it really depends on the band. Shows range from small, cute, and well-behaved people to run for the hills, people who act like they’re on crack and break shit. Because we host many different types of sounds; it’s usually folks who know the bands, saw a rad flyer, or just love interesting new music. For the bigger shows, it’s not uncommon for us to get kids from other states and countries.
How has the venue been an attribute to a community?
You mean like using the space as a meat locker, after one of the goats gets too annoying or someone runs over a deer? Or do you mean like doing legal-defense benefits and helping other collectives out? Or when we gather to dance ‘cause that’s what one should do if they are trying to live a good life — especially in Detroit. Yeah, after so many years, [the venue] is central to our lives. We are not a model; we just are.
Have you been met with any challenges running a DIY venue?
Inspection threats and zoning issues from the city. The cops come and intimidate us. The fact that the space is falling apart; we had to raise over 10 grand to get a new roof. Fights, underage abuse of alcohol — did I mention all the repairs that are needed? Yeah, in the eight years I’ve been involved, it’s always been a challenge.
Are there any significant musical acts or artists that have drawn a crowd or have had a significant performance?
Back in the day, Crudos packed it, and more recently, the Star Fucking Hipsters and Mischief Brew show was out of control. From Ida and Lungfish to Defiance Ohio and Japanther — we have definitely packed it in. Usually, the puppet shows are a good draw too. Ron Allen, the playwright, used to do some cool shit here. Oh, the memories.
Any stories you would like to share?
One time, probably about 6 years ago, we had a circus show and someone decided that it would be a good idea that if you got naked, you could get in for free (not really thinking so many people would do it). After a while, a few naked folks slipped out, and someone from the neighborhood was like, “What the hell are they up to now?”
Long story short, you should have seen the look on that cop’s face. [The cops came] in the middle of the sword swallowing, which was accompanied by loud music, so I could just read his lips, saying something like, “What the fuck is…” Yeah, that was classic.
Or there was that drunken rendition of the International during a dance party after Oona and Emma died [two members of Trumbullplex who were killed in a car accident]. Anyway, it’s all good times.
Do you plan on expanding or modifying your venue in the future?
Funny you should ask. This winter we are going to be building some walls and hopefully installing a new heater so we can go year round and do more art openings. And don’t think we mean that bullshit “I go to a fancy school shit.” Real art. Like jackets and scrap metal and shit.
What advice could you give those who are interested in opening their own venue?
Ours is so different, but consider who you will work with, like other organizations and do those organizations have money? Be fucking dead serious about it, not being about the money, but come on, you gotta either save all the time or be a non-profit. Realize that you will need money. Be inventive, do something new, get out of your comfort zone.
Trumbullplex: myspace.com/trumbullplex