There is also a library, free school, and an art gallery open to anyone wanting to learn or be inspired. There is no cover for shows, but donations are welcome and are given to the bands.
ALARM’s ongoing series exploring the best grassroots, non-traditional music venues
Name: Universe City
Founded: 2007
Location: The University of Oklahoma residential area in Norman, Oklahoma. The venue is near the intersection of Boyd and DeBarr.
Booking contact: universecitybooking@gmail.com
Q&A with: Rai Fordyce, in charge of booking events and art-room maintenance.
What type of bands do you book?
Local and non-local rock, progressive, grindcore, ambient, folk, blues, electronic, experimental, etc.
Why did you want to open a DIY venue?
We wanted to create a free, comfortable environment for musicians and artists to show their talents to an audience willing to participate.
Is your venue grounded on any ideals?
Our venue is grounded on ideas, and the ability to show them freely.
We want people of any kind with a thinking mind to come and experience — a place to gather. Can you dig it?
What kind of crowd do you attract?
All walks on the Norman streets and some from other states.
How has the venue been an attribute to a community?
We are an outlet for the abstract and creative. One of the members of Universe City, Stephen Tyler, has gotten the house involved with the Norman Sustainability Network, Critical Mass, OnTrack, and Norman Historical Society by holding meetings inside our venue and participating.
Are there other DIYs that you have a relationship with or another DIY space you would recommend?
OKC Info Shop — it seems the others have retired.
Have you been met with any challenges running a DIY venue?
Noise complaints, clean up, and some disrespect, but it’s worth it.
Are there any significant musical acts or artists that have drawn a crowd or have had a significant performance?
Ghost Of Monkshood has always had significant shows. The lead singer, Chase Spivey, is one of the Universe City originals and the father of Open Mic. Also, the band Penny Hill always brought in a crowd when they played during our art shows.
Do you have a favorite anecdote regarding your venue?
Our Open Mic comedians keep our bellies jiggling.
Do you plan on expanding or modifying your venue in the future?
We’re not expanding since we already knocked down a wall to make more room for our audience. We modify our venue daily; it’s an old, creaky historical home. It has its downfalls (e.g. ceiling and walls), but it still has charm.
What advice could you give those who are interested in opening their own venue?
Keep an open mind; place some ground rules and goals. Keep your community posted, interested, and coming.
What events do you have coming up?
On February 5, we are welcoming a raw punk band called the Warcolas, and on the 6th, a rockin’ band called You, Coward.