Hey Thanks, Independent Local Arts Spaces

Hey Thanks, Independent Local Arts Spaces,

There’s no shortage of event spaces in Nashville — places that play host to rock shows, art shows, screenings, workshops and fundraisers. There are scores of them, from the honky-tonks of Lower Broad’s neon canyon to the concrete bowls of decades-old arenas and auditoriums. Some have sold off their naming rights to corporate interests, and some book their events through monolithic concert-promotion companies.

But it’s a different kind of arts and entertainment venue that embodies the spirit of Nashville’s independent artists. I’m talking about small community-run venues like Drkmttr, the Dickerson Pike music venue that survived a difficult move from the West Side and continues to host some of the best noise, hip-hop and punk rock shows in town. I’m talking art spaces like Wedgewood-Houston’s The Packing Plant and North Nashville’s Elephant Gallery, where emerging artists are able to show their work for the first time.

In my neck of the woods, there’s Soft Junk. To the untrained eye of a passing Gallatin Avenue motorist, it might look like nothing more than just another unit in a suite of storage spaces. In truth, Soft Junk has hosted numerous comedy shows, readings, album releases and markets over the past few months alone. Run by affable local dude-about-town Nicholas Schurman (who also owns a small record label, also called Soft Junk), the little East Nashville space with the big “HOWDYWOOD” sign out front is a haven for anyone looking to do something creative and inclusive. Delightfully peculiar reptile-themed poetry show and dance party? They had one of those last month. Performance from wonderful Uruguay-born, New York-residing singer-songwriter Juan Wauters? That was just a few days later. Book fair? Flea market? Comedy shows featuring national headliners and talented local stand-ups alike? Yes, yes and yes.

Schurman is the kind of Nashvillian who keeps Nashville weird, who reminds us that there’s no reason not to explore our full potential. He’s the kind of Nashvillian who’ll pitch you the keys and say, “Stay as long as you like, just don’t forget to lock up when you’re done.” And the best part? He’s just one of many. Soft Junk is my favorite neighborhood gathering place for art-loving weirdos, grass-smoking punks and vinyl-spinning poets, but there are many others like it.

So thank you to the people who book the local rock shows they know they won’t turn a profit on. Thank you to the tattoo shops and independent retail spots who keep the lights on after closing time for a poetry reading, comedy showcase or hip-hop cypher. Thanks for looking out for new talent, and for making your spaces something for all of us.

 —D. Patrick Rodgers

Editor-in-chief, Nashville Scene