All Ages Revival: The Vera Project / Friends of Noise / Meow Meow / Semi Ok Collective / Sabonis

Episode #33: “Young people [are an] underserved population when it comes to the music industry.” That’s the point our guest Andre Middleton drives home on this week’s episode of The Future of What. In our discussion with Middleton (Friends of Noise, RACC) and Todd Fadel (The Meow Meow), we look at the logistics and pitfalls of starting and sustaining an all ages venue. Like many cities with rising rents and strict liquor laws, Portland has seen a slew of beloved all ages venues close in the last decade. Many people, young and old, still see the value in all ages venues. We talk with Claire Gunville (Semi Ok Collective) and Maya Stoner (Sabonis), both in their early twenties, about building an inclusive all ages community even without venues to turn to. The Vera Project in Seattle is often lauded for their all ages model, and their Talent Buyer Andrea Friedman gives us the low down on how they’ve survived for so long. GUESTS: Todd Fadel (Meow Meow) Andre Middleton (Friends of Noise, RACC) Andrea Friedman (The Vera Project) Claire Gunville (Semi OK Collective) Maya Stoner (Sabonis) MUSIC: Delta 5 "Mind Your Own Business" Elliott Smith "Rose Parade" Thao & Mirah "Sugar and Plastic" The Thermals "Canada"