Las Vegas Weekly

March 13, 2009 · 12:46 PM

Candy for rock

By Deanna Rilling

Local music supporter Jamie McQuade raised money for a new all-ages venue.

Photo: Deanna Rilling

There’s nothing like the humid mugginess created by a lack of a/c to prove you’re in a makeshift all-ages music venue. At 8:15 p.m., between sets by No Bragging Rights and Ministry of Love during the Neon Reverb festival, 18 year-old Jamie McQuade was trying to raise money for a new venue. At a table covered in candy (of both the consumable kind and the plastic pony-bead bracelet variety), she explained all donations go to fund a new music venue near Washington and Main. “It’s mainly for getting kids off the streets,” said McQuade and cited the familiar stats that music helps students improve academically. She said the new venue should be open in about a month.

The Box Office (1129 S. Casino Center) doubles as an art gallery and concert venue, but with mediocre results. McQuade says The Box Office’s limited space, sub-par sound and lighting, and “No Moshing” rule doesn’t sit well with rock fans, a feeling reiterated on stage by Meg, singer for Ministry of Love. “Why isn’t anyone moving?” she asked the small group of attendees. “Oh, that’s right. There’s no moshing.”

When Destruction of a Rose hit the stage—complete with coordinated head banging amongst all band members—it took tremendous willpower for their fans to refrain from creating a wall of death. Joshua Judge Ruth, Katsumoto and Eyes Set to Kill also played Thursday evening to a limited but enthusiastic crowd. Perhaps the new space will see a larger number of supporters. Then again, it was a school night. Maybe the kids were just doing their homework.

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