New Haven Independent

Just after the first act No Jazz Tonight performed at concert Monday night, SCSU campus police dissolved the event in the university garage. The Southern student organizing the event was not in possession of a facility usage permit.

“They did not search bags, but they did check I.D.s which is standard protocol in a situation like that,” said Joe Musante, assistant director of public affairs at the University.

A few phone calls were made. Options were entertained. The new location for the show was settled on in 15 minutes.

And the music went on. Click on the play arrow for a sample.

It was another night in New Haven’s DIY (or “Do It Yourself”) music scene. From folk punk to pop punk, groups have been setting up concerts not in official commercial venues, but often right in their homes, or public spaces like the garage. The city draws musicians and listeners from throughout the state for these shows.

When the cops come or another unpredictable development occurs, the groups and the fans work together to keep the music playing. Monday night was an example.

“Everyone just keeps bailing each other out and scraping by because that’s all we can do,” said attendee Ben Wrubel. “We share common goals and ideals so we cooperate and work together to reach them in any ways possible.”

Connecticut bands Mutiny Amongst Friends, Birth of Flower and No Jazz Tonight were on the bill along with Brooklyn’s touring solo act Brook Pridemore (pictured).

Within a half hour of the shut down, members of bands began to trickle into the house where the concert was relocated. Refugee attendees blew time in the hallway, some pressed into a table crowded with free zines provided by the Elm City Infoshop as Mutiny Amongst Friends set up for its slot.

“I’ve only been there twice, but both times I’ve been I’ve felt welcomed and I’m glad the people that live there can open that up to us, even on such short notice,” said Nicole Miller of Windsor.

“Generally house shows are more enjoyable than hall or venue shows for me, and this place is close by,” said Dan Katz of The Book Slave. “[These] shows are usually great, good bands and good people, and I’ve become friends with the people that live there.”

Emily Byram tested out the sound of her floor toms, her cymbals as a New Havener took his place on the floor and those who favored standing filled the empty space in front of the band nook. Several people closed the cellar door after finishing with their cigarette break. The room settled, and Mutiny Amongst Friends began its performance.

Despite having bass, drums and a keyboard, Mutiny maintains a resonant acoustic feel to its sound, due to the lead acoustic guitar that dilutes Byram’s brisk drumming. John Longyear, a cellist in New Year’s Revolution said, “I would say acoustic shows fit the house best, whether it be a solo act or an all acoustic band. Because the performing space is confined, it makes it very easy for everybody to hear the music in the basement. Electric shows can get a little too loud and cramped with equipment.”

A mutual understanding underscores the atmosphere. Alex Krokus, half of the gypsy-folk twosome Wood Spider, spoke of “the sense of community” at the D.I.Y. shows, and said “it’s just as much of a musical experience as it is a social one — it’s a lot more encouraging than other music scenes I’ve been a part of.”

The scene runs on donations. (Pictured: John Longyear offered Alex Krokus the donation bin as he found change.) The donation bin made its rounds near the night’s end, and the contorted dollar bills it contained served as a testament to this sense of community. Wrubel explained the donation system “allows anyone entrance, regardless of their economic standing.”

For touring acts like Brook Pridemore, every donation matters.

“When I attend large ‘concerts’ where I pay $15 to a bouncer and watch bands with a huge impersonal group of strangers, I feel little connection to the music or the community — or lack thereof,” Wrubel said. “I think a large part of the attraction to DIY and basement shows is that sense of community and camaraderie.”