R.I.P. Gasworks

The Gasworks was a do-it-yourself concert venue that catered to local bands and touring bands on a budget. Jake Lang opened the venue in July 2011 and said he has seen many bands come through.

“We’ve had at least, I would say, at least four shows a week for the last three and a half years,” Lang said. “It’s a lot.”

In October 2014, The Gasworks announced they were closing because the building they were located in had new owners and The Gasworks was given a month to run the venue.

“To be fair, it could’ve been worse,” Lang said. “Being a DIY venue, we could’ve been shut down for not having permits.”

The last show at The Gasworks took place on Nov. 29 and featured out-of-state bands such as Into It. Over It., Lemuria, Foxing and Gates. The small venue was nearly packed on that Saturday night.

During the show Into It. Over It. and Lemuria performed a cover of Modern English’s “I Melt With You” as a combined set. Audience members later sang to Queen’s “We Are The Champions” playing over the PA system.

As of now, Lang has no plans to open another venue … at least not yet.

“I would love to help people do something, go back to doing house shows or anyone that wants to do a small venue,” Lang said. “But I have a feeling that not doing something will drive me insane and eventually I will do something else, but for the time being there’s no plans.”

~ Photos by William Aranda