Could you tell me a little about yourselves and how you got involved in the Phoenix music scene?
Stephanie & I got involved w/ the Phoenix music scene thru our work with the Fine Art (art gallery & coffee house) Community. In Phoenix many of the art galleries also host live music events, it is part of the way we are working to integrate and make strong the full spectrum of the arts in our town. Also, many of the musicians are also fine artists & vise-versa. It seems silly to have a building that we would only use ½ of the time, and to decide that only some forms of art & expression are valid.
Do you feel like the Trunk Space could exist anywhere outside of Phoenix? In other words, is the venue more a state of mind than a place of business?
That is a difficult question. We see The Trunk Space as a community resource, and an extension of our love for the arts. We have worked hard to connect with people in Phoenix, and create an extended family of like-minded people here. So, in one sense The Trunk Space--as it is--could only exist in Phoenix, but because of our love of art & music we would still be doing the same sort of work where ever we went.
How did the concept for the Trunk Space come about? How long has the space been around?
The Trunk Space has been around almost 2 years! As a concept we wanted to be a place for all forms of art. Formally, we are still discovering who we are, our love of experimental music & live entertainment has only begun to mature in the past 12 months or so. As an art space, we are realizing an affinity for folk art, and the work of ‘non-artists.’ The name came about because of our love for Vaudeville and early 1900s American entertainment. It is also meant to allude to the act of discovering an old trunk, you open it never knowing what you’ll find inside.
I know the Trunk Space caters to more experimental musicians so I wanted to know how you've managed to thrive catering to such a specific segment of the population.
We have grown to really love our place as a destination for the edgy and non-traditional arts in Phoenix. Personally, I have always loved Performance Art, and been a performer on and off for about 5 years--this think this has informed my understanding of the need for such a place, as well as the special requirements (be they aesthetic, practical, or conceptual) encountered by live performers who don’t necessarily fit the 2 guitar, drums and singer standard.
As a place, we believe The Trunk Space creates a “frame” for performance so that when people come see a show here, they sub-consciously understand they aren’t just seeing a music act, but an art, that takes the shape of a music show, or puppet act, or burlesque night, etc...
What makes Phoenix's arts scene special to you?
The thing that is most unique and exciting about Phoenix right now, is that everyone is still interested in helping everyone else out, we all have an interest in helping the whole grow. We’re ‘small’ in the sense that we all know one another, and are willing to help out when the need comes up.
Who's the most memorable live act you've ever booked?
There have been a lot...Quem Quaeritis comes to mind, who play non-string instruments from inside a pop-tent. Count Smokula, the 300-year old “Smoksilvanian Vampire” folk singer is another, Nathan Brown “The Texas Cheerleader” plays keyboards in a 70s FM lite-rock style, also deserves mention.
Some of our most memorable nights feature all-local lineups, bands like Father’s Day, Andrew Jackson Jihad, and The Rev. Dr. Steve D.F. Strange are all very memorable performers who perform at our place semi-regularly and we are proud to have worked with.
Most memorable moments in general from over the years?
Opening The Trunk Space with less then 30 days to do it still sticks as one of the most memorable. But, beyond any other, the most memorable night was not long after we first opened (before we knew what we were doing at all) when the touring folk musician Jason Webley asked to be added to a punk show last minute. These were ‘old school’ punks with mohawks and leather jackets and more spikes then a cactus. We did it begrudgingly not knowing what to expect. The show started late, and I was having trouble getting any of the acts to start or even listen to me.
Eventually after 2 heavy punk bands Jason came on stage wearing a pig mask, playing the accordion, stomping his foot loudly and barking a song over all the other racket. The crowd was...stunned into paying attention. Jason isn’t a big or assuming guys, he’s wiry and bearded in a ‘mountain man’ sort of way, but slowly, after another couple of songs and reading a fairy tail to the crowd, he had them eating out of his hand.
For his last song everyone formed a circle arm in arm and swayed back and forth singing along to a sea shanty as he stood in the middle of it all. The last band decided not to even play, because they “couldn’t top that, and would ruin the night if they tried.” It was without a doubt, the most impressive displays of showmanship, communication, and brotherhood I’ve ever seen.
Who are some local Phoenix musicians or groups you think are doing something unique and vital these days?
There so many we could mention. theshizz.org has a great community of bands, musicians and just folks who like to go to shows and it is doing great things for Phoenix. We’d also will say the same thing about the gang over at thegoodshows.com who really have there finger of the best underground music in the country, and artish.org which caters too all the arts. As far as music acts go, I’d say all the
ones we’ve mentioned plus lots and lots more.
Finally, what do you do outside of booking the Trunk Space?
Aside from The Trunk Space, Stephanie and I are also buying and restoring a house built 1926. We’re pretty involved with historic preservation and arts advocacy in Phoenix. We are also still creating art of our own: Stephanie is a professional photographer. She not only creates art pieces, but has also done a fair amount of band photography, and portraiture. I perform in an improvisational theater troupe called Catorce. Really though, most of what we do in one way or another relates back to The Trunk Space, and our goal to turn Phoenix into an arts/music destination.
Trunk Space Contact Info:
Official Site
Myspace
