Tracker Pixel for Entry

​A new direction for The New Direction

Music | September 21st, 2016

High Plains Reader: What-all is planned for the last show at TND?

Jack Stenerson: For the last show, we’re having 14 bands play over two days. We knew we couldn’t fit all of the bands in one day so it made the most sense to split it up. The first day is more of a mixed genre show, ranging from acoustic, to pop punk, to indie, to hardcore.

Day two is an all-hardcore show. We thought that would be fitting because that’s the genre that is most deeply rooted in the venue. Our first show was a hardcore show and a lot of the biggest shows throughout the years have been hardcore as well. In addition to music, we will be having our final “punk rock garage sale” before the day two show. This has become a tradition for us, where everyone is invited to bring their old records, CDs, band merch, pretty much anything music-related, to sell or trade with others.

HPR: Was it difficult choosing who would play the last gig--and how did you choose?

JS: It was difficult in the aspect of there were so many bands that I would have loved to have, but it wasn’t at the same time in that there was a small handful of bands that I knew had to play. Out of that handful, all but one was able to make it happen. We have four bands that have broken up reuniting to play these shows, three Fargo hardcore bands (Raw Dog, Lost Cause, Life Won’t Wait) as well as one of the most popular bands from the twin cities called Molly’s Worst Enemy. Molly’s had originally said no when I asked them but a twitter campaign started to have them play and it completely blew up. They ended up making it work because of that.

The band that I am most excited about playing is Life Won’t Wait. They were a huge part of Fargo hardcore when the venue started and actually played the first set ever at TND. It is so fitting that they will be playing the last ever set as well.

HPR: What were some of your favorite nights at TND--what was the most memorable?

JS:This is such a big question. All of them? There have been so many amazing moments over the past five and a half years. They don’t even have to be the big shows.

One time I booked Greg Bennick, the vocalist of the hardcore band Trial, on his spoken word tour and the show completely bombed. I think 6 people paid if I remember correctly. Anyway, his set was one of the most inspirational things I’ve ever heard. He has been around the world so many times with Trial and he said more than once that TND was one of the coolest venues he’s seen. That really meant a lot to me.

If I had to pick one, it would probably be the Balance and Composure show back in April 2015. If you are remotely familiar with underground rock or punk you have probably heard of this band. This is the type of band that plays 500-1000 cap venues in bigger cities, and they came to play our little space.

They walked in and immediately loved the place. They said they never get to play spots like that anymore. Long story short, the show was insane and is in the top five for most-attended shows we’ve had. The coolest part was their tour manager saying that was the most fun he’s ever had at a Balance and Composure show.

HPR: What did you learn the most from running your own venue?

JS: I learned that there is a big difference between being a promoter and a business owner. We started having to worry about paying rent, utilities, taxes, upkeep of the space, and tons of little things we never expected. I’ve really learned what works and what doesn’t when it comes to promoting shows too.

This is a really hard question. Ultimately, I learned that even though you are running a cool space with bands playing and friends hanging out, at the end of the day it is a business and you have to treat it like one. You have to make sure you are professional in all of your interactions because if you don’t, it will reflect poorly on the venue.

HPR: Do you have plans to book more shows in the future?

JS: I do still want to book shows. I’ve been doing it for 10 years so at this point it’s part of me. As for how many and how often, I’d like to keep it to one to two per month. This way it leaves room for the younger kids to start booking the local shows. When I was in high school most of the promoters were 18-22 years old. I’m 26 and still doing it, so I think it’s time for the younger kids to start getting more involved and grow the scene in their own way.

That being said, if a bunch of really cool tours are offered to me in the same month, it would be really hard for me to say no.

HPR: Is there anything else you would be willing to add?

JS: I do most of the interviews for the space, but it is in no way just me that runs it. Besides me, there are currently nine others that volunteer their time to help the space function. Some book shows, some run sound, some handle social media, we all collaborate and have worked to make this space what it is. I think we have really exceeded our original goal to have a place to book shows. We have become a home for so many people and musicians. We have been told by multiple bands that it is the coolest place they have ever played. One even said “we’re so excited to finally be able to play the most iconic venue in the midwest.” That is something I will never forget.

IF YOU GO:

Final shows at TND

September 23 and 24, 6-11pm

14 Roberts St N, Fargo

Recently in:

By Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.comArea children ages 10 and over are invited to join the Fargo-Moorhead Science Museum to explore how rivers work at two Fargo Public Library locations this summer. Stream Table Workshops will…

Back-to-school season is on the horizon, but there's still plenty of summer left. Check out our favorite August attractions and events in North Dakota and western Minnesota. And if if you missed them, here are a few excellent May…

Friday, July 25, doors at 8:30 p.m.Aquarium above Dempsey’s, 226 N. Broadway, Fargo"This is what you need to know about Daikaiju,” said Kelly Weidman. “They're loud. They're all instrumental (duh). And they're the band to see…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.com On July fourth, Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest took place at Coney Island. The winners, Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo, reigned victorious. Chestnut earned his 17th title by…

By Ed Raymond fargogadfly@gmail.comThere might be room for Trump on Mount Rushmore after allDuring King Donald’s first term he told Kristi Noem, then a congresswoman and now his secretary of homeland security, his dream was to be…

By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.com Holiday wine shopping shouldn’t have to be complicated. But unfortunately it can cause unneeded anxiety due to an overabundance of choices. Don’t fret my friends, we once again have you covered…

By Rick Gion and Simone Wairickgion@gmail.com The Red River Market returned to downtown Fargo on Saturday, July 12. The event will take place every Saturday except July 19. (That date will be moved to Sunday, July 20, due to the…

By Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.comThe Moorhead Public Library will offer three free, all-ages outdoor concerts featuring regional bands this summer. The series begins on June 12 with the Meat Rabbits, a group that blends…

By Greg Carlsongregcarlson1@gmail.comAri Aster’s political satire “Eddington” premiered in competition for the Palme d’Or at Cannes in May, where Jafar Panahi’s “It Was Just an Accident” received the prize. A…

Press ReleaseTouchmark at Harwood Groves will host a special artist reception featuring renowned glass artist Jon Offutt on Tuesday, July 29, at 2:00 p.m. in the community’s auditorium. The event celebrates Offutt’s temporary…

By John Showalterjohn.d.showalter@gmail.comPhoto by Yvonne Denault There is something intimate and personal about plays. Even in our age of multimillion dollar Hollywood productions and droves of streaming services, watching actors…

By Annie Prafckeannieprafcke@gmail.com AUSTIN, Texas – As a Chinese-American, connecting to my culture through food is essential, and no dish brings me back to my mother’s kitchen quite like hotdish. Yes, you heard me right –…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comNew Jamestown Brewery Serves up Local FlavorThere’s something delicious brewing out here on the prairie and it just so happens to be the newest brewery west of the Red River and east of the…

The drug that keeps re-purposing itselfBy Ellie Liveranieli.liverani.ra@gmail.com There is a drug that is getting a lot of attention nowadays all over the world. It has various commercial names (Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus), but…

By Alicia Underlee NelsonProtests against President Trump’s policies and the cuts made by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are planned across North Dakota and western Minnesota Friday, April 4 and…

By Vern Thompsonvern.thompson@rocketmail.com Working in the Bakken oil fields of the Williston Basin is so different from my home in Fargo. I'm not judging, because the people working and living in western North Dakota are very…