​A new direction for The New Direction

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