09/03/2017
Good afternoon,
In an effort to diffuse rumors about what happened during Nebraska Hardcore Showcase 8 (thanks, Mean Streets!), we want to start out by saying:
1. We do not know who the caller is, nor do we need to know.
2. There was no rave. Milk Run has never and would never host an actual rave.
3. Minors were not drinking alcohol or using narcotics.
The cops have been called on Milk Run before, at both the new and old location. Particularly at the new location, there has never once been a problem, just normal noise complaints, and they have never shut down a show before. In fact, they tell us to keep going. We have always been respectful with them and they with us.
So while the cops technically shut us down yesterday, the reality of our expiration at the new location falls on something totally different and out of our control. We were made aware just yesterday that we were not renting the space from who we thought we were renting from, and were instead renting from a property development company. The part of the building that is the artist workshop and venue was all supposed to be storage, and no bodies are allowed in there other than to drop off and retrieve storage items. If we were to continue having shows there, we would be trespassing.
We spent just over five months in that location and did not realize that we were not allowed to be there until yesterday. Before us, a different music collective operated out of the venue for many years. We moved into a place with halfpipes, lights, seating, benches, and a stage already built. We should have seen this news coming, but given the circumstances and the history of the building being a venue, we didn't see it coming.
What happened yesterday actually affects more than just Milk Run and the people that go to shows; it may affect the artists that rely on that space to create.
We've seen an outpouring of support in person and on social media and we're all so personally grateful for it. Milk Run is not done!
Thank you to Lookout Lounge for being the greatest hosts for the second half of the showcase. Their managers drove two hours to open their doors, set up the stage, and run the rest of the showcase perfectly and with no notice. That takes a lot of love for the music scene and Lookout Lounge is an incredible venue. We can't thank you enough.
Thanks to Brock Stephens for organizing such a large and important showcase, eight years running. Brock has been one of Milk Run's number one supporters from the very beginning and we can't thank him enough for finding a new venue last minute and working hard to make sure everything worked out. And it did!
Thanks also to Dave at Lucy's Pub for grabbing tonight's show last-minute. Dave has consistently been one of our greatest supporters and resources, as he has helped us out numerous times with shows and equipment when something falls through.
All shows will be moved until we get a new venue, and hopefully one that we're supposed to be in. Milk Run itself will not be taking on new shows until we find a new location. We did this before, and we'll gladly do it again. We appreciate your patience and support in yet another transition. We will continue to be a resource for DIY bands, local and touring. Thank you for understanding, and let us know if you have any questions.
