Hello Alamo!
As you all know by now, Rebel Performing Arts and the amazing theatre nerds in it have my heart. They put together a performance of my favorite musical ever a few years ago, Rent, and I’ve been ride or die for all of them since. We’ll get to them in part 2 next week.
Due to scheduling conflicts with their regular venue, this month’s revue show will be at Creo Arts, and it’s actually a really nice space!
Neil Buckland used to have his own media studio in Seattle. About 2 summers ago, he got the idea to craft a space for himself and others that allowed for creativity beyond the middle school classroom he found himself in.
As part of sharing his years of knowledge, he wants to eventually teach his students to run the equipment behind-the-scenes of every event this space does host.
The few rehearsals I spent there, Buckland told me about his hopes for what this space would turn into: a recording studio for podcasts and video media, a place to host spoken word and poetry nights, a venue to stage regular plays and variety shows (largely thanks to realizing its capacity for Rebel’s show), and a possibility I am especially excited about: tea ceremonies!
Buckland also used to host parties in Seattle in which he would source artisinal teas and talk about the history of the different blends while guests enjoyed samples.
Currently at Creo Arts, karaoke takes place every Friday from 8 to 11pm, which is great; I love singing badly (and playing Uno in-between sets). However, during karaoke, Buckland already serves hot teas. 2 Fridays ago, I had the best oolong I’ve had in my entire life. He’s also hoping to expand his menu to include tea-based mocktails and pastries in a partnership with a local bakery by mid-May.
Another reason I personally took to this venue hard enough to necessitate its own post is that it’s a sober space: alcohol-, drug-, and smoke free. I know plenty of people need liquid courage to get up and sing in front of other people, but I’m looking forward to having a weekly hangout spot to relax, sing and celebrate my nostalgiac 90s-00s music (I feel bad for you if you missed my 2 breathless renditions of Motion City Soundtrack), and not have to worry about justifying my sobriety or safety from impaired people. And hopefully, down the line, more folks can feel comfortable enough to just focus on having fun without the need to imbibe first.
I think there’s a lot of value in bringing your own experiences to create the kind of space you want to be in, and that’s exactly what Neil Buckland has brought to our community!
I desperately needed a break last week, but I hope to see you there Friday night! Remember the $5 fun fee.
Creo Arts is located at 2723 N. Florida Avenue.
Salud!
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