The Vera Project

A Music and Arts Center, By Youth, For Youth

Tue-Fri, 2pm-6pm; Sat, 12pm-5pm

At the corner of Warren & Republican Ave. N, next to the Key Arena in Seattle Center (tucked behind the awning).

The Divisive Age

The world today is divided by age. People skip childhood to grow up and go under the scalpel to grow young again. You’re too young. You’re too old. And forget about the happy medium. Our culture is defined by ages, whether by law or etiquette there’s a proper age for everything. But at The Vera Project, the “underage” and “old” drop their ages at the door and join an organization that stands for music and freedom. Vera’s Tech Facilities Manager, Jeffery M. McNulty states, “Too many people have this misconception that ‘All Ages’ means just for underage folks. All Ages means exactly that, young and old.”

When I first heard about Vera on the radio, I figured it would be another one of those places that lured me with a promise of unique experience, and then taunted me behind a “Must be 21 or over” sign. Then I heard, “Always all ages.” Whoa! Seattle, the ghost of Velvet Elvis and Rock Candy is in our midst! I went to check the place out and was privileged to see the Fleet Foxes and The Pharmacy. Members of the audience were lounging on the speakers, sweat from the musicians nearly dripping onto the teens’ cheeks. Once the show was over, Fleet Foxes’ Robin Pecknold emerged from the backroom to linger with the crowd and chat with The Pharmacy.

While the several generations listening together to the same chords, riffs and solos of mutually favored music is refreshing, the Vera Project is especially appreciated by those labeled “underage.” I myself have the stigma. It haunts my ID and society stamps it on my forehead once I open my bedroom door. I’ve spent summers babysitting kids that made me resolve never to have children so that I could afford to buy tickets to my favorite band who, a week before the concert, announced the show was 21+. Or worse yet, Mom would say, “No way! They serve alcohol there! And they’re attached to a strip club! I know it’s an all-ages show, but there is no way you’re going to that place.” The night of the big show I’m laying on the bedroom floor listening to my favorite band’s CD on repeat while smashing the case against my head wondering why Hannah Montana seems to be the only live music performance I will ever get to witness. That, my friends, is a depressing feeling. 

By Youth, For Youth

The Vera Project is so much more than an amazing, alcohol and smoke-free show room. Venture into the rest of the Vera Project, I noticed how engaging the area really was. The radio could never actually define the true meaning standing behind this eclectic establishment. The halls covered in paper and markers dangle on strings, beckoning you: Go ahead! Paint the walls with your beliefs! After all, the Vera Project is a non-profit organization that emphasizes the importance of stretching your dreams into the public by engaging its participants and volunteers at all levels.

And you don’t just learn, you teach. The hallway continues into classrooms where you can learn silk-screening, sound engineer training, take break dance classes, community classes, and studio classes. McNulty suggests, “If we’re not doing something you think we should be doing—teaching DJ classes for example—why don’t you volunteer, become a member and get it started?”

One of your high school teachers may have tried to convince you that you were to young to teach anything, but McNulty disagrees. “This isn’t just old people teaching young people, it’s about a two-way learning environment in which we all grow together.”

Close and personal music performances, classes you can take and teach, a chance to throw your name to the rest of the world and stand out in your own colors under a single roof your parents can be glad to let you go to, or glad to come go with you. So, why not become a fan? a teacher? a learner? an artist? or a volunteer to do all of the above? The Vera Project is run by and for youth—so what are you waiting for?