Brooklyn DIY venues just can’t catch a break lately. Back in July, $15,000 worth of audio equipment was stolen from Silent Barn in Queens, and now Brooklyn Vegan reports that earlier this month GlassLands Gallery in Williamsburg was also robbed. According to a statement from the gallery, “On Tuesday Aug 2nd at 2am GlassLands and practice spaces were robbed. Thousands of dollars worth of sound equipment was stolen and damaged. […] It breaks our hearts that after 5 years of being in the same space something like this would happen in our community.”
The venue is asking that donations be made via PayPal from anyone willing to give. Yet, in spite of the setback, they promise to persevere: “We have fought long and hard to keep our doors open and we are not going to let some lame/triflin fools slow us down.” For the time being, GlassLands is still open, using borrowed and donated equipment.
Read GlassLands’s full written statement here:
The GlassLands Gallery was founded in 2006 by Rolyn Hu and Brooke Baxter as a true labor of love. Opening it’s doors with very little start up and donated or recycled materials Glasslands quickly grew into a vital part of the Williamsburg community. Hosting live music, dance parties, special events, lectures, ongoing interactive art projects and even a free after school program that taught kids from local public schools dj’ing, screen printing and music lessons with the help of volunteers. A multi-functional art space, the converted warehouse became a fast home to a number of artists, musicians and any other type of friend or stranger who had a mind to contribute to it’s ever evolving vision.
On Tuesday Aug 2nd at 2am GlassLands and practice spaces were robbed. Thousands of dollars worth of sound equipment was stolen and damaged, including but not limited to monitors, turntables, mixer, lighting equipment, etc. It breaks our hearts that after 5 years of being in the same space something like this would happen in our community. Under normal circumstances, we would be able to bounce back. Currently with the help of great friends that temporally donated equipment we are able to still keep our doors open. However as most of you know this comes on the heels of a massive renovation which included a full stage rebuild and finally central AC for our hot summer nights. If you would like to help or know someone who does, please consider donating to our PayPal. We are just looking to get back on our feet!
We would like to thank all the amazing volunteers, interns, bands and friends who have dedicated their hearts and time to GlassLands over the last 5 years. You know who you are! We have fought long and hard to keep our doors open and we are not going to let some lame/triflin fools slow us down.
Now go forth and support your local music venues (because where else are you going to see a show for under $10?)!
• GlassLands: http://glasslands.blogspot.com
