THE EARTHWORM

The Earthworm was an intimate, some called it a "hole", independently-run, all-ages underground show venue in Akron, Ohio where creative people from all of the arts could meet, unite, share, and perform. We opened in June 2007 and quickly became the "heart and soul of the underground live music scene in Akron" eventually hosting up to three shows a week featuring bands from as far away as Winnipeg, Boston and Los Angeles and as close as down the block.

Just at the point that we were beginning to become self-sufficient and the donations from the shows we produced and hosted were starting to pay our bills, we were forced to shut down. Seems there were too many noise complaints and we were in violation of our lease agreement. A city councilman got involved and even though we were in a commercial district, surrounded by other live music venues and clubs, the remaining two original founders didn't feel like facing a tiresome lawsuit with our heartless landlord. So, overnight, we canceled all shows and shut down operations. The Akron Food Not Bombs free store was forced to relocate. Our family was torn asunder.

But The Earthworm was far from a failure. We proved that Akron will support an all-ages, unjuried live music venue. We proved that a home can be created for artists from all genres. We proved that all ages shows can happen without incident. No gods, no masters, no ridiculous rules and regulations. The community will support a DIY entity. Grassroots movements fueled by determination and love can still succeed in this increasingly cold, banal corporate world.

The Earthworm may reappear in some form or another at some point in the future. Or it might not. But it's legacy will live on and years from now people will still remember our dirty little hole at 16 South Highland and smile and say, "Remember when..."

Thanks to the bands, thanks to our friends, thanks to our extended family. We will never forget the spirit of DIY camaraderie that we created together.

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"Go to Akron and play The Earthworm, a tiny diy space carved out of the birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous, and Goodyear tire. No fucking pretensions. All about the music. Good fucking kids. One of our favorite places in the states to play." -KURSK/Winnipeg, Canada

"The Earthworm may be the last best hope for free expression in West Akron. Comrades, I'm proud to get my hands dirty with you anytime." -Rev. Thomson/Akron/OH

"A total success - thanks so much for your help and support! We plan to go back to Akron/The Earthworm on our next midwest trip because it was lots of fun and good energy from the youth!" -DISASTER STRIKES/Boston, MA

"What you guys got going is so badass. I can't wait to be a part of it. So cool. You're such good people. Now move into a nice venue so we can rock out!" -Matt/THE KID HAS CLASS/Cuyahoga Falls, OH

"I came to one of your shows, and it was the best local show I've ever gone to. The two bands that played at the end had incredible energy, and that skinny guitarist in the last band totally rocked out. I dont know what their names were, but if I ever find out they are playing there again, you best bet I'll be there." -Thrash It

"We look forward to thrashing The Earthworm again soon." -K.H. KILLERS/Barberton, OH

"Like a pill full of razors, The Earthworm may be small, but it'll tear your ass up." -THE BALLOT/Akron, OH

"It was freakin fantastic. We loved it. Great people and a great show." -THE ZOU/Youngstown, OH

"It went really well. It was a lot of fun and everyone was really nice and a lot of people showed up. It was really crowded." -KREATURES ENDA SKYES/Akron, OH

"The place was tight! Cool people and cool vibe." -IN THE EYE OF THE ASSAILANT/Cleveland, OH

"It was fun the venue was sweet, our minds totally changed like you said." -THE ANNOUNCED/Cleveland, OH

"Va-Va-VOOOMMMM! The energy here makes my fingers crackle (now THAT's a sensation) and re-births my Inner Cackle. Suddenly Akron seems like the hippest, grooviest, most exciting place on Earth! May the Gods Be There for You in Your Magick!" -Shimmer/Boston/MA

"The show was amazing... anytime you want us back just let us know...looks like the Akron scene's got a home at The Earthworm." -THE FAIRHILL HOOLIGANS/Kent, OH

"That show was hands down the best show we've played since we got back together. That place was packed. Great fuckin bands and a great crowd. Thanks again for givin us a place to tear it up at." -PIPEBOMB/Akron, OH

"Thanks for having us." -DUMA/Kent, OH

"We need more art-minded individuals like you in this world."

"The show was amazing. Thanks for havin us." -BIG SUR/Akron, OH

"Viva la revolucion.." -Raynard/Akron, OH

"Thanks for doing what you're doing. Rock on!" -Laura/Akron, OH

"Thank you for providing this service to the people!" -DRUGS OF FAITH/Washington D.C.

"As soon as i read "collective efforts to resist corporatization and banality" in your mission statement, I knew I was going."

"Thanks again for having such a great show for us to hop onto. If'n you ever want to throw us on something again we'll gladly plan another trip back to Ohio." -RSO/ New Jersey

"We had a great time last night. Thank you for letting us be part of it." -Apollonova Art Collective/Akron, OH

"Hell yeah guys that shit was fuckin bad ass. Can't wait to come back and fuck shit up again." -PIPEBOMB/ Akron, OH

"Thank you for having a venue that is worth coming to... great time last night." -Chris/Akron, OH

"Thank you, for existing. This is what the world needs more of."

"Thanks for having us, we all had a blast and would love to come back and tear your place apart once again." -KARATE BULLFIGHTER/NE Ohio

"Thanks guys, we had a blast. Was nice to meet and play for you all." -QUINTA ESSENTIA/Hunstville, AL

"Thanks for making Akron feel like home again." -Dana/Akron, OH

"We NEED to play for you guys again! We love yer place!! Let us know when you have opening spots and we WILL BE THERE!" -BABYSHAKERS/Canton, OH

"Thanks again for hosting us at your awesome space. You guys are awesome people. Keep up the good work. Much love and respect." -RESISTANT CULTURE/LA, CA

"Thanks for having us, the place is amazing. Akron punk lives at The Earthworm!" -THE FAIRHILL HOOLIGANS/Kent, OH

"Earthworms love salvaged food. The free store is indespensible!"

"sigh... the dirty dirty Earthworm... it makes feel all warm and fuzzy inside just to know that the Earthworm is a Gemini too."

"We fukin love this venue!" -NIGHTMARE MODE/Cleveland, OH

"When I die I wanna be buried under The Earthworm." -JP/Wooster, OH

"Thanks for having us.. it was a kick ass time. Let us know if there is a chance on coming back out coz we would love to!" -WHERE NOWHERE BEGINS/Delmont, PA