This past fall, the board of local nonprofit Pure Joy, who came together in 2013 to launch an ADA-accessible, LGBTQ-safe all-ages punk venue, reached a crossroads when the latest in a series of potential spaces fell through. “We were like, ‘OK, that was our best bet,’” says board member Jes Skolnik. “‘We should probably figure out what to do, because it’s been four years and we’re not gonna get closer than that.’” The board decided to shift focus: while continuing to search for a space, Pure Joy will present shows and host workshops at other people’s spaces, as well as build a skill-share database to connect the punk community with arts nonprofits. On Friday, April 20, Pure Joy will throw a relaunch benefit at a DIY gallery and share the proceeds with radical black collective Assata’s Daughters. It’s a combination art show and concert with sets by hip-hop and punk acts Semiratruth & Anaiet, Liquids, the Breathing Light, and C.H.E.W. For info e-mail chicagotcc1@gmail.com.
Parallel Person by VARSITY
