The Roman poet Ovid once said "Chance is always powerful. Let your hook be cast; in the pool where you least expect it, there will be a fish." In our case, we cast our hook, and where we least expected it, discovered five unemployed fishermen.
Who knew that these fishermen would play such an integral part in the growing of The Soundgarden.
The building was cold, musty, and in need of some T.L.C, but we both saw and felt the potential. Shelley and I had been told the Agricultural Board, who ran the Coombs Fair Grounds, had an old church annex building they were wanting to rent. The building had been used on and off over the years, but at the time stood empty.
"Would we be allowed to paint it?", we asked tentatively as we gazed at the 1970's faux-wood paneling. "You know, the building has a good feel, and the acoustics are promising. I really think we could do something with the place."
We were inspired, and excited by the potential of this little church building. It had come to us at a perfect time, and on its own, finding it felt serendipitous. However, neither of us expected the flow of good will and support that followed.
What we didn't know at the time was that the Ag. Board had been working with a Community Fisheries crew. It had been contracted to work for a number of months with the non-profit organization, fixing up the property. The Ag. Board offered to have them paint the room before we took over the rental. Now I don't know who or what was looking out for that little building, but a few days of painting turned into 'Extreme Makeover - Church Addition'. We watched in amazement as they installed new insulation, drywall and paint, lighting, hot water heaters, flooring, and did a complete rebuilding of the office and kitchen. The crew even built us a stage!
It was new building that welcomed us the day we took over renting the space. A seed planted two months before had grown into the perfect home for The Soundgarden.
In the 6 weeks since we have opened our 'garden' doors, we have been overwhelmed by the continued support the community has shown this project. We would like to thank Quality Foods for generously donating a sign, poster printing, and food. Brenda at the PQB News for writing two fantastic articles about The Soundgarden. Janet Boley and the Ag. Board for more things than I can list here. Marilynne and Kim, for supporting us in finding the space, and sorting out the details of the rental. Ken and Joan, the Fair Grounds caretakers, for taking such good care of us. Wes, for tuning our drums. Stewart, for the huge pile of karaoke disks, and the work you did cataloging them all. Randy at E.L.S for helping us get such great sound. The ENABLERS, Butterside Down, Meg. and Allison, and the Q.B.M.S. Jazz Combo Band, for their fantastic performances at the Grand Opening. Bobby, Chris, Chelsea, and Jasmine, for all they offered during the March 10th Celebration. Shawn and Hugh for continually stepping up when we need them - from leading the jams, to fixing the hot water pipe, you have been an invaluable part of the process.
And then there has been the community as a whole. You have come out to our jam nights, workshops, song writing circles and events, and offered your encouragement, time, and passion for music. Our deepest gratitude to you all.
So we cast our hook in the pool, and pulled out more than we ever expected. In return, it is our commitment to give back. We are dedicated to keeping The Soundgarden a safe and supportive place for growing and nurturing musicians and music lovers. This is your place, as well as ours. A community built the garden, a community keeps the garden healthy, and a strong community will ensure The Soundgarden flourishes well into the future.
Who knew that these fishermen would play such an integral part in the growing of The Soundgarden.
The building was cold, musty, and in need of some T.L.C, but we both saw and felt the potential. Shelley and I had been told the Agricultural Board, who ran the Coombs Fair Grounds, had an old church annex building they were wanting to rent. The building had been used on and off over the years, but at the time stood empty.
"Would we be allowed to paint it?", we asked tentatively as we gazed at the 1970's faux-wood paneling. "You know, the building has a good feel, and the acoustics are promising. I really think we could do something with the place."
We were inspired, and excited by the potential of this little church building. It had come to us at a perfect time, and on its own, finding it felt serendipitous. However, neither of us expected the flow of good will and support that followed.
What we didn't know at the time was that the Ag. Board had been working with a Community Fisheries crew. It had been contracted to work for a number of months with the non-profit organization, fixing up the property. The Ag. Board offered to have them paint the room before we took over the rental. Now I don't know who or what was looking out for that little building, but a few days of painting turned into 'Extreme Makeover - Church Addition'. We watched in amazement as they installed new insulation, drywall and paint, lighting, hot water heaters, flooring, and did a complete rebuilding of the office and kitchen. The crew even built us a stage!
It was new building that welcomed us the day we took over renting the space. A seed planted two months before had grown into the perfect home for The Soundgarden.
In the 6 weeks since we have opened our 'garden' doors, we have been overwhelmed by the continued support the community has shown this project. We would like to thank Quality Foods for generously donating a sign, poster printing, and food. Brenda at the PQB News for writing two fantastic articles about The Soundgarden. Janet Boley and the Ag. Board for more things than I can list here. Marilynne and Kim, for supporting us in finding the space, and sorting out the details of the rental. Ken and Joan, the Fair Grounds caretakers, for taking such good care of us. Wes, for tuning our drums. Stewart, for the huge pile of karaoke disks, and the work you did cataloging them all. Randy at E.L.S for helping us get such great sound. The ENABLERS, Butterside Down, Meg. and Allison, and the Q.B.M.S. Jazz Combo Band, for their fantastic performances at the Grand Opening. Bobby, Chris, Chelsea, and Jasmine, for all they offered during the March 10th Celebration. Shawn and Hugh for continually stepping up when we need them - from leading the jams, to fixing the hot water pipe, you have been an invaluable part of the process.
And then there has been the community as a whole. You have come out to our jam nights, workshops, song writing circles and events, and offered your encouragement, time, and passion for music. Our deepest gratitude to you all.
So we cast our hook in the pool, and pulled out more than we ever expected. In return, it is our commitment to give back. We are dedicated to keeping The Soundgarden a safe and supportive place for growing and nurturing musicians and music lovers. This is your place, as well as ours. A community built the garden, a community keeps the garden healthy, and a strong community will ensure The Soundgarden flourishes well into the future.
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