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When considering Ben for his current position, did you take his age into account? Were you looking for someone young to be involved?
When considering Ben for his current position, we really wanted someone who understands the current live music trends in Seattle, specifically around all-ages shows. When considering volunteers and staff for any position related to youth, the YMCA tries to engage youth on every level possible. Ben was a natural candidate for us due to his prior work with Atlas and the simple fact that he can navigate Facebook and Myspace way better than we can!
What do you think about the future of the Fusion Cafe? What is the goal of the program, from the point of view of the YMCA?
Fusion Café is working on increasing our promotional efforts with local newspapers and media outlets, as well as creating a stand-alone website (www.fusioncafeseattle.org) to engage bands, managers and audience members. Furthermore, to keep Fusion Café on the cutting edge, we will unveil pod casts that will be downloadable from the website, with the potential to expand into the independent radio market. Finally, in 2008, Fusion Café is looking to provide additional participatory learning opportunities in the form of workshops (songwriting, printmaking and sound technology) as well as provide bands the opportunity to record their live-sets.
The ultimate goal of the program is to provide youth with a safe place to attend shows, socialize and be part of a community.
When was the Fusion Cafe started and by whom?
Throughout YMCA of Greater Seattle's history, youth development and enrichment programs have been cornerstones for our organization. As the city has changed, the YMCA has changed with it, offering youth programming that is relevant and responsive to the needs of youth and families in our communities.
Fusion Café was founded in January 2001 by Downtown Seattle YMCA Youth Development staff, in response to Seattle’s Teen Dance Ordinance, . Since its inception, Fusion Café has featured 689 bands including Blood Brothers, Modest Mouse, Schoolyard Heroes and Death Cab for Cutie.
Our mission is to:
promote all-ages music and empower young artists
produce outstanding and dynamic music shows
provide mentoring and participatory learning opportunities for young adults
provide youth with a safe place to attend shows, socialize, and be part of a community
I know that you are a volunteer organization and therefore not discriminatory based on age, but do your program goals specify that a young person does the programming of the Fusion Cafe space? Being volunteer-run and all-ages does not necessarily equal youth-run, and is youth-run a goal of the program?
The YMCA offers specific programs, like Fusion Cafe, that are tailored and guided by youth interest and involvement. Youth are involved with planning and decisions being made for Fusion Cafe, and young people are allowed genuine opportunities to give input and set direction for policies that impact the program.
Fusion Café in recent years has transitioned from a staff run program to one that utilizes volunteers and interns to the fullest extent, creating volunteer positions for talent bookers, sound techs and our PR efforts. In addition, Fusion Café has partnered with local high schools, giving senior class students the opportunity to complete their required senior projects with Fusion Café.
Who does more work at the space, Keith or Ben? I have had a lot more interactions with Ben, even though he is the assistant, but that might not have anything to do with the actual work division.
Ben and Keith equally share booking responsibilities. They are both fantastic volunteers and we highly value both being apart of the Fusion Cafe. Keith, with his background at Ground Zero in Bellevue and multiple house venues, brings experience to the program. In February, Keith will be taking over as our Show Manager, overseeing all that goes on to run a show at the Fusion Cafe. Both will continue booking, marketing, and spreading word to the community.
Are you happy with the Fusion Cafe's programming? If you could make any improvements, what would you improve?
More volunteers! We love our volunteers!
Are you happy with the space that the Fusion Cafe occupies? If you could make improvements, what would you improve?
Fusion Cafe staff are continually looking at ways to improve the space that we currently occupy. On the top of the list is to get a stage for our space so our audience can see bands better.
