Farewell To The Ark
Words: Lily Richeson
Photos: Jana Miller

Appeared:
The Ark Warehouse, Gainesville
July 27th: Young Livers, Pink Razors, Erin Tobey, Dead Friends, Reactionary 3, Nervous Systems
July 28th:FINAL SHOW - Burnman, Stressface, Savage Brewtality, FIYA, Apeshit, Japanther, This Bike is a Pipebomb

A sudden wave of nostalgia and remorse hits when a venue closes in a town. “Why is this happening?” and sentences that start with “Remember when...” frequent the lips of show-goers, old and new alike.

The stark white house known as The Ark in Gainesville, FL was forced to close its doors recently due to an unexpected eviction thanks to a rise in property value. It was not only a place for people to live, but had hosted some legendary shows such as Le Tigre, Lightning Bolt, Dillinger Four, and The Evens since opening in 1998.

To bid the venue farewell, currents residents of The Ark were hosts to 5 days of bands from both far away and favorite locals including Burnman, Stressface, Des Ark, Against Me!, Holopaw, Japanther, and the Beat Buttons. All were there to pay tribute to a venue many held near and dear to their hearts. Rich Diem, of Bakery Outlet Records and from the band Tubers, was present on the first night. Though only having lived in The Ark from September 2002 to February 2003, he was obviously full of nothing but strong, sweet memories of the place. “I always thought of its potential and what else it could become. It is definitely an important memory for me, not just living there, but playing and seeing shows there. It has been a constant place for over 8 years in Gainesville, so I'm sad to see it go.”

Plenty of others had the same thoughts.  “I think it was a really important asset to Gainesville, it’s the end of an all ages venue,” said Rose White, Gainesville native. “The Ark was one of the only places I could go when I was 16.”

Almost every show for the week was packed both with people who had been there since the beginning and some having only passed the threshold for the first time. Band after band all said they were regretful of the venue’s close and each had some sort of fond memory or story about the place.

Though everyone is sad to see shows at The Ark come to an end, some, like Rich Diem, are still positive. “Luckily there are still many other options for music in Gainesville and maybe this will invite something fresh to happen in town. Hopefully someone will be inspired to find another space which holds a similar spirit as The Ark.”