CHLOE KOWALYK
Managing Editor
ALEX ERWIN
Special to The Leader
Since the closure of the popular house venue North Pole Strip Club (NPSC), many students have been wondering what the future of Fredonia’s local music scene might look like.
Just this semester, The Foxhead Record Company started renting out Main Street Studios, a rentable entertainment space in downtown Fredonia.
Initially, Foxhead started out making cassettes for local bands. But now, they have taken the reins of the local music scene, bringing bands into Fredonia.
Felix Kellogg-Williams, a cofounder of Foxhead, showed his enthusiasm for livening the local music scene. “We all are just really passionate about giving a platform for bands to play and get paid,” he said.
SUNY Fredonia is known to have a strong and welcoming local music scene. Kellog-Williams and the other members of Foxhead were hoping to keep that atmosphere alive.
“There’s a big history of shows going on and a lot of connections being made between bands at events here,” he said.
Kellogg-Williams also said that a major reason for starting these shows at Main Street Studios was “connecting students and other people here that like the music scene going on, and trying to get people from other places and introduce themselves to people.”
Several students and community members came out to see last Saturday’s show. Three bands played live, including Johnny & the Man Kids, Clump and The Midroom Drifters. The venue was packed and full of students dancing and having a great time.
Heather Leonardi, a fan of Johnny & the Man Kids, said, “[It’s] really fun, everyone’s just here to hear good music, and there’s live bands performing [and it’s] not that expensive. So on a night out, it’s just a fun thing.”
There was never a quiet moment; the room was filled with music and the sounds of people laughing and talking. Many scene-goers were happy to be back following the closure of NPSC.
“I was really worried that after North Pole closed, there wouldn’t be a good place to have shows … I’m really glad that we were able to have an opportunity to find a really nice space …” said Ryan Terry, a fan who attended last weekend’s show. “The audience is very quick to mosh and dance and move around, which I’m very thankful for.”
Foxhead will be hosting shows at Main Street Studios as they’re able to rent out the space.
Kellogg-Williams has plans to showcase a variety of music genres and bands at the new venue.
“I think there’s really just different kinds of music that get more of a platform than others, and especially in specific places and organizations,” he said. “So I think a big thing going into this is, I really want to avoid going any certain way, giving a place for all kinds of work.”
Photo gallery: “Main Street Studios” by Chloe Kowalyk
