Yes, we are closing on November 1st. The Launching Pad is run by a nonprofit group named Full Circle and the board recently voted unanimously to close down the Lauching Pad at the end of this month. This was something we have been talking about for the last few months. We have had numerous issues and problems that were not able to be resolved.

1) We have had repeated problems getting insurance coverage for the venue. We simply can not continue operating without having insurance coverage in case someone were to get injured at a show. Apparently, no one wants to insure activities involving teenagers anymore. We searched for two months and finally decided we can not take the risk to continue operating without insurance.

2) Our landlord feels it is fair to charge $1500 (yes, you read that correctly) per month for our nonprofit venue even though the roof leaked for two months. The best month we have ever had pulled in $2000 total and most months we have made just enough to pay our rent and insurance.

3) Because of 2 above, we have never had the money to pay anyone that helps out at shows. No one involved in the LP has ever made even ONE single dime (myself, the guy who started the LP, has actually lost close to $400 of my own money). We have survived for over one year only because of the tremendous volunteers who have helped us run shows, run sound, and promote. Unfortunately, people who volunteer often don't feel like there is a reason to show up when they are scheduled, do things without having to be told to do them, and keep the place looking nice. We have had a steady drop in volunteers and this led to the same two people putting in 15-35 hours EVERY week for free to keep the place running.

4) To make matters worse, there have been a handful of people who choose to hang out at the LP and who like to show their appreciation by stealing from the venue/bands or vandalizing property. In the last nine months we have had the following stolen from us:

Approximately $550

ELEVEN microphones

two direct boxes

plus several instances of other bands' gearing being stolen during shows

The last straw for us was when one of our volunteers had her VERY expensive camera stolen. She helps out at most of our shows and takes pictures of all of the bands that play the LP. Some jerk stole her camera a few weeks ago. So, there goes another one of our essential volunteers who no longer wants to work at a place that doesn't give a crap.

Oh, and who do you think has to take the time to paint over the graffiti that people paint over our logo in the front? Is writing your band name next to our logo so important that you don't care that somone then has to waste an extra hour of their free time to cover it up?

5) Which brings us to our last reason for closing....Idiots. This place was started because several of us believed that Muncie needed a place for youth to play music for their friends. 99% of the bands who play here have been amazingly supportive and SO nice to us. And 95% of the people who come to shows have been amazing as well. However, there is a small minority of people who feel its necessary to steal, vandalize, and take whatever they can without giving anything in return. I hate that the actions of a few people ruin it for everyone else. I know its not fair to those of you that love the LP. But, its also little things. Like when there are 40 people outside hanging out with their friends who don't want to pay cover and some poor local band is playing inside for 10 people. Or the kids who constantly try to sneak in for free and when we let them know they can get into shows for free anytime they want if they'd just volunteer some time, just walk away. Or the people who volunteer and then leave the cash box or sound board unattended so they can hang out with their friends or smoke cigarettes rather than help out. Or the people who leave as soon as the show is over and don't help sweep up, take out the trash, or even pick up after themselves. Or the people who steal sink handles and toilet roll dispensers. Or musicians who spit on our walls. Or musicians who have to draw penises or write over the top of other band names in the band room. Or bands who do absolutley NO promotion for shows and complain that no one showed up. Or people who say its sad that people don't come out to shows as much, but they aren't willing to help put up posters or send bulletins.

Can you see how fixing all this stuff takes time? And when its only two people left to do it, its gets old REAL fast. When the people you're trying to help just don't care anymore, you have to ask yourself "why are we still doing this?". 

So, we decided to close.

I want to thank the people who have kept this venue alive and who put their hearts into it:

Mary Ogle-for putting in 40 hours some weeks just to keep the place going

Full Circle Arts Coop-for taking on the legal, financial, and management tasks

Britanny, Ian, Nicole, Sara, Robin, and the rest of the street team

Nick and Megan-for working about 90% of the shows during the last month!

Dreams of University-they get alot of crap from people, but not many people know that they were the ones who spent three weeks tearing out walls, building that stage, and turning the space from a multiroom office building into the LP. I love you guys. 

Kenny Matthews-for helping with sound issues and teaching sound

I hope that some day The Launching Pad will reopen. I hope that everyone misses it so much that if it does reopen you'll all take a more active role in keeping it going. Next time, tell people to respect the space. Next time, tell people to come inside to watch bands. Next time, ask if there's anything you can do to make the place look nicer. Next time, volunteer to help out at shows or promote. I truly hope there is a "next time". Unfortunately, it can't continue with our current crazy high rent, lack of insurance, and lack of people who care enough to help.

Thank you to everyone who has helped make this place possible and kept it going as long as we could. Thanks to the bands for all of the great music. I truly hope you all keep writing new music and that you can find places to play in town. If anyone wants to donate a free building, let us know!!!!

Alan