May 31--On Friday, the iconic downtown Los Angeles punk club the Smell learned the bad news when a bill was posted on its entrance. Delivered by the building's owner, L Group of Companies, the notice informed the venue that its days were numbered and that the building would be demolished.
The news, posted on Facebook by owner Jim Smith, resonated among many. Though the space was tiny and ragged, the music and philosophy practiced at the Second Street club -- cheap covers, all ages, no booze, loud volume -- lit a spark to ignite a community of artists and fans. Those acts, the best known of which include No Age, Health and Mika Miko, became the voices of an underground punk movement.
The community already has crafted a petition, and on Tuesday, the Smell issued a news release announcing a GoFundMe campaign for its relocation. The pitch: "We, the present and past generations of the Smell family, are taking action to ensure that future generations will continue to have a safe home in Los Angeles -- a place where they can pour their guts out, dance like maniacs, rebel, volunteer, perform, and be moved by the performances of others."
The fundraising goal: $1.4 million.
"In our view, the Smell has always been a community more than a physical space, and we will do whatever is necessary to assure that this community continues to thrive -- if not in its present location, then in a new location suitable to its needs," the Smell said on its GoFundMe page.
The Times will keep you posted on news of the Smell's future.
