Moving Island 2011 Buoyancy Benefit

In anticipation of the March grand opening, Moving Island is hosting this weekend's Buoyancy Benefit, a two-day, all-ages BYOB party that provides a chance for prospective members to check out the space at 804 N. West St. while enjoying the music of 15 bands and various DJs.

As I waited for Riddle to arrive, I ran into a casual acquaintance who also appeared to be meeting someone. The acquaintance, with whom I share a few mutual friends, is involved with several local bands, but I knew next to nothing else about him, not even his full name. We struck up a conversation, taking a few minutes to realize what you likely have already -- we were there to meet each other.

As Riddle began to explain the concept of Moving Island, I realized how telling our experience really was. The workshop/studio/gallery space he and his partners are creating is designed to foster a stronger sense of connection between Triangle-area creative types who may be unaware of each others endeavors or interests.

The downtown Raleigh site will bridge that gap, Riddle says, bringing working and budding creatives together to share information and take advantage of studio space, gallery events and specialty classes -- resources perhaps not otherwise available to them. "You might be able to get a guitar lesson in one of the existing community centers, but a class that teaches about guitar pedals is what we are offering," Riddle said.

Aspirations for the West Street property were modest at first. Riddle and Motor Skills bandmate Adam Crane, now chairman of the Moving Island board, saw the raw, open space as a way to put a roof over the heads of their many peers in the local music scene. The inspiration came from a visit to Baltimore's H&H building, a communal art/music center where members of Future Islands and Dan Deacon lived and worked. "We saw it as an outlet," Riddle said. Plans evolved over a few months into something much larger as more people became involved. Kelly Crisp, half of local institution The Rosebuds and a former elementary school teacher, raised the idea of giving Moving Island an educational direction. "She had been looking for a way to become re-involved (in education), but it was hard if she still wanted to be in the band," said Riddle, who quickly ran the idea past his peers. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

"Some people wouldn't let me finish" when pitching the educational workshop spin, he said. "The community response has been huge." The $30 cost of an annual membership gains you access to classes to be offered at Moving Island and will also include events and some member-only events. Membership even gets you in across town: "We will be sponsoring some events and members will get half-off," Riddle said of ticket prices for Moving Island sanctioned shows to be held at the likes of Kings and Neptunes. "Hopscotch really lit a fire here," Riddle said. The Triangle has long been a hotbed for talent, yet there is something different for people entering into a scene long established. "People are really taking an actual pride in our city," he said. It's that new community mentality that Moving Island hopes to benefit from and foster. "I love that we're part of it."

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