How the Alternative Library is keeping Bellingham well-rounded
By Julia Berkman
Of the many show venues and DIY spaces in Bellingham, the Alternative Library- otherwise known as Karate Church- is one that has a history as famous as its current reputation.
The Alternative Library- housed in the landmark otherwise known as Karate Church- was recently renovated this past year, and she looks good. Two twin “tree trunks” extend from the floor up to the second level. The front stage is lined with bookshelves- in fact, the whole place is lined with bookshelves. You see, what once was just a Presbyterian Church became a Karate Dojo, which then became a library. From humble and odd beginnings the Alternative Library sprung up, and with it, another Bellingham music venue was born.
The Alternative Library touts itself as a cooperative lending library and community center with a focus on independent works and publications. They have a diverse and contemporary supply of books for you to read. Their shelf labels range from “Mystical Realism” to “Political Drama”. Right now there are over 7,000 books in their private collection that you can rent out for a $5 eternal membership. There are even community spaces you can rent out for classes, events, or shows.
If you’ve ever been to the Karate Church for a show, you know that actually, most shows take place in their under-construction basement. However, the show I attended at Karate Church was up in the library, giving it an intimate and casual vibe. “Calm + Chill” was, as the name would suggest, both calm and chill.
First up to the stage was Colin Murphy, who gave a soulful acoustic set. Drawing on feelings of summer, close friendships, and even nihilism, Murphy gave an astounding performance. He set the mood of the show as a relaxed and introspective one.
Up after Murphy was Dylan Freeman, under the name Ego Arcadia, who chose the bold move of playing with his back to the audience. Was he nervous? Was it part of his performance? Did he simply have to read his music placed on the stage? Who knows. As perplexing as it was, he still gave a beautiful and harmonious acoustic set. Using nothing but a guitar and some pedals, Freeman layered his own melodies and chords over themselves like a musical pretzel.
After Ego Arcadia came Capture Infinity! The musical project of Nathan C. Malik sounded like the type of music you’d hear while driving at night through an empty city. Whining guitar pedal hits layered over looped melodies and soft bass gives Capture Infinity! an Explosions in the Sky sound. His set seemed to hypnotize the crowd with his repetition and steady drum beats.
Finally up was Chandler Trey Johnson, a folk singer-songwriter with a lo-fi twist. Much like Murphy, his vocal set ended the evening the way it began. The shared feelings in their songs of love, companionship, and nature were reminiscent of Wilco and Dr. Dog.
The Alternative Library put on a great show, one very different from many shows on the scene in Bellingham. There have been complaints recently of the house show scene becoming
too hardcore, too full of moshing. It felt as though this show at the Karate Church was a reaction to the all-too-popular aggressive atmosphere that has been prevalent lately.
The Alternative Library is definitely a place to check out, day or night.
ABOVE: The Alternative Library is housed in Bellingham’s storied Karate Church. Photo by Janna Bodnar // AS Review