It’s hard to run an all-ages venue in this city—just ask anyone who remembers going to old spaces like Mesa Luna or La Casa del Artista. Booking agent Dan Tanner is hoping to curb the trend, however, with concerts for the not-quite-legal set coming to the newly renovated Dodson Neighbourhood House on East Hastings Street. The Dodson has been transformed into a multi-use conference centre, with last Saturday’s (October 29) concert featuring the Gay Nineties and Oh No! Yoko inaugurating the space.

“It’s going to be community-based acts, giving opportunities to under-19s to play and attend regular music happenings,” Tanner told the Straight, adding that proceeds from the rental of the centre will help with the general upkeep of the building, as well as supporting the Dodson Neighbourhood House Foundation, which offers substance-abuse rehabilitation and employment services to Downtown Eastside residents.

Tanner said he’s hoping to host everything from variety shows to comedy acts to acoustic performers in the new year, so long as they have a positive spin.

“All the music has to be of a positive direction,” he said. “That’s all we should be throwing at the East Side: positivity and love.”