Over the years there have been venues that have created a haven for artists and musicians to share their talents with others; whether it’s been the Continental Ballroom, the Beer Mug, or Forward Hall, there has always been a place for the Erie outsiders. The latest venue to shut its doors is Basement Transmissions, which started as a physical venue along State Street in 2011, eventually moving to the old Roadhouse Theatre only a few years later. Basement Transmissions hosted many regional and national acts over the years and gave artists a place to hone their crafts with practice spaces and the weekly BT Art Club. However, as the old adage goes, when one door closes, another opens – and with the sale of Basement Transmissions comes the birth of Centennial Hall.
The club was purchased by neighbors and local entrepreneurs Jason and Nikki Lavery (40 Under 40 classes of 2013 and 2016, respectively), who own Lavery Brewing Company. Bob Jensen (40 Under 40 Class of 2014), owner of Basement Transmissions (BT) said, “I’ve had a blast helping so many people get their start in music and art. I’ve made a ton of friends and I’m so happy to pass the torch to the Laverys. This was a great deal for us all and I’m very, very excited to see what they are going to do with the space.”
Jensen and Jason Lavery have a long history together, as they were both members of the local band Pegasus Unicorn and signed to the early 2000s indie collective label Basement Transmissions, which also featured acts like Black Rose Diary, Telefonics, and The Trashed. Jason may have hung up his bass to focus on opening the brewery in 2009, but Basement Transmissions never really left him. He has a BT tattoo on his arm and has been their neighbor for as long as the venue has been there…