As we’ve begun to compile memories from the past ten years at 3S Artspace, we wanted to highlight the memories that came from inside the organization and share with you all what it’s meant to us as employees and stewards of 3S to be around for ten years.
While it was difficult for our staff to narrow down their favorite memories to just a few, the stories that emerged exemplify the fabric of unique experiences that 3S fosters. I was struck by how each memory detailed the close and intimate nature of an experience here — how close concertgoers get to the musicians that play here, how artistically diverse the curation of the galleries is, and how much we get to offer the community in an accessible way. Without further ado, here are a few moments that really capture the 3S spirit — from the Performance Space to the Gallery, and all the curiosity, creativity, and community that occurs in between.
Beth Falconer: Executive Director of 3S Artspace
After so many years at 3S, it's difficult to zero in on a single memory, but this one always stands out in my mind!
In preparation for an exhibition that focused on matters of privacy, the implications of the loss of privacy, and the contemporary relevance of George Orwell's 1984 — which was a wonderfully rewarding collaboration — I had the absurd task of retrieving a giant papier mache head of Stalin. The head, displayed in our lobby, made for a pronounced entry to the exhibition — A warning if you will.
There is nothing funny about Stalin, (obviously), but the looks that I received while driving a truck with his giant head strapped in the back were pretty hilarious and the exhibition sparked many conversations that are ever more relevant today.
Nick Rocci: Box Office, Sales, and Membership Coordinator
One of my favorite memories at 3S is the first Lady Lamb show we had in 2017. In the audience was a young super fan of Lady Lamb. At the end of the show, she asked if she could play a song with her, and Lady Lamb obliged. It was such a special moment to see a young musician playing a favorite song with their favorite musician on stage. When Lady Lamb performed here last I asked her about it, and they are still in touch 8 years later.
Shannon Garvey: Marketing Specialist
My favorite memory of 3S is as a concert goer. I bought tickets to see The Districts here, one of my favorite bands from the 2010s. I don’t believe they’re still together, but I was so excited to see them. At that time in my music life, I wasn’t usually concerned about making it for the opener (BIG MISTAKE) but luckily we got there in time to see them (the band, New Translations) because their performance was incredible. The lead singer was convulsing with sound and dance, jumping into the audience, and singing from the floor. I listened to their songs on repeat for a year straight. Check out “This Town” and “Peach” !
Sara O'Reilly: Marketing Manager
December of 2021 felt like a hopeful era of the pandemic to me. As humans and as a community, we were all able to socialize and connect more and more, and at 3S, we were able to finally have some full capacity shows back in the Performance Space. An Alex G show had long been on my bucket list, so I was really looking forward to having him at 3S for a sold out show.
Not only was Alex G's set SO GOOD, but the support act, EXUM, came at the audience with so much power (he was quite literally swinging from the rafters at one point) and so much softness all at once, it really knocked my socks off. (That's a phrase aging millennials say.) At one point, everyone in the room circled around him on the floor, utterly captivated. 3S has a way of teasing out these singular moments. I'll remember it forever, and luckily I have this video so you can transport there with me, too.
Sarah Masci: House Manager/ Volunteer Coordinator
Mihali - I am a huge Mihali fan, so it was so fun to get to work with him and his crew. A couple minutes after we opened doors, a guest mentioned that they could see the northern lights out front. When we heard that, members of the bands and crew as well as many of the staff and guests at the show all went outside to enjoy the colored sky together. It was a really magical moment of people coming together to enjoy the music, while also getting a glimpse of beautiful lights!
Boston Dance Theatre - Before BDT performed at 3S, I had not had the opportunity to see contemporary dance live and in person. It was a privilege to get to work directly with the dancers and crew of BDT. Looking back, it may have been the first time I was able to grasp how much dedication and hard work goes into "show biz." After the matinee that Sunday, the dancers, crew, and BDT board members gathered together in meaningful conversation while enjoying the fruits of our labor, wine and cheese! It was really special to connect with their organization, and, to see a performance like that, in an intimate space such as 3S... what a treat!
Martin Holbrook: Director of Operations
Oh boy, there are far too many to list, so many concerts, events, and exhibitions come to mind.
One favorite memory was from our early years. We were a startup, figuring out our viability and selling tickets to shows, but not necessarily selling anything out yet. There was a core group of locals that would come to shows regularly. When Animal Collective went on sale. It sold out so fast that we thought Eventbrite had crashed! People flew all the way here from Ohio to see the show because we were the smallest venue that the band was playing at on their tour. It was such a great show and such a good feeling.
Another one that comes to mind is the Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker co-bill. I was blown away by their talent. Seeing them in a venue like ours seems crazy to think of now.
Danny Dockham: Production and Technical Manager
In 2016 or 2017 I came to 3S for the first time to see a band my partner and I were really into at the time. I still have a picture on my phone of the guitarist's pedals like a total nerd! Little did I know almost ten years later I would be running sound and lights at this very venue!
When I first applied and was hired here I was mostly excited about getting to dig into the sound and music aspect of the job. Quickly though, I came to love working with the visual artists in the Gallery almost as much as the music work I was doing in the Performance Space. Getting to work with artists who's primary medium isn't music has allowed me to to flex my own creative muscles, and find more appreciation in all types of artists who walk through the door or I meet in my free time.
To celebrate all of our successes, we want to hear from you! We invite you to share your 3S memories from these past ten years using the form below. We want to know the story of your first time attending Project Upcycle, the night you left a concert where you were so close to your musical idol you couldn’t stop smiling about it on the way home, the afternoon when the sun was streaming in through the Gallery windows onto a piece of art that moved you. We want to know how when you think of your wedding anniversary, you think of 3S. We want to know what it meant to you to do something out of your comfort zone by taking the stage at Long Story Short or Couch to Mic.
Over the course of our tenth anniversary year, we'll share your memories to look back and see all that we’ve accomplished together, how we’ve grown, and reflect on what art can do when it brings us all together.