This is a calendar and archive for DIY events in the tri-state area.

For a community where values, principles, and practical knowledge are passed by verbal tradition, the initial appearance of COVID-19 severely damaged DIY. A large network of people connected by the same values is the most powerful part of DIY. We can connect people to music and to other people passionate about music without the barriers that commercial or far off venues create; music can simply happen in a house or under a bridge up a few blocks. Also dealing a blow to our communities is an unprecedented cost of living, which holds many bands and community members back. Much of DIY is barely strung together by funds and free time of just a handful of people which now goes towards staying afloat or working more hours.

For anyone who wants to see these communities stick around, it is essential to take active roles in your communities; find what you care about, truly look at what's happening around you, see what isn't working, and directly speak to your peers to figure out how to fix shit. Putting together shows is hard work and it does not get done on its own. This could mean more spaces to play music, better maintaining the spaces that do exist, having more bands, making spaces safer, or something else entirely. This site aims to be a tool for organizers, bands, artists and community members who want to figure out what these problems are by collecting information you can't easily see by yourself. Having knowledge about the past and present in your scene and the scenes most directly connected to yours is essential for figuring what is going on, what needs to change, and how to go about that change.

The shows that go on the calendar will be limited to shows happening at spaces that are essential to DIY communities or with bands that participate in these communities. If it is unclear to myself or anyone contributing to the calendar whether or not a venue or band supports values coming from DIY, then these shows will not go on the calendar or archive. If you feel like an incorrect judgement has been made, I'm available to talk via email email at coolshows.life@gmail.com or on the very lightly maintained Instagram account @coolshows.life. I'm also always open to offers for help from graphic designers, web designers, people who want to host show photos and videos on the site, people interested in doing some kind of writing about local music, or anyone with some shows that you think should be posted.