Teen Venue Cans Concerts

The board of directors for a teen center near San Jose, Calif., recently pulled the plug on the concert season at the facility after parents complained shows were getting a little too adult for their tastes.

The Venue: A Place for Teens was reportedly being referenced as an “all ages” club in online listings and drawing an older crowd to some shows. The Los Gatos venue has booked national touring acts repped by major agencies, such as Emarosa and We Shot the Moon.

A mother of one teen told the San Jose Mercury News that bands were bringing their adult entourages to concerts at the center when many parents thought The Venue was strictly for middle school- and high school-aged kids.

“A 13-year-old gave her phone number to a 22-year-old and he’s calling at two o’clock in the morning wanting them to go out,” the mother said. “There was some drunk guy on the phone. It was unbelievable. They’re bringing predators into town and they’re calling and texting these girls.”

The mother brought the late-night call to the attention of the board, which later confirmed with the paper that the incident “did occur.”
Board president Chris Miller told the Mercury News procedures have been changed at the center for any future shows.

“Anyone who looks over 18 will be asked to show their ID,” Miller said. “There will be a security guard present during concerts. And bands that want to play will go through a more stringent application process and interviews with the promoter.”

Mike Loya, who supervises The Venue through the city’s recreation department, told the Mercury News plans are in the works to coordinate with students from the local high school and come up with other activities for teens at the center.

“Ultimately, it’s the safety of the kids that’s important,” he said.