BANDS! Plz read our [BOOKING] section on the left, before inquiring to play our venue.
Updates Regarding Our Closing. [Latest Update: March 26, 2008]
Hi,
We, The ALTERNATIVE Concerts, is still strong and planning on continueing our events. Where? We do not know. And that is the biggest question. We do not have a new location right now but we also feel we need to take a break after our two year sprint. But once the right moment and resources are presented, we'll jump on getting things moving again. But for now, we are permanently shutting down. Now I think I'll go sit in a dark corner and cry for awhile.
So what happened with the church?
The church, 1st. Presbyterian Church of downtown Greenville has decided to not give us one chance to raise the money for the insurance. We feel the church did treat us wrong in the act of not giving us notice. They should have given us a month, or two weeks or something. But instead, they ended our ministry on the issue of Non-insurance. We were told on a thursday that our friday event and all following, cannot not happen. After having weekly events for every week for 14 months straight in The UNKNOWN Venue, we've never had an issue of serious injury. So with the church not giving us one chance to have an event and raise the $1,300.oo for the policy is unfair towards our ministry. Yes, the church is an awesome place and yes we do still love them and yes we do appreciate ALL the help they've given us thus far. We could not have been a success without the 1st. Pres help. But stopping our events without notice wasn't right. Nor did they offer to help us solve this problem. So now we ask ourselves, "are they trying to force us out?" but we just don't know. They're words and actions are two different things. But we love them for everything they've done to help us and do recommend them if you are looking for a church to call home.
We have searched hard to find a new location and have exhausted several options, but as you know in the nature of our outreach, not many churchs want to get involved in this type of hard ministry.(that is a citywide statement, not directed towards 1st. Pres, there were other church's that said no because of the style of music we book)
If you have ANY ideas or opportunities to help us open our events up again, please let us know and we will consider ALL serious offers. Now excuse me please, I need to go cry.
Founder of The ALTERNATIVE Concerts
DJ Tmaq / Mark McLain
[email protected]
864-278-8262
i was just regretably informed that the concert venue known as The UNKNOWN was in danger of being shut down. i couldn't believe the reasoning behind this after being told. why after one year, if not more, is this just now being brought up? why, with this place bringing in hundreds of kids, christian or not, is this place not being fought for or funded by this, or another church. this would be a tragedy if The UNKNOWN were to be shut down for such a reason. i personally know that this place is a great and positive influence. no other venue can house this type of positive music with this edge or style and still proclaim the name of Jesus Christ. do everything in your power to save and keep this place open.
-Mike,
At A Downfall
Ever since By Thine Hands has played there we as a band have touched so many Unchristians lives! we have had over 20 people Saved during all of our performances there. just because they heard something in what they heard from our songs and from others there. The loved the scean there. and how everyone was so nice and they say that they didnt have to be mean for someone to get respect in the world they could be nice and have fun in life and love God and Jesus with all thier hearts! they came up to me and we prayed for them and they got saved right there. we love playing there because it gives us an opertunity to go out into downtown before the shows and share jesus with people that are just walking around but we go out and reach kids . and bring them to the shows! its a wonderful place and its really in a good location because so many people in downtown just need to hear about God and what he can do in their lives!!!
-By Thine Hands
Greenville SC
YO!!! I heard u guys might be shutting down shop... pease don't... I LOVE coming to the Unknown, its an awesome set-up. Also, my friends play there all the time and it's the perfect location for shows, you guys rock so unbelievably much. I LOVE THE UNKNOWN!!!
Peace,
-Grayson
i love the unknown. the unknown brought shows i love here to greenville. before the unknown i could only see metal shows, and i'd have to drive 45 minutes to spartanburg. the unknown is only 15 minutes away and it has every type of show imagineable. some amazing bands have come through. and whenever a big show comes up, theres so much excitement, everybody calling each other saying to meet up at the unknown for a show. i've had some amazing times at the unknown the past six months, meeting bands, helping bands out, baking for bands, EVERYTHING. and the unknown has brought that all to me. i also have no idea what i'd do not being able to see my favorite bands playing at the unknown anymore. please, please don't shut it down, it means so much to me and all my friends.
Thanks,
-Christopher
you give me a very cool place to hangout at on the weekends so if you closed down it would force me to go find other things to do like recreational drugs and other horrible things so dont close down because kids shouldn't have to choose drugs over shows
;]
-Lukas Webb
The Unknown Venue is a great place. I go there almost every weekend to get out of the house and have fun. This is one of the few places in greenville that never gets old. I love this place. Please do not shut it down, The venue doesn't deserve it. Everytime i go to the shows, i see tons of people having a great time, and truly enjoying themselves. It would be a shame not to see the people i have meet going to these shows. It really is a great place, and a great place to meet new people, listen to great music, and have a great time.
-Ainsley Herbert
Your venue helps my weekends feel more fulfilled.I know that i am spending the little bit of money it cost on a good thing. I get to see all my local friends and all the amazing local bands that you house. You help those bands get off there feet and i think that is the best thing any venue can do for anyone.Thank you sooo sooo much for being one of the most amazing venues in the upstate. I can always count of having a good time when im there.
-erin nicole
For the past year now, The Unknown has grown to be one of the largest venues serving Greenville. It has been a fun and safe place to be on weekends and a great place to see my favorite bands. I appreciate The Unknown for giving my band a place to play and being a great place to see others. I appreciate people like Mark McLain for the ministry opportunity that The Unknown provides. He does a great job of sharing a message at every show. If something were to happen to the venue, I probably wouldn't go to shows anymore because no place in Greenville is as fun as The Unknown.
Thanks and God Bless,
-Aaron Rich
Alright,
The Unknown seriously shouldn't be shut down. It's a place where kids can have fun, listen to live music, and meet the bands. Its an out-lit for many teens in the upstate. The place Is a good, fun-loving place. I myself go every weekend almost. I take many of my live event shots here because of the bands, and the nice stage and light set up. Honestly if this place gets shut down, many kids will be upset. Having this venue is a way of supporting the local music scene. Because without it, who knows where the kids will end up. Music, People, and a good time is what The Unknown Venue holds. And there are not that many places these days that have that for the kids.
Sincerely,
-Ashley
So far, the Unknown venue has been one of our favorite places to play locally, and we've been shown so much respect and love from everyone there, we couldn't imagine what we'd do without this venue in our town. We've basically grown up at this venue, from when we started to the present, we've gone from opening any show we could, to headlining on local shows. The unknown venue has helped us build a very good local fanbase. The unknown venue is also one of the safest venues i've ever been to, and most definitely one of the cleanest. The unknown is a safe place for teenagers to come and have a good time and maybe go home with a positive message in their heads and hearts. The unknown has always brought such a positive personality to everyone who has ever crossed through the doors.
Hopefully you guys don't have to shut down, we love playing there, the sound is incredible and theres a pretty large amount of kids who love to come there.
Sincerely
-Nothing Like The Sun
The Unknown Venue has been a great experience for us. Not only is it a good chance to catch some amazing bands, but grow in Christ and hang with your fellow Christians. DJ Tmaq and the rest of the staff are the friendliest people out there, thanks again to The Unknown Venue for giving us the oppertunity to play there and we look foreward to many more shows!!!
-Waking Malachi
cant shut down.
we love your venue. its an awesome place we've never met a venue had a meeting and then prayed with everyone ever and thats what we like about you guys you keep it real.
keep it going.
-Sent By Ravens
The UNKNOWN has been the place I go to instead of going to the clubs and drinking. I have meet tons of christain there and now I go to church with a few of them. I love the venue please don't close it down!!!
-Jill Miller
The Unknown Venue and Mark have been the best ever to help out the band I'm in Almost An Epic. We play there so much, and it is our favorite venue to play at and watch other bands. Mark used to work with us during the summer at the unknown to help our band grow and to be solid performers. It is the only solid Christian/ Positive music venue in Greenville. If it gets shut down, you are shutting down the place where kids can chill and be themselves in a great Christian environment.
Thanks,
~Zack & Almost An Epic
I extremely hope you guys dont close down. The Unknown has become my favorite venue around here and I really wanted my band to play our first show there. You guys are really doing a great service for reaching people too. Very opened minded to different types of bands too and that is such a good thing. God bless and you will be in my prayers that this will turn out for the best.
-Travis Trammell
Hey! Please do not shut down The Unknown. The Unknown is one if not the only venue in South Carolina that caters to and supports up and coming bands in the Greenville music scene. If The Unknown dies then so will most of the music and creativity that comes out the upstate! I dont know where my band would go if it wasnt for the guidance of DJ Tmaq and the venue.
-andrew beasley (atlantic skyline)
Hi, my name is Jon. I would love to see you guys stay open. I recently attended one of your shows and I think your venue has a very good atmosphere for kids. From what I saw your club is a good influence on kids and keeps them off the street and out of other bad environments. It gives them a place to go where they can just be themselves and also be in a very safe place. Keep it up! God bless.
-Jon
Hi,
The Unknown has been a great venue for us. The stage and sound are way better than any other venue, and the overall experience has been great. The shows we've played and friends we've made at The Unknown have made for lasting connections and relationships, and we'd hate to see it go. Thanks a lot.
-Cody Fields
The Overtaking
Mark, we're just stoping in to show our support for you and this incredible venue. It's not only been a blast to play there, but It's a blessing at the same time to see such a cool place be such a big minisrty tool. We will do anything we can to help ensure that you don't get shut down. Just let us know man, take care and God bless,
-Symphony For The Heist
you are a much better most venues.
if you guys keep getting better and better, then greenville might have a good music scene.
-Alexandria
Hey Mark, You guys are really awesome and you have provided us the best venue around to not only play but enjoy the great shows you guys put on. I know that the bands make the show but if you were to get shut down then all of us and the other touring bands that come through are losing a great venue to play . I wish you guys all the best of luck and I'll be praying for you guys that this ministry can continue on. God bless,
-josh raushenberger
man let me tell you wat the frist time i came to the unknown venue i did not know wat to expect but now i love goin to the place its a good hang out to meet friends and a really good place to listen to music i love goin to this venue it rox!
-Justin
Dear Mark,
Thank you so much for allowing us to play shows and attend shows at the Unknown. It is obvious that the Lord is working through you and the Unknown to reach the young people of the upstate. You are doing a great job in being not only a good example of what a christian should be but you are also allowing young people to reach other poeple and share with them their love of God through their music.
See you soon!!! God Bless!!!!!
-Jusin and Joel
AcompanyMe..... Laurens S. C.
Mark you and the Unknown have impacted my life so much in the last year. I feel like I have a place to go now and hang out with a bunch of people that are into the stuff I am into and I dont have to be judged for being different. You and all the work you put in have shown me that no matter how I am God loves me for who I am and it doesn't matter if I play in a screaming band or like screaming music. If they shut you down then you take away the one of the few places I ever did fit in or felt like I was around people that were like me.
-Jordan
This can't be happening. I've never had anything in my life worth calling a family until i met the people at the unknown venue. and i've never been as close to God as i am. the unknown has put me in an atmosphere where i can truly connect with people and God in a way that's fitting for me. this place is my haven. don't take away the best place i have in the world. please.
God will save this ministry through the largest display of power and love this world has ever seen. His will be done, and his works be praised.
-kurby
The Unknown has personally changed my life because it's a place with awesome music but without the atmostphere of drugs and alchahol.It has been an incredible ministry to many people who are unsaved since it is attractive to all people who love music.It's a very open place.I love The Unknown
Venue.Sincerely,
-Walter Roesch
The unknown Venue has been an awesome place for teens to hang out and listen to good music. The management is amazing and the facility is outrageously incredible. Bottom line is, the Alternative has changed the course my life in Greenville SC.
-Paul Lee
The Unknown Venue shouldn't get shut down because it is a good enviroment for the kids that are coming out to the shows! It keeps the kids in a safe enviroment away from alcohol. Dood that sucks that it might get shut down really it does!
-Cory
The unknown venue is the best venue around here in the upstate. I love the way you guys have the videos in between bands, and that is an awesome way to reach kids that don't know God. It is a comfortable, safe place to be and I love it there. Please don't close!
-Lindsay Newman
The Alternative is one of the only places in greenville where teenagers can hang out and enjoy music in a safe enviorment! There are no other places in greenville to go where drugs and alcohol are not influencing teens.
Sincerely
-Jake Logiudice
PLEEEEEEASE don't close The Unknown Venue/The Alternative!! :( There are very few [SAFE and CLEAN!!] places around here where "lesser-known" bands can come, play and build up their fan base. I love the Unknown Venue!! Thanks :)
~Kel Henderson~
(FOUNTAIN INN, SC)
!!!!This place is a blessing for us!!!
and for the Greenville kids...
-Your Chance To Die
Hi,
I've had the pleasure of playing at your venue once, and attending other shows many times. I think you run the most professional Venue for the kind of music our scene is into. You attract a very nice varitey of bands, local and touring. I'd like to play more shows, and certainly go to more shows at the unknown.
- Brett
Hey you guys,
I don't know whats going on, but I know you can't get shut down. There arent that many positive music venues in Greenville for alternative rock bands to play, and the Unknown Venue is an amazing place. The influence this place has is great, and I would hate to see it get shut down. It's one of my favorite places in Greenville to hang out around a positive influence. Don't get shut down, and I hope my support helps,
-Kaytlyn Lackey
I was dismayed to find out that there is a chance The Unknown may be shutting down. I've been to many great shows at The Unknown. There is just something at The Unknown that seems more personal than other venues of its kind. If there is anything at all that I can do past sending this message please let me know, for the sake of the ministry at The Unknown, I would love to help in any way I can.
-Marshall
Hey my name is DaVon Nelson (aka Redeemed). I pray and hope that the unknown stays up and running.Because think about it true that dont get every child in Greenville, or where ever to come. But what about the ones that do come. Those nights that the unknown is open. Those kids come and have a good time. On the other side of town they put up clubs, and people get shot at these clubs. And yet a few weeks later they reopen and the same thing happens. Count how many times someone has been shot at the unknown. Are count how many fights that have broken out while a band was playing. Are during holy hip hop night. Let me help to my knowledge 0. Me and my wife have performed at the unknown. And let me tell you the atmosphere is great. And let me add positive. So finally we have an alternative for the youth of this generation. So keep it going and keep the positive influence going. Thanks, Redeemed signing off.
-DaVon Nelson
The Unknown Venue is the only place in Greenville where I feel accepted. I've been to other venues in Greenville and none of them have the quality management and quality sound like The Unknown Venue. If The Unknown Venue gets shut down, what am I supposed to do on Friday nights?
-Kevin Slagh
The Unknown is a place for fun, good music, but more importantly to praise our God. Anyone that wants to shut down a place like this needs to rethink what they're doing. This place hasnt had a huge impact on my life, but I enjoy going to the shows and its better for kids to be at a show enjoying good music then them getting into trouble with drugs or alchohol. So whoever is thinking of shutting down the Unknown, please take one more look before you do something that could effect alot of kids lives.
Peace!
-Trey Gaines.
The Unknown venue is so much more than a place for concerts. to me its like a outreach center. I am a firm believer in god and i've always wanted a place like the unknown that can deliver the heavier music that i like with a positive message. The Unknown is an amazing place. I love going there. Its like a second home. Everybody is so nice and its one of the best places to have a place to reach out. The Unknown means so much to me and my friends and I'm sure it means a lot to the other people that come to shows there. Please do not shut down the Unknown, its a great place.
-Brannon
I personally love the unknown, and I have so many friends that are in bands that depend on this venue. Not only that but it's a great and SAFE place where all of our friends can get together, listen to some aweosme bands, and just have a great time. I honestly don't know what some people, and myself, would do if this venue gets shut down, since there really arn't that many in the upstate. Please don't shut down the unknown =(
-Jessica Brooks
The UNKNOWN is a vital part of Greenville's music scene. It's a safe, Christian themed environment that puts on awesome shows. Our band as a whole has had alot of chance to get our music and our message of Jesus Christ out to some of the other bands that aren't comprised wholly of Christians, and their fans as well, BECAUSE OF THE UNKNOWN. We love DJ Tmaq, and everything he has done for us as a band, if only considering his constructive criticism and advice. Thanks to everyone, especially Tmaq, that works so hard to keep it going week to week. Let us know how we can help the cause.
God Bless
-Jacob
After The End
the unknown in my opinion is the most fun place to hang out at on the weekends. i've been going to concerts here for about a year now and i haven't been dissappointed yet! this is really the only place to watch concerts in the upstate and the price is only 8 dollars. i've had a chance to see some awesome bands since then; i plan on playing shows here in the future with my band north is calling. THANKS FOR EVERYTHING THE UNKNOWN HAS DONE!
sincerely,
-andrew smith
The Unknown Venue is truly an amazing spot in not only Greenville but South Carolina where local and touring bands can come and make a positive influence on our youth. We need more places like the Unknown Venue so that even more teenagers (christian and nonchristian) can be in a drug free alchohol free environment. I personaly love The Unknown Venue and all it is about. God bless and good luck.
-Cam
(My RED Heaven)
BANDS! Let us be your one stop shop for ALL your merchandise and design needs!!
ALTARnative Clothing and Design
We Support RON PAUL. Watch this video and Join the Revolution to SAVE THE CONSTITUTION!
RON PAUL: House of Cards
