by Amanda Davis

If you’re anything like me, you know all too well how simultaneously difficult and amazing the holiday season is. The end of the year brings cold weather and shorter days, and for many, the seasonal depression kicks in hard. But there are also so many opportunities to spend time with loved ones and make new connections. Now more than ever—especially in the age of social media and online identity—we’ve started seeking third spaces for genuine and fulfilling interaction. If you’ve been longing for a space like this here in Gainesville, Lauren from the Dasha has got you covered: in this interview, she breaks down their mission and what you can expect from events and workshops. 

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Can you tell me a bit about what the Dasha is? 

The Dasha is a community space centered on building community and connection through classes, workshops, and shows. We also have massage therapists and tattoo artists that round out the house with their various healing art contributions.  

What kinds of events can people expect in the coming months? 

We have a little bit of everything. Yoga, ecstatic dance, drumming, community movie nights. The calendar is always changing, but in any given week we structure variety into the schedule so that anyone could find an activity worth coming out for.  

How has your history working in music/booking influenced what you’re doing with Dasha? 

It’s interesting how much things have changed. Back in the early naughts you found bands by going to other venues or listening to a dozen shitty demo CDs to find one gem every night. Now it all happens online. You listen to a band on Spotify or SoundCloud or their YouTube channel and make deals over Instagram. It’s wild. And so much less fun. Which is great if you are old like me. I could never do another season of bars and clubs. My liver would say fuck that. It seems like venues are paying bands a more fair split.  I remember back in the day if you had no following, you got paid in beer tickets. I’m happy we have always gone into agreements giving performers the majority of the door. It’s also cool to see more than just dudes as active talent buyers. I meet more women and gender non-conforming individuals in what was once an exclusive boys club. I like to see more diversity. It keeps small scenes (like Gainesville) from stagnating into just one kind of sound.  

What inspires you? What would you like people to take away from coming to a show or workshop? 

Making space for people who think there isn’t a space for them. This generation seems to go out less often. They are all so goddamn lonely on their phones. You can just come to Dasha and someone will hang out with you and make you some tea. I’ll talk to you about gardening or we can do some yoga. Someone will read your tarot cards. Our internet is terrible. You probably can’t even check your social media tbh.  

Is there anything else you want people to know? 

“Building community” is expensive. It’s a participatory and collaborative union. We hold the cool thing. You come to the cool thing. We hold space. You take it up. It’s like a marriage. Give and take. But you can’t just talk about it. That’s how all your indie coffee shops and venues die—through talk and dates that were never made. Come make out in our bathroom. Learn to make some soy candles. Listen to a band on pillows and drink tea, because we made this sober space for people just like you. Fold up some old school zines in our workshop room. Move your body on Sundays for free community yoga. Get rid of some trauma and replace it with new things that feel good. But come through the door. That’s the only way this works. 

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In addition to workshops and classes, the Dasha also has some upcoming shows! Stop by this Thursday (12/5) to see David Dondero and Kyle Keller (one of my personal favs. You can also see me there selling some tea!) Then on Friday December 13^th, Roadhouse has booked Will Hasell and Guy Who Is for an awesome gig, with flash tattoos by Jor Jor Pinks. Links will be below, and you can follow Dasha on Instagram @dashagainesville. Hope to see you there! 

Dasha: https://www.dashacollective.com/

Thursday Listening Room: https://www.dashacollective.com/events/daviddondero

Booking: https://www.dashacollective.com/book