Elsewhere in West Bremerton | 'Will Rock For Food' tonight at the Chuck

Against a fairly grim set of odds — with this past year’s national economic doom, not too mention the sour fate of most local all ages venues of late — the Charleston Music Venue has survived its first year and a half in business.

In fact, it’s done more than just survive.

The Callow Avenue concert hall — built largely by and for the scene — has grown into a legitimate Northwest venue, drawing bands not only from across the pond and up the West Coast, but from around the country.

And they’ve even started bringing in some big names — punk legends Dr. Know and MDC came to Callow for separate shows earlier this spring, Joe Buck of the Hank WIlliams III fame played the Chuck last fall and New York City ska lords The Slackers are coming to town July 12.

But the Charleston is still deeply rooted in its community.

In addition to consistently giving local bands a place to play, the venue also regularly hosts benefit shows to raise money for various local causes. This weekend marks part 1 of one such cause: the now-annual “Will Rock For Food” benefit for the Bremerton food bank.

Last year’s inaugural event gathered about 10 barrels of food for the Bremerton Foodline. This year, they’ve split it into two shows. Part 1 — starting at 7 p.m. tonight — is a punk night with The Assassinators, Sledgeback and Legends on Heroin among others. Part II — June 19 — will be metal-centric with Super Happy Storytime Land, Beneath All Kaos, Life Long War and more.

“There are two completely different music scenes in Bremerton,” Charleston booker Andy Otiker noted.

By spliting the food bank benefit into a “punk night” and a “metal night,” he said they’re hoping to both increase donations and allow more bands to take part.

Both shows are all ages, bar w/ ID, $4 cover with two cans of food, $6 without at the Chuck, 333 Callow Ave. in Bremerton.Info: www.myspace.com/thecharlestonmusicvenue.

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