About
The Abbey was founded by Mike Leikin, Nathan Stanton, and Ryan Daniels in the Fall of ′07. After exhaustive research, it was decided that Asheville, NC would become the base for the physical aspects of the business. And so we began the seemingly endless back and forth between New York City and our soon-to-be home in the South. Our ever-deepening aspiration was to employ the tenets of creative and non-predatory capitalism in the process of providing, above all else, a progressive-minded community gathering place, where music and visual art could be ideated, performed, recorded, promoted and distributed.
The Abbey, located in Ashevilles River District, will be the first dedicated performance space in the physical confines of this growing neighborhood of the city. As we’re dedicated to the concept of only staging performances that we’re confident will be fully cohesive, we’ve decided to start minimally, with a flexible weekly schedule that could include as few as one or as many as five nights of music, depending on the acts that we can book.
On the days between performances the space will be creatively adapted to stage various events and activities, including but not limited to; movie screenings, house parties, recording sessions, band practices, indoor soccer (!), listening parties, and anything else viable that the community suggests. The Abbey will have a bar featuring local and national beers offered at fair prices, and it will be open during all planned and unplanned events. Spontaneity is encouraged!
In addition, we will have an impressive pro-audio studio that embraces both analog and digital processes, with a staff of three experienced and talented engineer/producers. Recording sessions will be scheduled based on our availability and the technical needs of the artist. Despite the nature and quality of the equipment, we plan to avoid the sterility that’s become so commonplace in studios, keeping in line with D.I.Y. aesthetics and remaining open to non-traditional techniques.
Over time we’ll be incorporating a variety of digital services, including web design, online promotion and press, and networking with visual artists and craftsmen of all persuasions. We’re open to any suggestions for or requests of alliance. Cooperation and exchange with like-minded artists has the ability to strengthen the resolve and bargaining power of the creative class. Let’s share.
The Abbey Manifesto