The Midnight Sun has been an exceptional music, art and performance venue in downtown Olympia for the past 21 years. It has always been accessible, affordable and all-ages.

Now, The Midnight Sun is on the verge of closing, and Olympia wants to do something about it.

Thanks to the efforts of Elizabeth Lord, volunteer manager of The Midnight Sun and a member of the Sun's resident theater company, Prodigal Sun Productions, word has hit the street that one of Olympia's most valued venues needs help.

James Madea, booker at The Brotherhood Lounge, has gathered the help of seven local bands that will play the first of a series of benefit shows under the heading "Save the Sun."

Sunday's lineup includes The Hungry Heart, Happy Noose, Hey Girl, Morgan and the Organ Donors, Mongo, November Witch and C-Average. The cover charge is sliding scale, with a suggested minimum of $5. One hundred percent of proceeds will benefit The Midnight Sun.

"Without the Midnight Sun, we would have become fans, not actual musicians," says Timothy Grisham of Happy Noose.

Decorated with tattoos, Grisham booked shows at The Midnight Sun during the mid-90s when indie bands like Modest Mouse and Elliot Smith would play.

While bands still continually play at The Midnight Sun (The Maxines just had a release party), a steady theater influence shifted the venue in 2003, when Prodigal Sun took over and began producing theater performances three times a year.

Lord has also produced several other performances at The Midnight Sun, such as Lord Franzannian's Spectacular Vaudeville shows and her much-praised one-woman storytelling acts.

Despite the success of The Midnight Sun, troubled waters have recently hit.

The recent resignation of Prodigal Sun's president and technical director, Tom Sanders, has put stress on the company.

"Without a knowledgeable technical director, who is willing to work with no pay, the current board decided they could not afford to produce plays this season until we find a replacement," explains Lord.

During dead times, the space can be rented by indie bands or other organizations for $175 per night. Most recently, the displaced Olympia All-Ages Project, Northern, has been hosting shows at a discounted rate.

But Lord says the supplemental rentals have not been enough, and the message has become clear: no revenue from plays, no money for bills.

And the main bill? Rent.

"Our current landlord of at least five years has created a policy to increase our rent bi-annually," says Lord. "We are hoping to enter negotiations to lower our rent ... good luck, right?"

The rent increase, coupled with Sanders' recent resignation, has proven frustrating not only for Prodigal and The Midnight Sun, but also for performers and musicians.

Part of what makes the Midnight Sun so special is the fact that it's accessible to low-income individuals and groups who want to perform, while still providing a quality venue and experience.

Lord explains Prodigal Sun doesn't want to increase rental fees for performers, or increase tickets prices at theater shows - so the fix-it focus is on gathering members, volunteers and equipment. Having a PA system would help, as would a website.

"We are now in need of funding, but more than that, we need more board members, more skilled volunteers, and idea people who can help the remaining board members re-invent, re-create, re-make our current style of business," says Lord.

While Olympia is notorious for come-and-go all-ages venues - RIP The Loft on Cherry, Rico Muse, Yes-Yes, Northern on Fourth, etc - The Midnight Sun has remained a constant due to its size, location and versatility.

With a little money and a lot of helping hands, The Midnight Sun should stick around for at least another 21 years.

"The Sun is the only type of venue of its kind in town," says Lord. "It has such history, such funkiness, and so many memories for those who have used it."

Lord says those unable to attend Sunday's benefit for The Midnight Sun at the Brotherhood who would still like to donate can mail checks to the Midnight Sun (113 N. Columbia St, Olympia, WA, 98501).

For more information or for volunteer opportunities contact Lord at elizabeth-lord @hotmail.com.

Save the Sun

With The Hungry Heart, Happy Noose, Hey Girl
Morgan and the Organ Donors, Mongo, November Witch
C-Average, Sunday, Feb 26, 8 p.m., $5 minimum donation
The Brotherhood Lounge, 119 N. Capital Way, Olympia
360.352.4153