Search ErieReader.com
DonateBest of Erie40 Under 40TicketsAdvertiseDistributionIssuesAboutContactEventsNewsletter
Close
Donate!
Best of Erie 2025
40 Under 40
The Reader Beat
Tickets
Newsletter Signup
Erie Reader Business Quarterly
City Guide
Events
Opinion
Features
Issues Archive
Events Calendar
Advertise
More
Arts & Culture
Business
Columns
Community
Environment
Film
From the Editors
Gem City Style
Local, Original Comics
Music Reviews
News & Politics
Recipes
Sports
Theater
Distribution Locations
About Us
Contact Us
Issue Archives
Internship Opportunities
Write for Us
Share:
Arts & Culture / EntertainmentMusicCommunity

No Drugs. No Drinking. No Drama.

But donations are welcome at Basement Transmissions. 

by Tommy Shannon
View ProfileRSS Feed
November 25, 2015 at 2:45 PM
Contributed photo

The good folks at Basement Transmissions have been working hard to keep underground, independent music alive in Erie since opening their doors in 2011. As both an artist and musician himself, owner and proprietor Bob Jensen knows better than most the need for young people to have a creative outlet. And without BT, underage kids would no longer have a decent all-ages venue where they can perform or see their favorite bands. This was the case for almost a year, once The Hangout in Edinboro closed in January of 2011.  

After four years of helping Erie's underground scene get back on its feet, and providing countless local bands and artists a haven for their creative pursuits, it's now our turn to give something back. 

The new BT is located at the former Roadhouse Theater on West 11th Street, and the building is starting to show its age.

"I want parents to know BT is safe," Jensen said. "When the front facade of the building has dilapidated to the state it's in, it does not give off the safest vibe. I would eventually like to get better outdoor lighting and more security cameras, too."

The harsh lake effect weather Erie experiences every winter takes its toll on the building's heating and plumbing, an issue that also proved to be the bane of The Hangout in Edinboro.  

Now more than ever, Basement Transmissions needs the support of its patrons, and anyone willing to help. Check their schedule on Facebook or their website for show dates. Then, come support the venue, and the community that Jensen and the BT crew have kept alive. — Tommy Shannon

Basement Transmissions // 145 West 11th St. // basementtransmissions.com // Facebook.com/basementtransmissions

basement transmissionsindependent musicbob jensenroadhouse theatersupportbuilding

Featured Events

Today Tomorrow This Weekend

Corry Satellite: Positively Corry 2026

Community & Causes
Jun. 30th, 3:19 AM to 7:30 PM

2026 Sunset Music Series

Music
Jul. 1st, 3:19 AM

King in Yellow

Music
Jul. 1st, 3:19 AM to 11 PM

Live Music at the Flagship City Food Hall

Music
Jul. 1st, 3:19 AM

Join the Parade of Sail to welcome the Niagara home

Community & Causes
Jul. 2nd, 3:19 AM

Submit Your Event   View Calendar

June 2026: Pride
Erie Reader: Vol. 16, No. 6
View Past Issues
In This Issue
Erie Reader Business Quarterly
« Download PDF
View Articles »
Erie Reader Best of Erie City Guide 2023-2024

Popular This Week

COVID-19 Cases Rise Slightly In Erie County, Across Country

xRepresentx, Vice, Counterfeit, Cop Torture at BT

Ludacris Shows Behrend Some Southern Hospitality

Best of Erie 2014 Finalists

Hangin' Out at the South Pier

Related Articles

Concert Review: An Evening with Wilco

by Larry Wheaton6/18/2026, 3:00 PM
Live at Chautauqua Institution

Nothing More Important Than to Know Someone's Listening

by Larry Wheaton6/9/2026, 8:00 AM
An interview with Wilco guitarist Nels Cline ahead of their Chautauqua performance

Pennsylvania Claims Cuts to Arts Bureaucracy, Artists Lose Funding Instead

by Casey Corritore, Capacity Building Lead at Erie Arts and Culture6/6/2026, 12:00 PM
Rural areas suffer funding losses to flush metropolitan sectors

Centennial Hall Fills June Calendar with Versatile Lineup

by Nick Warren6/4/2026, 11:00 AM
Emo, jazz, rock, and hip-hop showcased at local venue

Blues and Jazz Fest Announces Acts on Main Stage

by Alana Sabol6/3/2026, 3:30 PM
Genre-bending bands featured at the weekend event

The Floozies: Getting Electric at the King's Rook Club

by Larry Wheaton5/27/2026, 7:00 AM
Member of Reporters Shield
© 2026 Great Lakes Online Media
PO Box 10963  //  Erie, PA 16514
Terms of Use Privacy Policy