Walking into South Bend’s Langlab is experiencing something new. In a small, Indiana town, it isn’t always easy finding new places with rich culture and ideas that are different from the cornfield culture that is inherent in the rural midwest. Contrasting those traditional, Indiana archetypes is an old, abandoned factory with diverse and modern music playing around twice a month. 

Langlab is a home for art of any kind, including a stage, a gallery and even a bar, if mixology is included. It is a 33,000 sq. ft. dwelling place for hippies, hicks and nonconformists alike, so long as no one brings any sort of judgment. It provides an atmosphere that makes it almost impossible to be disinterested. Everything –from the entrance, to the stage, to the mismatched furniture– provides a comfortable and interesting environment, providing an urge to explore every corner of it.

Almost reflecting the art it houses, the building is always changing. Businesses such as Purple Porch Co-Op and Zen Cafe have once called it home. Currently occupying the space are businesses: Rust Belt Studio (tattoo parlor), Kelly’s Green Living (botanical art), BlueKrishna (photography), and Emanuel Caraman Vocal Studio. Owners have switched around: currently being Stephanie Rizk, Kahlil Smylie, Nathan Henry and Rami Sadek. Over the years, one thing that has stayed constant is the community, no matter who owns it, or what businesses and artists reside in it, people keep coming back. 

A recent show (Feb. 4) included first-time performers Sophia and Mark, a folk duo with things to say about the world and a guitar and banjo to help them say it. After playing songs from their first album, as well as some covers like The White Stripes’ “Hotel Yorba,” they offered the stage to the next group. Following the act was the alt-country band, The Brides of Neptune, featuring JAHS’s very own Mr. Leatherman. Their performance brought the audience into an upbeat dancing mood, setting up for the final performance from The Stampede String band. The trio has been together a decade now, with 4 albums including a live recorded set, available anywhere. The night of bluegrass and folk was a perfect example of what places like Langlab do for a community; bringing music and culture of all kinds to one place, for everyone to enjoy in their own way, with people of all backgrounds to enjoy it with. 

The importance of institutions like Langlab is almost unmatchable. A place with something for everyone is scarce, and should be supported by the community it services. The venue is easily accessible with most shows costing no more than $15 to get into, so that everyone has a chance to be a part of something different. Everyone needs a little change and Langlab is the best place in town to experience it. 

More information at: https://www.langlabsb.com/