Sometimes Rexburg can be described as quiet, but the Hangar music venue on Profit St. proves that this town is anything but quiet. From indie bands to local singer-songwriters, this space has quickly become a hub for artists and fans alike offering a stage not just for sound, but for community.
“But really what we're just trying to do is have a positive music atmosphere for these musicians because there's a lot of talent,” said Keith Meenan, co-owner. “There’s always people wanting somewhere to play. So glad to have a spot to give them.”
This Saturday, the venue will host a metal night featuring bands Blame the Deacon, Thy Kingdom and Modern Feedback, all groups coming from southeast Idaho.
Meenan said each band brings a different style of metal, with little to no screaming. Earplugs will be provided for those who need them.
“It's a metal show, but there's not much screaming. Thy Kingdom does a little but the other bands it's full vocals,” Meenan said.
Originally called Venue 101 and located on College Ave., the Hangar has grown into a 3,000-square-foot space equipped with a large sound system and professional lighting all designed to create an immersive music experience. The venue was launched by Meenan and Riley VanNortwick, who was an intern at the time and now co-owns the space.
“I originally was in a band and my band was interested in recording and we found out about the recording studio, Make it Now! Productions. And we started, we quickly started recording with Keith at Make it Now!,” VanNortwick said. “From there I kind of got involved with helping out in the studio and then got an internship with Keith and then just started working for him. And then from there we kind of had an opportunity to open a venue with another partner.”
Beyond the venue, Meenan runs Make it Now! Productions and teaches guitar and bass lessons at Mike’s Music.
He believes Rexburg needs a space that can elevate local talent—and said the combination of venue, studio and lessons is how they’ll make that happen.
“We definitely need the support of the community. We need people coming and supporting these artists because Rexburg's always been such a positive community with everything,” Meenan said.
The metal show will be held Saturday, with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. and the show starting at 8 p.m. at 309 Profit St.
For more information, visit the Hangar’s Instagram or Make it Now! Production’s Instagram.
To learn more about the Hangar from Meenan and VanNortwick, listen to the full interview on BYU-Idaho Radio’s podcast on Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.