All Matthew Windsor needs to pull off a successful hardcore show is an empty room and a sound system.

That’s just what VFW Post 1247 has to offer.

Windsor has periodically rented space at the VFW for hardcore, metalcore and screamo shows since March, he said.

And the 22-year-old has brought in some big name, nationally touring acts all while keeping things pretty much under the radar.

“There’s no reason why we can’t have good shows here,” Windsor said.

Windsor has lived in Grand Junction for 10 years and said he got tired of only one good band playing in town a year. So he started the company Casket Booking, named after a band he used to be in, and began booking his shows and working with big labels such as Vagrant Records and Trustkill.

“I kind of feel like, if we want to build a scene, we’ll do it ourselves,” he said.

Windsor has been getting the word out about his shows through MySpace, fliers posted at area businesses and by talking to kids at bowling alleys and movie theaters, he said.

The patrons at the VFW are cool with the shows, he said.

It makes the post money, and the veterans talk to the bands as they set up and hang out at the bar inside, he said.

Windsor’s last official show with Casket Booking is Saturday, Nov. 29, when he brings in seven bands from around the country: The Fall of Troy from Washington, The Number Twelve Looks Like You from New Jersey, Warship from New York, and Black Houses, Defending the Pilot, Waves Upon Us and HaileyCourt from Grand Junction.

Windsor said he wants to put more energy into bringing in smaller regional bands, working with another concert booking group Maverick City Hardcore.

MEMBERS OF WARSHIP LOOK FORWARD TO VFW VENUE

Samantha Stiles

Playing at venues such as a VFW hall is exactly what the members of Warship are looking for.

After years touring as From Autumn to Ashes, a hardcore band that drew crowds of thousands of fans to big venues, former lead singer Francis Mark and guitarist Rob Lauritsen were ready to start sleeping on people’s floors again on tour.

“It smells better than most hotel rooms,” Lauritsen said. “It connects you to people again.”

The two formed Warship when From Autumn to Ashes broke up. Warship released “Supply and Depend” on Vagrant Records earlier this month.

“I’m totally proud of everything we did,” Lauritsen said about From Autumn to Ashes.

But, he said, it was time for a change.

For the first time, Mark and Lauritsen wrote new songs together and used thrown together equipment and a busted speaker because the good stuff was tucked away in storage in Brooklyn. In their live shows, the duo has a friend play with them.

“Supply and Depend” is just as hard, if not harder than any of From Autumn to Ashes releases, which shocked fans and reviewers who expected Mark to come out with something softer.

The album was not overly produced, but it’s got a live sound to it, Lauritsen said.

“It’s a pretty honest record, and I hope that translates,” he said.

What: The Fall of Troy, The Number Twelve Looks Like You, Warship, Black Houses, Defending the Pilot, Waves Upon Us and HaileyCourt.
When: Saturday, Nov. 29. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Where: VFW Post 1247, 1404 Ute Ave.
Tickets: $15 at the door. 
Info: www.myspace.com/casketbooking.

Email Samantha Stiles