Jason Wolf walked by the space that would become The Agency regularly for three years. “I couldn’t believe it wasn’t being used to its full potential,” Wolf recalls. Then in February of last year, Wolf jumped at the chance to lease the property on Fourth Street just south of Central. In March, The Agency was born. Wolf’s initial idea for the space was to turn it into a production studio where folks could record music, edit videos and give product demonstrations. But Wolf quickly realized he needed to turn his new baby into something that could bring in cash more quickly. The cozy space, with its hardwood floors and brick walls, lent itself to becoming a music venue. Wolf decided to make The Agency into an all-ages art gallery and concert haven for the kids.“I firmly believe that the all-ages scene is what keeps a music scene going,” Wolf says. “They’re the next round of music purchasers, supporters and band members.” Wolf says The Agency exposed a younger audience to bands that typically play bars. After a year of concerts, art openings and broken guitar strings, The Agency will host its last show on Saturday, March 28. Wolf plans to head back to school to get his MBA and prepare himself for the joys and challenges that accompany fatherhood. Wolf is also an audio engineer by trade and wants to see if club owners are interested in having him record shows at their venues. While Wolf admits part of the reason for closing has to do with the “economic shit storm” swirling across the country, he also says it’s simply time to move on. “We’re not closing because of anything negative,” Wolf says. “I’m getting itches to go on to other things.”In recent weeks, many of the bands that grew fond of The Agency have decided to donate their cut of the door proceeds to Wolf. The dough will help him pay off the debt he accumulated buying equipment and renovating the space.Wolf says it was a tough decision to close The Agency’s doors. But if he ever gets nostalgic, he’s got 60 audio recordings of live shows at The Agency to remind him of the good old days. “It’s a lot of work and there are sacrifices you have to make to keep this place going,” Wolf says. “I’m sorry to see it go.”Wolf says he’s talked with several people interested in taking over his lease. The father-to-be says he hopes the space will be turned into something that adds character to Albuquerque. “It could be used as another place to have art, or a production gallery or a studio,” Wolf says. “It can hopefully be something that benefits us or adds culture to the Downtown scene.”
The Agency (111 Fourth Street SW) has a few shows left before it’s lights out. Thursday, March 19: SGFY and special guests Friday, March 20: Look Mom No Hands Tuesday, March 24: Art opening Friday, March 27: Yellow Crystal Star, Amir Coyle, Raven Chacon, Nanocrack Saturday, March 28: Final show with Agency E, IRSglitch, DJs Justin George and Brian Botkiller, an open jam session and more special guests to be announced
