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'The Underground' hosting its last concert this weekend

Posted at 4:30 AM, May 24, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-24 07:56:24-04

FOREST PARK, Ohio -- A popular hangout for local teens is closing its doors this weekend.

The Underground in Forest Park has been home to local, regional and national bands since 2004. The people behind The Underground said its faith-based events have at times attracted 50,000 teens a year.

Now, The Underground is transitioning, according to executive director Mike Vollette. 

"There is some sadness," he said. "But really, some nostalgia of people of people saying what an impact The Underground has had on their life, on their career."

The venue has hosted famous acts like Toby Mac and a start-up duo now known as Twenty One Pilots. 9 On Your Side even used to air a show from The Underground on weekends called The Zone. But crowds have dwindled over the years.

"Numbers have been a challenge on the weekends," Vollette said. "But also, we were seeing fewer bands getting together."

Even though the curtains are closing on this phase of The Underground, the organizers believe that its next phase could be even brighter: a film school. 

They're also hoping someone else with a teen focus will take over the current space. 

"We are already in talks that that is going to happen and potentially carry on some of what we were doing," Vollette said.