BOWLING GREEN – The Bridge is an emerging music venue out of Bowling Green that hosts concerts of all genres, but it has mostly facilitated shows for high-energy heavy metal bands. The venue has emerged from an organization wholly unassociated with heavy metal – the Bowling Green Alliance Church.
Drew Binkley, a member at BGCMAC since he was a child, spearheaded the music venue’s launch.
“About seven years ago, the church added a sanctuary addition to their building, and I’ve been active in the tri-state music scene for 10 years. About a year ago, I said, ‘Hey, we have sound equipment and a stage; why don’t we start hosting shows here?’ And the church has been more than supportive of this endeavor,” Binkley recalled.
Binkley, a drummer, has played with many bands from Fort Wayne, Ind., Dearborn, Mich. and Toledo in several genres, like midwest emo, pop punk and post-noisecore. The experiences and relationships he built attending shows across the local music scene also inspired him to begin The Bridge.
Promoters can be difficult to work with and trust, and The Bridge has alleviated a lot of these hurdles musicians face when booking.
The Toledo Free Press spoke with a band member who appreciated working with the venue.
“It’s a really honest business,” claimed Joey Scigliano, a member of the band Wasted Time. “When you work with people in music, you can work with someone that doesn’t necessarily have your best interest at heart. But, anytime I go to The Bridge, or hear someone talk about it, it’s always a good conversation.”
The acts booked here are in line with the venue’s acceptance of anyone walking through the door.
“We tend to be a hit with the hardcore and metal scene because they get a kick out of playing in a church,” added Binkley. The venue has expanded to artforms outside of music, hosting poetry and open mic events.
“The space is designed specifically for both Christian and non-Christian people to find unity through music in all of its forms,” Binkley said. “No one is going to be preaching at you; people are free to express themselves however they see fit.”
Scigliano, the guitarist in his three-man band, added, “We’ve been together a year and some change…all Toledo locals. We only play original music; our genre is part indie and heavy.” Their first show was hosted at The Bridge when their sound was more early West Coast punk.
“We wanted to play at The Bridge because it’s known as a venue with a heavier sound,” Scigliano noted.
In their first show in November 2024, Wasted Time was on the docket with bands of all stripes, like Sheller – a loud, indie Fort Wayne band headlining for the show – and an energy-charged punk band from Toledo called No Place.
Scigliano even enjoyed hanging out at the venue with his bandmates after playing the concert.
“We met a lot of new people; some of the church goers introduced themselves,” he said. “This one kid comes up to me and asks me questions about the music and was talking about how cool the show was. Drew told me afterwards that this kid goes to the church and is reserved there.”
Scigliano says that he’s felt very welcomed at The Bridge despite not attending the church.
“They cater to everyone at The Bridge. Although heavy music is associated with some adult themes, there were definitely kids there. They brought out pool noodles for them to dance with. There is a real communal sense there; they make it feel very welcoming.”
The Bridge has even reached global audiences after hosting an act from Japan in August 2024: self-proclaimed the “first” Christian heavy metal band from Japan, Imari Tones. Despite the increased traffic, Binkley doesn’t keep any money. Whatever The Bridge makes from ticket sales goes to the staff setting up the show.
Binkley is looking forward to the future of the venue. He has plans for its continued growth and reach.
“As we’ve grown this past year, we’ve started building networks for shows with other churches,” he said. “We also operate out of The Vineyard Church in Bowling Green and have had other churches express interest in hosting shows, too.”
The Bridge will host their next event, Winter Ruckus, at Bowling Green Alliance Church on Jan. 25. Doors open at 5 p.m.
This will be their second year hosting Winter Ruckus, a winter concert event.
