LIGHT LEAK COLLECTIVE
The Return of Live Music and Inclusive Spaces
By Sanna Apolskis
On an extremely foggy night along the Jersey coast within Asbury Lanes, a bowling alley by day, music venue by night, a sold-out crowd of eager fans forms to watch MUNA perform.
MUNA is a three-piece band from Los Angeles, California. They are currently on tour supporting Kacey Musgraves in arenas such as Madison Square Garden but squeezed in a few headline dates in smaller cities such as Asbury Park. Their most recent album “Saves the World” explores coming of age and growth through songs such as “Grow,” and “It’s Gonna Be Okay, Baby.”
Before playing an unreleased song from their upcoming album, lead singer Katie Gavin explains that MUNA’s songs are meant to inspire those that struggle with their identity and sexuality. As a three-piece band, each member identifies as queer and invites the same inclusivity and comfortability in their crowd members.
With the word “MUNA” painted across their forehead, Nicole Vion experienced the MUNA show from the front row. Vion had attended the previous show in Burlington, Vermont and traveled from there to New Jersey in order to experience the show again. Vion arrived at the venue five hours before the doors opened and waited in the freezing coastal temperatures just to secure the barricade spot.
“As a queer band, they have helped me with my own queer experience and have turned into role models for me,” Vion said. “It was also so special to experience these concerts because of how seriously they are taking COVID.”
Due to New Jersey protocols, masks could only be encouraged for attendees, but MUNA took it upon themselves to mandate masks for their shows specifically. Before playing their second song, guitarist and synth player Naomi McPherson took the time to thank the crowd for wearing masks in order to allow for the show to happen.
Photographer, Rachel Minot, had the opportunity to cover the show through her camera’s lens thanks to Gavin granting her a photo pass. Minot had seen MUNA over five times and continues to attend their shows because of how she has bonded to their fanbase.
“I am glad I felt safe enough to attend because of the proper COVID precautions in place and I feel constantly comfortable in expressing myself and making friends with other fans,” Minot said.
In addition to the mask requirement, mandated by MUNA and their team, they also created a safe space by implementing gender neutral bathrooms. Throughout the venue, signs were posted that MUNA had requested this in order to promote inclusivity for their guests. These specific requirements span across their headline shows and alter the sense of community in the venues.
If just for the 75 minutes MUNA was on stage, the crowd was able to come together in the small room and find a sense of comfort and belonging with each other. With a masked-up crowd and pride flags flying throughout the show MUNA provided solace if just for the night.
