To adults, the “kaz-ba” delivers the sensory overload you’d expect from the fabled palace of an African sovereign that shares (spelling aside) the name.
But to teens, it’s a refuge.
Since its debut last fall, the underage hang-out organized by The Jeremiah Center is the Saturday-night place to be for an increasing number of teens. An average of 120 kids – many of them non-drivers arriving by foot or skateboard – drop by the alcohol-, tobacco- and drug-free coffeehouse, attracted by the free admission, live bands and chance to connect with others.
Due to its proximity to Edmonds-Woodway High School, many of the teens are students there, adult chaperones say. But the kaz-ba, which is thought to be the only venue of its kind in the Edmonds area, draws kids from all over South Snohomish and North King counties, said David Greenlee, a Jeremiah Center board member.
On one recent night, a record 240 kids jammed into the sofa-filled former church sanctuary to listen to Agent Apathy, The Hollowpoints and Delusional Label. High-school bands are a big draw, said Chris Sweigart, 22, a part time staff member.
The music was loud. The kids louder. Multiple piercings were the norm. A couple guys sported Technicolor Mohawks but the longest locks belonged to Sweigart.
Chaos never reached the boiling point, with a band of low-profile adults constantly circulating through the building and grounds. It also helps that the kids are told they have to police themselves and their friends because illegal behavior will get the place shut down, Greenlee said.
“We try to instill ownership and it works,” said Sweigart, pointing out that graffiti and property damage is rare.
The only intoxicated person to ever try to enter the kaz-ba was a curious adult who was politely shown the door, Greenlee said. The same courtesy is extended to anyone who appears to be over age 21.
College-age volunteers from Trinity Lutheran Church stamp hands at the door to keep track of numbers. Kids can come and go. Behavior that hints of potential trouble or possible contraband items is carefully watched, Sweigart said. “Our goal is not to be accusers. When behavior affects others, that’s when we act.”
The goal of adult leaders at the kaz-ba is to get to know the kids, of which about 50 percent are regulars, according to Sweigart. “Building community” is what the program – which has no religious undertone – seeks to do, he added.
“It’s kinda like coming to someone’s house,” observed Cole Nagel, 15, a kaz-ba regular who attends Edmonds-Woodway. “They don’t press religion on you. If they did, a lot of kids wouldn’t come,” noted Nagel, who said he attends church regularly, although not one connected with the center.
“They let (teens) be themselves,” added Kayla McKie, 16, of Mountlake Terrace High School. She agreed with Nagel that the no cover charge also is a big draw for kids.
Teens can look forward to ever-changing music at the kaz-ba, including acoustic, ska, indie, metal, emo and contemporary progressive rock. Bands range from the garage variety to semi-pro, Greenlee said, and are booked by the teens themselves. Most bands are secular. They are asked to play non-hostile music that respects others and always comply, he added.
Teen volunteers also run the snack bar, operate the light and sound systems and clean up after closing hours. “Developing leaders” is what the center’s programs are all about, Greenlee said.
The kaz-ba’s hours are 7-11 p.m. to limit late-night noise in the neighborhood. Not a single neighbor has complained to the parish about noise or property damage related to Jeremiah Center, according to Greenlee.
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