Inside Cell 63: Punk Rock Exhibit,

About the event

Join us for an exciting, one-of-a-kind event that celebrates the vibrant grassroots history of punk rock in the San Fernando Valley—“Inside Cell 63: Punk Rock in the San Fernando Valley”. This immersive exhibit explores a unique chapter in punk rock history—Cell 63, an underground concert venue that existed in the basement of Nathan Peterson's home in the San Fernando Valley from 1991 to 1995.

In 1991, 17-year-old named Nathan Peterson transformed his parents' basement into a thriving underground venue which hosted over 200 punk rock bands, including Rage Against the Machine, who rehearsed at the venue before their first official performance. 

Exhibit Highlights:

• Rare Artifacts: See original flyers and posters from Cell 63’s early days, many of which document the rise of iconic punk bands in the region.

• Exclusive Footage: Experience never-before-seen footage, including the only known video of Rage Against the Machine’s first-ever live performance at Cal State University Northridge.

• Interactive Displays: Learn about the DIY ethos of the punk rock scene, the cultural significance of underground venues, and the role that Cell 63 played in fostering a sense of community for punk fans and musicians alike.

• Historical Context: Dive deep into the San Fernando Valley’s punk rock history, from the early DIY venues to the lasting cultural impact of the movement.

• Interviews with Key Figures: Watch exclusive interviews with Nathan Peterson (founder of Cell 63), former band members, and local musicians who performed at the venue. These personal stories provide insight into the spirit of the scene, the challenges of running a DIY venue, and the lasting legacy of Cell 63. 

Panel Discussion: Following the exhibit, join a panel of local musicians, historians, and cultural experts for a discussion on the significance of underground venues in shaping the punk rock scene. This conversation will highlight the importance of spaces like Cell 63, which provided opportunities for emerging bands to hone their craft, connect with fans, and develop their own identities outside the commercial music industry. The panel will explore punk rock’s role in youth culture, rebellion, and self-expression, and reflect on the lasting legacy of the San Fernando Valley's punk scene.

Why should you sponsor?

1. Celebrate Punk Rock History and Local Culture
This exhibit offers a rare opportunity to connect with the roots of punk rock in Southern California, specifically the San Fernando Valley. By sponsoring the event, you’ll be directly supporting the preservation and celebration of this important moment in local music history. Sponsors will be recognized as patrons of this cultural preservation, contributing to the ongoing legacy of punk music.

2. Reach a Diverse and Engaged Audience
Punk rock has a dedicated and passionate fan base that spans generations. From long-time followers to younger generations discovering the genre for the first time, the event will attract music lovers, students, local residents, and cultural enthusiasts. Sponsors will have the opportunity to tap into this community of engaged individuals who appreciate authenticity, creativity, and local history. This event provides a unique platform to connect with a diverse audience—both those with a personal connection to the scene and those with an interest in cultural preservation.

3. Boost Brand Visibility and Positioning
Sponsorship provides prominent exposure in a community-oriented event. Your brand will be featured in event materials (including flyers, posters, and online promotions), and you'll have the chance to be recognized during the panel discussion and in the exhibit space itself. Additionally, the event will attract media coverage, particularly as it highlights a unique piece of music history. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your brand as a supporter of the arts, culture, and local community initiatives.

4. Strengthen Your Community Engagement
As a sponsor, you’ll demonstrate your commitment to the local community by supporting a project that celebrates local talent, history, and creativity. Whether your business is based in the San Fernando Valley or you want to make a meaningful impact on Southern California’s cultural landscape, this exhibit presents an opportunity to build goodwill and strengthen relationships with the local population, students, and culture-focused organizations.

5. Alignment with Creativity and Innovation
Sponsoring an event centered around the pioneering spirit of punk rock aligns your brand with values of creativity, innovation, and authenticity. Cell 63 was not just a venue—it was a platform for emerging artists to create, perform, and define their own path. Your sponsorship will show that your brand shares these same values of disruption, individuality, and artistic freedom, which are core principles of punk culture.

6. Associate with an Educational and Meaningful Project
This exhibit is not just a celebration of punk music—it’s also an educational project that will allow attendees, particularly students, to learn about the power of DIY culture and the significance of underground venues. By sponsoring this event, you support both the educational goals of the exhibit and the larger effort to provide a space for dialogue, learning, and cultural exchange.

Why Sponsor a Student-Led Exhibit?

By sponsoring this student-led exhibit, you're not just supporting an event—you're investing in the future of young scholars, artists, and cultural innovators. Cheyanne Washington, the undergraduate History student at Pepperdine University behind this project, has poured heart and passion into curating a meaningful and historically significant exhibit that celebrates a unique chapter of punk rock history in the San Fernando Valley.

 Empowering Student Leadership and Creativity
This exhibit is a direct reflection of the dedication, hard work, and creativity of a student who has taken the initiative to research, curate, and present a piece of history. By sponsoring this event, you're empowering the next generation of leaders and helping to foster the skills of young individuals who are actively shaping their academic and professional paths. Your sponsorship provides the financial support necessary for this project to succeed and for the student to continue developing as a scholar and curator.

Cheyanne Washington

Cheyanne Washington
Undergraduate History Student, Pepperdine University
Curator and Lead Researcher

Cheyanne Washington is a passionate undergraduate student at Pepperdine University, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in History. For her senior thesis, Cheyanne is curating an exhibit that delves into the rich and unique history of Cell 63, an underground punk rock venue in the San Fernando Valley that helped launch the careers of bands like Rage Against the Machine. Drawing from a love for local music history and a deep commitment to preserving the stories of cultural movements, Cheyanne has led the research and development of this exhibit, combining her academic expertise with a passion for punk rock. With a keen eye for historical context and a drive to tell untold stories, Cheyanne has worked tirelessly to bring this piece of Southern California’s music history to life.

Crystal Peterson
Exhibit Designer and Collaborator

Collaborating with Cheyanne is a talented graduate from the UCLA Design Program, bringing expertise in visual design and curation to the project. With a strong background in graphic design, exhibition layout, and creative storytelling, Crystal has played a critical role in transforming Cheyanne’s research into a visually dynamic and interactive exhibit. Their work ensures that the history of Cell 63 is not only told through the artifacts and footage but also through an engaging and immersive visual experience. By blending archival materials with creative design, Crystal has helped bring the atmosphere of the punk scene into the exhibit space, allowing attendees to step back in time and feel the energy of the era.

Together, Cheyanne and Crystal form a dedicated team of scholars, creatives, and music enthusiasts who have poured their time and energy into curating this special project. Their collaboration reflects the intersection of academic research, historical preservation, and creative expression, with a focus on delivering an educational and emotionally resonant experience for visitors. Through their combined expertise, they aim to bring Cell 63’s fascinating story to life and celebrate the significant role this small but mighty venue played in shaping the Southern California punk rock scene.

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