A diverse lineup of bands, including Section 1, Carburator, Scex tape Massacre, and Wound Flower, jammed the basement of Murfreesboro square cannabis dispensary, The Laboratory, August 22, 2025, for a newly established music and arts venue curated by area artist and muralist/Laboratory manager, Ryan Frizzell, August 22, 2025. 

While local vendors set up shop in a connected hallway, the event drew local Bucket City Punks (a growing nickname for the fandom of the Murfreesboro-local, Punk/Metal scene) entering from the alley behind the vintage clothing, art supplier/thca dispensary and full-service glass accessory smoke shop, showcasing the vibrant underground scene in the area. 

“When selling something straight from your heart, it’s hard to balance maintaining a livelihood while staying true to your artistic voice,” said Hayes.

“Vending at a Murfreesboro punk show is like coming home to a loving and supportive family,” Hayes continued.

“I couldn’t ask for a better community. We build each other up, we look out for each other, it’s a great space, and I can’t wait to see more shows here.” 

Local live music has resonated through the alleyway before. For those who remember, the bicycle and music festival once known as Tour de Fun, which took place from 2010 to 2012, moved to Nashville, and is now celebrated as Boro Fondo Non-Profit Cycling, Music and Arts Festival in Murfreesboro.

Greg Warrick, also known as Wak, is the bass player for Section 1 and performs with other bands in Murfreesboro, including Tank Rats and Wrekt. He is often called an elder punk dedicated to preserving Murfreesboro’s music scene while creating opportunities for future generations. 

“I’m really excited; I haven’t played on the Square in a long time, and I’m so thankful there’s a place for kids to go,” Wak said. 

Along the Tour de Fun route, one of the notable venues was Neutral Skate Supply, which, like The Laboratory, had the same back-alley access.

Hipsters lounging on the roof of The Boro Barber Academy enjoyed live performances by DARK SiSTER, a dark synth-pop duo consisting of Tiffany Nicole Clark and Jessi Wade, which might bring back memories from 2011. 

“Man, right off the top, last night was so fun, you know, from the jump, that was just incredible. We all have wanted to do something like that here for the longest time,” said Ryan Frizzell, a manager of the Lab, who first got involved through a Matt Groening-inspired mural project. Urban art admirers can find Frizzells @The_Rhinovirus on IG; some of his art is for sale at the store. 

Frizzell also shared that the basement space has recently had some quieter events, like R&B, Jazz, and acoustic stuff, and artists have split the space for those creative get-togethers. Frizzell also shared that they are interested in art classes and maybe even including paint and puff sessions.

The Lab also acts as a Gallery space for local artists to display and sell their work. The wall has art from Brian Smith, Carly Padilla, Chase Alexander, Moogen, Tera Yoshinmura (Momma Yoshi), Jerry Winnett, Chris Canvas, Brian Smith, DFitz, Gregory Lannom, Cami Haley, Meagan Armes, Mitchel Gonzalez, Elizabeth Salaway, Axel Guevara, MARS, Demi Finamori, Vivian Wilson, Matthew Anderson, and Dean Moore. 

Looking ahead, the Laboratory is hosting a Free DJ set on August 30 with Muck Culture, THXNGEDMAN, and AUDIOBARBIE.

On September 6, a show will run from afternoon to evening during the Saturday market. Frizzel is talking with Baja Erik in the band, “Hurts to Laugh,” about a show in October. 

Information on Ryan Frizzell’s curations can be found on his socials, The Rhinovirus, as well as the walls of surrounding, local businesses.

The Laboratory, located at 25 S. Public Square, is open seven days of the week from 10am – 11pm; until 2am, Friday and Saturday, 11am – 9pm, Sundays, with more information found at their social accounts, The Laboratory Smoke Shop | Johnson City TN | Facebook, and [current instagram page].