North Texas Daily

On July 28 after five months on hiatus due to sexual misconduct allegations, the house venue formerly known as Jagoe House reopened as the Lighthouse.

The shutting down of the venue rattled the house show community in Denton. However, house members said they are determined to rebrand the venue and put in measures to ensure safety for all.

Integrative studies senior Emile Anniboli moved into the Lighthouse in February of this year. Anniboli said he was hesitant to move in and unsure of what to expect.

“I never heard of Jagoe House prior to this, [and] I didn’t know anyone prior to moving in,” Anniboli said. “I was [a] little nervous at first but everything has been OK.”

Anniboli said he clearly understood what the house had been accused of. He said he knows now that it is his responsibility to create a safe and fun environment for guests at the Lighthouse.

“I was confident I could change some of the negative notions,” Anniboli said.

Anniboli transferred from the University of Arkansas before coming to Denton. He said he heard of claims that “drinking was involved” and “guys will cross some boundaries they shouldn’t.” However, he said he knew these claims should not exist in his own house.

“It’s difficult to have an eye on everyone while you’re trying to run the show,” Anniboli said. “We are putting more eyes on the floor, so nothing goes unnoticed.”

Integrative studies senior Cole Helms has lived at the Lighthouse for more than a year. He said the plans for the future of the Lighthouse are still unclear, but he is eager to get back in the swing of planning shows.

“I think under new ownership we can brand ourselves differently,” Helms said. “We are taking way more precautions.”

Helms said they must maintain a controlled environment, despite the potential hectic energy of an audience. Some changes to the Lighthouse are simple, such as brightening corners with lights and having more individuals watch over the inside of the house and in the backyard. Helms said he is also looking for trustworthy people who truly appreciate house show venues and want to keep them safe.

“Every backyard you go to as far as house venues are not very well lit,” Helms said. “The backyard is considered petty

dark [and] people consider it a crowded area. We need more eyes out there. I think one thing we will discuss further is making these areas more lit and just needing extra eyes.”

The house shows within the Denton community are connected. The organizers of house shows in the Denton community talk to each other and communicate about what is happening at their venues like a family.

“As far as house show communities go, we all talk to each other,” Helms said.

Health promotion junior Julia Cruz has been involved with house shows since the beginning of college. She has friends living in house venues across Denton and has learned about how they function. According to Cruz, there is a “banned” list that circulates among Denton house shows that names people who are no longer allowed to enter the property of house shows.

“If there’s a person who had been known to damage property or make women uncomfortable or be incredibly offensive, they won’t allow them in the environment,” Cruz said.

Cruz said that those listed have not been seen at the venues since.

“It’s not meant to be a public shame fest,” Cruz said. “They know what they know and they do what they can to protect the house.”

Cruz said that when she attends a house show she is aware of her surroundings. She said that while house owners are responsible for what happens, partygoers should take action if they see something happening they know is wrong.

“Be aware of your surroundings,” Cruz said. “If you see a person who is unconscious somewhere, help them. Be vigilant and [be] sensitive — make sure there aren’t hazards around.”

Helms and Anniboli are excited to plan more shows. They said from this point on, it is going to be a new atmosphere.

“It’s not going to be an animal house by any means,” Helms said. “This is a safe environment to experience new music and to also be sociable.”

Remnants of the Lighthouse’s past life as Jagoe House lay throughout the yard. After a brief hiatus, the residents have revived the venue. Will Baldwin

Overall, Helms, Cruz and Anniboli are promoting the simple message, “If you see something, say something.” After eight years of being Jagoe House, Helms said that it is going to be difficult for Denton citizens to recognize it as the Lighthouse.

“Rebranding is difficult,” Helms said. “It’s more important that people come back and start feeling safe, but branding is just part of it.”

Helms said that he understood why the house was shut down, but was still upset to see the legacy fade away.

“It really bummed me out,” Helms said. “It disappointed me that this part of Denton culture was being shut down — for good reason obviously — but I felt like it wasn’t being discussed fully.”

Helms has big plans for the Lighthouse. He said he would like to make a podcast, bring logos and branding back for more “legitimate progressions” for them. He said they are interested in crafting a recording studio within the house, but only time will tell.

Helms is looking forward to the future living at the Lighthouse. While it may be uncertain, he is hopeful that those who took pride in attending Jagoe shows will return with the same excitement to attend shows at the Lighthouse.

“It’s going to be slow but once it comes and [they] regain confidence in us and remember us again, it’s going to be good,” Helms said.

The next show at the Lighthouse will occur on September 22.

Featured Image: Empty bottles line the picnic table in the backyard of the Lighthouse. The house has a long history of hosting concerts under the name Jagoe House. Will Baldwin