Roboto powers down

Prolific Pittsburgh rock venue, The Mr. Roboto Project, will close after 10 years in… Prolific Pittsburgh rock venue, The Mr. Roboto Project, will close after 10 years in anticipation of moving to a new location.

Located just outside of the city limits in a repurposed storefront, The Mr. Roboto Project can barely hold 100 people.

Yet some of the most notable bands of the past decade, including Against Me!, Bright Eyes, Death Cab for Cutie, Ted Leo, Q and Not U and The Weakerthans, have played at Roboto on their ascent to fame.

But the true heart of Roboto lies in its service to local Pittsburgh bands.

The creators modeled The Mr. Roboto Project on the idea that anyone can be a member, anyone can book his own show and anyone can attend the shows — meaning that no drugs, smoking or alcohol are permitted.

“Ten years ago, there was nowhere in the city for smaller sized bands to play,” Brian Gruetze, a member of Roboto, said. “People got and essentially pooled money and looked for spaces to open. Just on people’s good will, good effort and faith this could work put in the time and energy so bands can play.”

Despite Roboto’s success, the city has changed, and the members feel like its time in Wilkinsburg, Pa, has ended and have decided to stop running shows at the current space after Sunday.

They have now started looking for a new location to reopen The Mr. Roboto Project, but there is no concrete plan yet.

For now, everybody prepares to close the venue with a series of farewell shows this weekend.

Friday, Feb. 26: Brain Handel, Slices, Hidden Twin and Ice Capades at 7 p.m., $5 to $10 donation

Saturday, Feb. 27: Free matinee show with Allies, He Taught Me Lies and Secret Tombs featuring an art raffle and record swap at 2 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 27: Endless Blockade, Warzone Womyn, Xbrainiax and Paralyzer at 7 p.m., $8

Sunday, Feb. 28: Braveyoung and more TBA.