DIY punk venue in zoning fight for its life in rural Maryland

The useful part

Most of the last rural spaces in Montgomery County, Maryland, are protected in what's known as the Agricultural Reserve. Businesses there are required to support or promote interest in agriculture. That definition includes breweries and wineries, but it doesn't include The Garage, a unique live music space deep on a farm in the middle of the Agricultural Reserve.

How it works

• One of the last shows before it got hit with a cease-and-desist order by the county was a fundraiser featuring D.C.
• The other cofounder, Grace Cotting, said showgoers often comment on how much they enjoy and appreciate the rural setting.
• In April 2025, plans were in the works for a music festival.
• riot grrrl band Mac N' Toss to benefit the nonprofit Sexual Violence Prevention Association.
• "The intention of blending every aspect of everything we do on the farm with the music that we have," Cotting said.

What to take from it

Then came the cease-and-desist order against which The Garage is defending itself in court. Since 2023, that's also been the home of The Garage, which creators describe as "punk, independent and proudly queer friendly." It has a home built sound system and stage, a heavy emphasis on punk and hardcore music, and a proudly queer-friendly ethos. Farm, which is owned by Garage cofounder Levi Hebeisen's father.

Example or evidence

• We were gonna have, like, a petting zoo with all of our goats." A permit was issued but rescinded four days later, Cotting said.
• "They have not given any definition, both in the one private meeting we've been able to have with the Department of Permitting Servi...

Details worth keeping

"They have cited it as a recreational facility," Cotting said.