In the middle of nowhere, we found something that changed us forever.
A feature length documentary by Ricky Leighton.
In rural Maine, Kathy Findlay’s underground venue becomes a refuge for isolated teenagers, where a local scene supported by bands like Agnostic Front, Terror, 100 Demons, and Slapshot offers a sense of belonging.
Downeast Hardcore: Stories from the Kave
In a quiet coastal Maine town, Kathy Findlay transforms an old barn into The Kave, an unlikely hub for the region’s hardcore music scene. What begins as a small, fiercely independent venue quickly becomes something more: a refuge for teenagers who feel isolated, overlooked, or out of place.
Through loud shows, raw emotion, and a sense of unconditional acceptance, The Kave grows into a community where young people find connection and identity. At the center of it all is Kathy, whose steady presence and care create a space that is both chaotic and deeply supportive.
Downeast Hardcore: Stories from the Kave is a portrait of an underground scene and the lasting impact of a place that gave people somewhere to belong.
Featuring members of:
- Agnostic Front
- Colin of Arabia
- Full Blown Chaos
- Slapshot
- Cruel Hand
- Outbreak
- Risk
- 100 Demons
“We had something so good…and it was filled with a soundtrack none of us could have imagined.”
– Chris S.
Who?
Kathy “Kave” Findlay is the owner of the Kave and Maine native. Her presence in the New England hardcore scene is often referred to as “Hardcore Mom”.
What?
The Kave was a DIY hardcore/heavy metal music venue in rural Maine from 2001-2016 that hosted an array of acts from all over the world.
Where?
5 hours North of Boston, Bucksport, ME is a coastal town located in a rural area that is often referred to as “Downeast.”
Director
Ricky Leighton is a filmmaker and video director from Maine whose work focuses on character driven stories rooted in place and community. Growing up in rural Maine, he developed an early interest in documenting the people and environments around him, which continues to shape his perspective as a storyteller.
