SOUTHAMPTON/EASTHAMPTON — Being “the antithesis to Live Nation” is how Tim Brault describes the mission of The Heavy Culture Cooperative (THCC).

THCC, pronounced “thick,” is a Valley organization for musicians and fans, by musicians and fans, that seeks to facilitate the underground arts community in western Massachusetts by hosting events and, if all goes as planned, ultimately opening a venue in Easthampton.

This weekend, THCC invites community members to whip out their swimsuits for a day of music, games and sun at Camp Jahn in Southampton for its first Summer THCCnic, which will raise awareness and funds to support their mission and open their new space.

“We have a goal of opening up a music venue in western Massachusetts really focused on being accessible and inclusive and run in a way that really benefits the musicians and artists that put on these events for the community,” said Brault, THCC’s president. “We’re really close.”

Brault said he is “optimistic” that THCC will have a physical location in the form of a bar and music venue around October or November. While creating a bar with a space for live music is the main goal, Brault said that THCC is exploring other uses as well, such as game nights and other events where people can gather to enjoy good company and laid-back fun.

The group has scouted a location in downtown Easthampton, where they have also obtained a beer and wine license, but have not officially announced a site yet. In the meantime, THCC will host and attend a lineup of events to raise money and attract new faces to their group of over 100 member-owners.

THCC will soon take over Camp Jahn, located at 24 Camp Jahn Road, for a day by the lake with food, a full cash bar, and a DJ cranking out tunes for all to enjoy. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the camp’s beach access and give their best karaoke performances at the Summer THCCnic on Sunday from 12-6 p.m. The event will also feature crafts, face painting and yard games.

“It’s a way to just get people together and let them know what our mission is,” said THCC’s Nichole Galenski.

Tickets can be bought at the event, but those interested in attending are encouraged to buy tickets in advance at theheavyculture.coop as there is limited space. Ticket prices operate on a sliding scale, with base prices of $15 for adults and $5 for children.

Brault said that THCC has been hosting and attending events like these “in service of selling membership shares.”

“The idea is to make it easy for people to get involved and literally own a piece of the bar and the organization,” he said.

Bringing together artists and fans with events at other venues throughout western Massachusetts has been a large part of facilitating and promoting THCC’s mission, and Galenski said that the group’s involvement in these events is “not likely to stop with the opening of the bar.”

THCC will also be tabling at 413 Ska’s Pioneer Valley Ska Festival on Saturday at Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center in Greenfield, and again on Aug. 3 at Black Pyramid’s album release party at the Marigold Theater in Easthampton.

More opportunities to enjoy music and art are always on the horizon with THCC, and their mission to support a thriving artistic community in the region will soon expand with the upcoming opening of their new physical location.

Alexa Lewis can be reached at alewis@gazettenet.com.