Punk Makes a Comeback in Long Beach

ACxDC vocalist Sergio Amalfitano at Gnarmageddon Fest II, photo by Stephanie Mendez

The phrase “punk is dead” could not be further from the truth this Saturday as Hamburger Mary’s Bar & Grille will host a hardcore show thanks to a local punk enthusiast.

The 18+ gig features emerging power violence band ACxDC and includes hardcore bands Plagues, Tension, This Place is a Zoo, Short Temper, and Spreading Evictions. The event is produced by Long Beach resident, Cory Gerhardt.

“I know a lot of kids here in Long Beach who can’t go up to LA or Orange County to see ACxDC,” he said. “In their hometown for six bucks you can’t beat that.”

The most anticipated performance this weekend is that of ACxDC. The band has a large and loyal fan base that keeps growing. ACxDC vocalist Sergio Amalfitano is surprised by the amount of support the band witnesses at their shows.

“It’s kind of interesting how popular we did become considering how we hadn’t played in a long time and we only have one record,” he said. “It’s the power of the internet.”

What began as a form of recreation ultimately became something bigger.

“You always start punk because you wanna have fun and scream about the issues you feel passionately about,” Amalfitano said. “It’s always nice to have people sing along with you and tell you that it means something to them.”

Plagues vocalist Leo Atreides said it’s easy to see why there is so much hype for ACxDC.

“I'm thrilled for ACxDC and all the stuff that they’ve been doing and all the attention that they’ve been getting,” he said. “They deserve it. They’re one of those bands out there that put in the effort and now they’re reaping the benefits of it.”

Plagues, which hails from Orange County, is described by Atreides as a band that amalgamates hardcore, power violence and punk rock. The band recently started recording in February and plans to release their EP “Perfect State” through Glory Kid Records this summer.

“We’ll be releasing a song here and there,” he said. “We'll at least be releasing one song fairly soon.”

For Gerhardt, the city's music scene has been in dire trouble since The Vault closed down a few years ago. Gerhardt hopes that the show at Hamburger Mary’s will reawaken Long Beach’s dormant punk scene.

“If no one else is gonna do it and promote shows or at least try, why not I try it? I know other promoters who do indie, hip hop, but I don’t know any promoters doing punk rock here in Long Beach,” Gerhardt said.

Amalfitano said that following the show at Hamburger Mary’s, ACxDC’s plans include a tour that kicks off July 12.

“We’re gonna be doing our first west coast tour all the way to the northwest and Canada,” he said. “Then we’re coming back and playing the Sound and Fury Festival.”

Meanwhile, Gerhardt is determined to keep punk rock above water in Long Beach.

“I love the scene and I’m not prepared to see it go,” Gerhardt said.

Admission to the show is $6 and starts at 8:00 p.m. The event takes place at Hamburger Mary's 740 E. Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802. 

Punks and Psychobillies Party in Santa Ana

Street punk band Urban Terror performing, photo by Stephanie Mendez

When people think of Orange County, affluent societies consisting of botox-ridden wives in mansions come to mind and it’s no coincidence; shows like Laguna Beach and The Real Housewives of Orange County have spoiled the area’s reputation. However, one city single-handedly breaks the mold, and that city is none other than Santa Ana, a city that is often dubbed “downtown Orange County.” The urban city is considered to be an impoverished area by OC residents, yet Santa Ana is one of the most colorful and dynamic.

On Saturday night, locals held a punk show in their backyard, with admission set at a bargain of $3 a head. The show included local punk and psychobilly bands, and according to the event page on Facebook, acts that were set to perform comprised of Urban Terror, H.I.B., 1503, Thrillbillyz, Whorehouse Massacre, Cross Faded, and Noize, though not all the bands actually got to perform.

Like most DIY gigs, the show was not exempt from being raided by police. Despite the full line-up, the gig was inevitably raided by cops close to 11 p.m. Santa Ana Police cleared the yard, and the show was promptly put to an end. No refunds were given, but the crowd did not seem to mind. The only concern on everyone’s mind was, “Where are all the after-parties at?”

80's Event Opens Doors to New Wave Fans in Orange County

Couple dancing at the grand opening of Retrospect, photo by Stephanie Mendez

New wave enthusiasts in Orange County welcomed the grand opening of a new 80’s event in downtown Santa Ana last Thursday night.

Retrospect is an emerging 18+ dance event located at Bistro 400. The event was hosted by DJ Mr. Smith, an OC disc jockey who predominantly spins techno, tech house, and minimal. Retrospect witnessed a successful grand opening as the venue was packed with an abundant dance floor.

The grand opening featured DJ Virtigo, who played an eclectic mix of new wave, funk, and post punk. The next event takes place January 31 at 400 W. Fourth St., Santa Ana CA 92701.

DJ Mr. Smith and DJ Virtigo addressing each other at Retrospect, photo by Stephanie Mendez

Female Talent in Male-Dominated Orange County

Pichardo playing drums, photo by Stephanie Mendez

In the underground punk scene, female talent is scarce and few local bands feature women with musical skill. Two prominent Orange County women, however, are an exception to this dilemma.

Corrina Pichardo and Gloria “Goonies” Ulloa are musicians involved in the OC music scene. For them, music is not merely an amateur interest, but a prominent passion and lifestyle.

Pichardo, a 21-year-old resident of Orange, plays drums and is involved in numerous music projects, most recently as drummer for punk band Spitwad. Pichardo has been performing since she was a teenager.

“I've been in bands, filled in,” she said, “whether it was a backyard, venue, house, or whatever.”

Pichardo’s most memorable performance involves approbation from members of old school Los Angeles band, Youth Brigade.

“I filled in on drums for a friend’s band at The Vibe Bar & Grill in Riverside,” she said, “we opened up for Monster Squad, Career Soldiers, and Youth Brigade. After our set, a bunch of people kept coming up to me complimenting me, including members of Youth Brigade.”

Although Pichardo was young, the impact was profound on her.

“I was only 16 at the time and Youth Brigade has always been one of my favorite bands, so that was very inspirational and motivating to hear from them,” she said.

Ulloa, a 23-year-old resident of Anaheim, plays guitar and bass but also dabbles in drums, keyboards, and most recently, saxophone. Ulloa also began performing when she was a teenager.

“I did a lot of talent shows in high school with friends,” she said, “I was in my first serious band when I was about 16, called Paramnesia.”

Following her early shows, Ulloa became involved in other musical projects.

“After that I was in a few other bands,” she said, “and started playing venues like El Centro Cultural De Mexico in Santa Ana, The Doll Hut in Anaheim, and even guest sang with Mafia Rusa at the Whiskey A Go Go in Hollywood.”

Ulloa performing with skacore band Mafia Rusa at The Galaxy Theater in Santa Ana, video by Veronica Santiago

Both women’s introduction to music began as a family affair when they were young. For Pichardo, the influence came from her grandfather.

“My grandpa has always been very musically orientated,” she said, “and would always encourage me and my cousins to start playing instruments, that way we could jam out with him.”

Pichardo said that no matter how good or bad her skills were at the time, her grandfather encouraged her.

“He never cared that we really didn't know how to play whatever instrument he had lying around,” she said, “he would just tell us good job.”

For Ulloa, the influence began with her siblings. “I grew up following a lot of what my brother and sister would do,” she said, “whatever they were listening to, I was listening also.”

Ulloa’s brother wanted to make music with her.

“My brother picked up multiple instruments growing up,” she said, “I was always interested in learning, so he figured if he taught me to play something, he'd always have someone to jam with.”

While Pichardo initially dabbled in different instruments, she wanted to dedicate herself to one instrument. Her first choice was not in fact the drums.

“I had decided for years I wanted to play bass,” she said.

When the time came to choose her arsenal, the choice surprised Pichardo herself.

Pichardo on the drums, photo by Stephanie Mendez

“My parents told my brother and I that if we really wanted to start playing, they'd buy our instruments,” she said, “I was so set on playing bass and then came out of the store with a drum set instead. I'm still not sure what changed my mind.”

Pichardo’s decision to play drums ultimately resulted in a fanbase. Edgar Velasco, drummer for punk band H.I.B., said Pichardo’s drumming is impressive.

“There aren’t a lot of female musicians, even less drummers,” he said, “so seeing Corrina play the drums is refreshing, especially her style of drumming. It's great seeing a really good female drummer who stands out.”

The ultimate end goal for both women is not the music industry, though Ulloa once flirted with the idea.

 “I was really interested in learning the business side of music,” she said, “I applied at the Musician's Institute in Hollywood then decided it wasn't for me.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for musicians in 2010 was $22.39. Ulloa is content staying on track with her endeavors.

“I love playing music and playing in bands, but I feel a lot better knowing I can do it on my own terms,” she said.

For Pichardo, her involvement in the music business would be a grassroots approach.

“I've always wanted to open up a record store, maybe record label, that way I'm always surrounded by music,” she said, “I know if that were to happen I'd be very pleased.”

No Doubt Kicks off First Night at the Gibson Amphitheater

Vocalist Gwen Stefani performing, photo by Stephanie Mendez

After three years of being dormant in the concert circuit, No Doubt performed at the Gibson Amphitheater in Universal City on Saturday night.

The show was the first performance of a seven-night series taking place at the venue. Indie bands Grouplove and Nico Vega were the opening bands.

Monica Chen, a 27-year-old resident of Monterey Park, said she enjoyed the set.

“Their live performance sounds just as good live as their CDs,” she said.

Frisky Kaunang, a 30-year-old resident of Loma Linda, had many expectations.

“No Doubt was beyond amazing,” he said, “It's so surreal to see them so close. I was hoping they'd play ‘Easy,’ but overall I was satisfied.”

Bassist Tony Kanal performing "Hella Good," photo by Stephanie Mendez

Punk Band Doing it for the Kids and Music



H.I.B's Irvin Barbosa shopping for records, photo by Stephanie Mendez

Despite the competition in the Orange County punk scene, band H.I.B are determined to provide budget-friendly gigs and stentorian music.

H.I.B’s vocalist, 22-year-old Irvin Barbosa, is motivated by the kids in the scene.

“We’re out there trying to set up shows, make ‘em free,” he said, “we do as much as we can.”

H.I.B began as a family affair.

“My cousin Angel would always play acoustic guitar and I’d sing along to whatever he played,” he said, “I told him one day, ‘let’s just start a band.’”

Jasmine Rubio, a 19-year-old fan from Santa Ana, said she was impressed the first time she saw the band.

“Irvin was really funny and he made a lot of jokes. The crowd looked like they were really having fun,” she said.

H.I.B’s next show is Dec. 8 at 1235 Warner, Santa Ana. Supporting bands include CharliexSheen and ExD.

No Doubt Removes New Music Video Deemed Offensive

Pop band No Doubt pulled the new music video for their second single "Looking Hot" after debuting it yesterday afternoon.

The move comes from a controversy about the video's use of Native American imagery. E! Online reports that the "cowboys and Indians" theme caused an uproar from people offended by the concept.

Thomas Dorame, a 22-year-old music major at Goldenwest College, said he is a member of the Tongva tribe and did not find the video offensive.

"People like to sensationalize things," he said, "good art is controversial. I'm not offended by it. With art, anything's up for grabs."

Fred Lopez, a 20-year-old music major at Santa Ana College, said he was surprised by the public's reaction.

"I didn't expect people to get so offended by it, the video seemed harmless," he said.

No Doubt performing "Looking Hot" on the Ellen Degeneres Show, video by TheEllenShow

Mitch Lucker of Suicide Silence Dead After Motorcycle Accident

The vocalist of metalcore band Suicide Silence died yesterday morning after sustaining injuries from a motorcycle accident in Huntington Beach Wednesday night.

According to LAWeekly, 28-year-old Mitchell Adam Lucker was hospitalized shortly before 9 p.m. at UCI Medical Center in Orange. He was pronounced dead at 6:17 a.m.

Henry Ortiz Jr., a 21-year-old animal science major at Rio Hondo Community College, sympathizes for the band’s loss.

“The guy was young,” Ortiz said, “and they had a big impact on the metalcore scene, and had a bright future ahead of them.”

Cirilo Lara, a 23-year-old fan from Fountain Valley, recalls the band’s musical impact.

“Nothing compares in ‘Brutality to the Cleansing’ album,” he said, “I remember first hearing it and having not only my eardrums but also my mind blown.”

Lucker is survived by a wife and daughter.

Suicide Silence at the 2010 Vans Warped Tour, video by YouTube user joshualail02.

Punk Bands Cover Old Bands for Halloween Show

Paul Miranda of Iron Fist playing guitar, photo by Stephanie Mendez

A DIY Halloween themed show hosted various punk bands in a private venue off Seventh Street in Long Beach Saturday night.

The show consisted of bands covering punk and rock ‘n’ roll legends like Motorhead, X-Ray Spex, Dead Kennedys, and The Casualties.

Minerva Barrales, a 20-year-old child development major at California State University Dominguez Hills, attended the show in support of the local bands.

“I came for ‘Motorhead’ and ‘The Dead Kennedys,’ they’re the reason I’m here,” Barrales said.

Miriam Gonzalez, a 22-year-old recent graduate of University of California Berkeley, was impressed by the X-Ray Spex cover band.

“I was a fan of the band, it was nice seeing mostly female players playing the show,” she said.

X-Ray Spex cover band playing for a full house, photo by Stephanie Mendez

Attendees of Punk Rock Wedding Sound Off

July and Ditch’s Wedding Extravaganza was an event made possible by members of the punk community, ultimately maintaining the DIY ethics of punk rock.

Theresa Stauffer, a 47-year-old Long Beach resident, served as a bridesmaid but provided profound help in setting up the event.

“It was my pleasure to assist Michelle with wedding preparations and coordinating with DiPiazza's,” she said.

Despite difficulties in setting up the show, the results were a success.

“Danny from Craic Haus was the perfect MC and he and Dylan really made it special. Media Blitz sounded great,” Stauffer said.

Vanessa Lopez, a 22-year-old Westminster resident, provided the event's baked goods and enjoyed the show.

“It was awesome,” she said, “while the bands were playing it somehow still felt like a wedding and not some random show.”

The Detours performing "No Way," video by Stephanie Mendez