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