The Chicagoland music festival celebrating the women, femmes, and thems of the Chicago punk scene and beyond was a raging success this year. Complete with music, stand-up comedy, drag and tattooing, H.O.O.F. (Hands Off Our Fest) took place on October 19th at Blue Island Beer Co. and we are already excited to see what they […]
The Chicagoland music festival celebrating the women, femmes, and thems of the Chicago punk scene and beyond was a raging success this year. Complete with music, stand-up comedy, drag and tattooing, H.O.O.F. (Hands Off Our Fest) took place on October 19th at Blue Island Beer Co. and we are already excited to see what they have in store for next year.
Thank you to my fellow Dying Scene contributor Brian Nielsen for collaborating with me for more awesome photos, check them all out in case you missed this year!
First on deck we have Sparkling Urbana, an alternative trans and queer rock band from Chicago. You can check out our interview with them about H.O.O.F. here! Side note: it is a total experience to get a tattoo while a punk band is playing right in front of you. Teddi Garson did a fantastic job providing on-site flash tattoos, donating part of their proceeds to Youth Outlook, a local charity supporting local LGBTQ+ youth.
Photo by Brian Nielsen
Carnivore Mommy followed Sparkling Urbana, complete with some horror-esque clown attire. This WAS a costume contest, but I have a feeling this was not too far off from their normal performance attire (it was fantastically well done!) I was blown away by the feral energy vocalist Lauren Memery brought to the stage.
Photo by Brian Nielsen
“Cow town” punk rockers Peach Vomit had an incredibly fun scream-filled set with vocalist Mama Vomit decked out as Spongebob SquarePants.
To round out the first set of bands playing, pop punk band Second City Seance played afterwards before the stand-up comedy and drag performances by Queeny, Dr. Caligirlie, Dolce Vita and Ichabod Vicious.
Photo by Brian Nielsen
Photo by Brian Nielsen
Photo by Brian Nielsen
The second half of H.O.O.F. was equally incredible. Grindcore trio The Cell Phones quickly made an impression with Lindsey’s scowls through the crowd.
Photo by Brian Nielsen
Just when you thought it could not get any better, glam punk duo from Bowling Green, Kentucky The Daddy Sisters had an enthusiastic and fun performance. Think 60’s garage rock meets 70’s glam rock with a dash of lipstick and ripped fishnet stockings. Chick Falcon owns the stage, well-deservedly.
Photo by Brian Nielsen
We also interviewed the second round of bands about H.O.O.F. that you can read about here!
Chicago’s Boybrain, self-described as “a snarling pissed off baby reminiscent of 1980s Punk with a touch of woven in melody,” stayed true to just that with the raspy angsty snarls of Patti on vox/guitar.
Last to take the stage for the bands was Sweetie who never seemed to run out of energy and always puts on a great show.
Birdy V. of Sweetie is the mastermind behind H.O.O.F., and just by the turnout and sheer joy the crowd had, you could tell this was a much-needed music festival the Chicago punk scene needed. Her sheer dedication is appreciated by all the women, femmes and thems of the scene and I can think of no one better to be running such a festival! Dying Scene is ready for H.O.O.F. 2025!
Check out more photos from H.O.O.F. below and give them a follow!
This year Chicago has had a powerhouse of concerts; OFF!’s farewell show, the Jigsaw Youth/Bob Vylan combo and Knocked Loose, just to name a few. Adding to the list is the absolutely magnetic combination of garage punkers Teen Mortgage and noise-dance-punk legends Death From Above 1979 at Chicago’s Metro. Teen Mortgage is the two-piece garage-punk […]
This year Chicago has had a powerhouse of concerts; OFF!’s farewell show, the Jigsaw Youth/Bob Vylan combo and Knocked Loose, just to name a few. Adding to the list is the absolutely magnetic combination of garage punkers Teen Mortgage and noise-dance-punk legends Death From Above 1979 at Chicago’s Metro.
Teen Mortgage is the two-piece garage-punk band from Washington, DC that is quickly rising the ranks through the punk scene with guitarist and vocalist James Guile and drummer Edward Barakauskas.
They also kept busy touring the UK with The Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer, played music festivals Louder Than Life, Aftershock and Levitation, and more recently played some US dates with another favorite band of mine, Destroy Boys. Teen Mortgage immediately jumped from the Destroy Boys tour to the You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine 20th anniversary tour with Death From Above 1979.
Both bands being two-piece acts, noisy, with tons of distortion and face paced riffs, the Teen Mortgage/DFA1979 combo is pure raw perfection.
While Teen Mortgage is finishing up some remaining Canada dates, next year they already have some big plans: playing Germany’s Rock am Ring, UK’s Download Festival, and a stop in Dublin with Weezer.
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Death From Above 1979 is a unique combination of Jesse F. Keeler on bass and keyboards and Sebastien Grainger on drums and lead vocals. In 2004 they released their debut album You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine and have been touring extensively this year for its 20th anniversary.
The first time I saw DFA1979 I was in complete awe of the stage productions, particularly the lights, and this show was no different. Beams of different colored lights shot through heavy fog in different directions, perfectly choreographed to every song.
With their abrasive synth and piercing screams, DFA1979 is an exemplary example of what dance punk is meant to be.
This sold-out show at Metro was part of their USA/Canada Part II tour with Teen Mortgage; Part III will begin in 2025 with San Francisco punk band Spiritual Cramp (remember them at Riot Fest this year? We do!) followed by a stint in Australia with DZ Deathrays.
Kentucky-based hardcore band Knocked Loose has made quite the name for themselves this past year. On May 10th they released their critically acclaimed album You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To, earning praises from several top music outlets and critics. As part of their 18-date Fall North America tour, Knocked Loose stopped at Chicago’s Aragon […]
Kentucky-based hardcore band Knocked Loose has made quite the name for themselves this past year. On May 10th they released their critically acclaimed albumYou Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To, earning praises from several top music outlets and critics. As part of their 18-date Fall North America tour, Knocked Loose stopped at Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom on November 1st with support from DRAIN, Militarie Gun and Danny Brown. With a stacked bill like this you know you are about to get a wild show!
First up we got Militarie Gun! Militarie Gun is based out of Los Angeles, California and released their debut album, Life Under the Gun, on June 23, 2023 through Loma Vista Recordings.
Melodic, catchy and so much more, Militarie Gun rose to stardom soon after forming in 2020 through frontman Ian Shelton’s pure dedication and drive.
The Santa Cruz, California crossover thrash band DRAIN has an impressively intense show, but this should not be new news for Chicago; the band played at Riot Fest in 2023 and stirred up a bit of chaos. During their final song, “California Cursed”, frontman Sammy Ciaramitaro encouraged fans to jump the barricade to join the band on stage. Security understandably had an oh shit moment but did a great job to keep everyone safe. (Ciaramitaro did later apologize for the antics and meant no harm).
Clearly, DRAIN is not afraid to have fun with their fans and deliver an enthusiastically exciting performance.
This show was no different; DRAIN’s backdrop in huge letters stated, “DRAIN is not responsible for anything you do in the next 30 minutes.”
Ciaramitaro jumped into the crowd, engaging with fans and crowd surfing with them. DRAIN makes it impossible to NOT have a great time.
Next up was a unique addition to the line up- rapper Danny Brown performed for the hardcore fans, but for only five stops of the Knocked Loose tour.
The pairing worked fabulously, mixing genres at concerts definitely needs to be more of a thing!
To say I was blown away by Knocked Loose would be an understatement. They are certainly making the metalcore genre their own and becoming the best in the game. You would not expect the type of banshee-screaming vocals from frontman Bryan Garris when you see him, but he knocks it out of the park.
Much like DRAIN, Knocked Loose is also well known for their hectic and intense shows and Chicago was no different. Moshing, crowd-surfing, pure chaotic energy only begins to describe it. The Aragon Ballroom was packed front to back with eager fans for the show of the year. Knocked Loose is what hardcore is about.
The visuals were top-notch, too. The iconic glowing cross towered over the stage, as seen on the cover of You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To.
Knocked Loose is far from done as they have announced an EU/UK spring tour in 2025 with support from Basement, Harms Way, and Pest Control. You can also catch them at the When We Were Young festival on October 18th, 2025 in Las Vegas. Here’s a list of the current remaining tour dates!
November 7 – Grand Rapids, MI: GLC Live at 20 Monroe+# November 9 – Wallingford, CT: The Dome at Oakdale+ November 10 – Washington, DC: The Anthem^+
^: with The Garden +: with DRAIN #: with Militarie Gun
2025
March 17 – London, UK: O2 Academy Brixton March 18 – Manchester, UK: O2 Vi March 20 – Tilburg, NL: 013 Poppodium March 21 – Paris, FR: Le Bataclan March 22 – Lille, FR: L’Aéronef March 25 – Cologne, DE: Palladium March 27 – Berlin, DE: Columbiahalle March 28 – Leipzig, DE: Haus Auensee March 29 – Munich, DE: Tonhalle October 18 – Las Vegas, NV: When We Were Young music festival
Chicago got a truly unforgettable night of grime punk and grunge with the high-intensity raw power from both Bob Vylan and Jigsaw Youth at the Subterranean on October 1st. You know Dying Scene would not miss the Humble as the Sun tour! Joining Bob Vylan on their North American tour is my favorite nitty gritty […]
Chicago got a truly unforgettable night of grime punk and grunge with the high-intensity raw power from both Bob Vylan and Jigsaw Youth at the Subterranean on October 1st. You know Dying Scene would not miss the Humble as the Sun tour!
Joining Bob Vylan on their North American tour is my favorite nitty gritty city band, Jigsaw Youth.
Jigsaw Youth is non-stop working their asses off; since we last covered them at their show with Des Rocs at The Bottom Lounge on April 26th, the sludgy-grunge non-apologetic band from Staten Island, NY has released two more singles: “Waiting” and “Secret“.
They also played major festivals Louder Than Life in Louisville, Kentucky and Aftershock in Sacramento, California all while embarking on Bob Vylan’s Humble as the Sun North American tour.
Jigsaw Youth’s gritty guitar riffs echoes of excitement, complete with angsty vocals; top that off with encouraging fans to form circle pits and you have the perfect storm of chaotic energy.
What is up next for Jigsaw Youth? East Coasters are in luck: on November 3rd they are playing with an absolutely sick line up at Gold Sounds in Brooklyn, New York with Skarhead and NEWCOMER plus a nearly sold-out show (if not sold out already!) in Philadelphia on December 14th at Creep Records. You can also get your vacation on at ShipRocked January 19-25th, 2025 and cruise with some killer bands.
Meanwhile, I will be here waiting, wishing and hoping for a well-deserved Jigsaw Youth headlining tour and album. 😉
The grime punk/hip hop hell-raising duo from London Bob Vylan took the stage next. Compromised of Bobby Vylan and Bobbie Vylan, they released Humble as the Sunon April 5th, 2024. They both put on an exciting, in your face performance every time I have seen them (check out our gallery of them from Riot Fest 2022 here!) and they cannot be missed. Their unique blend of genres creates a sense of urgency and action, but also comradery and tranquility.
Bobby Vylan makes a connection with his audience at every show, engaging with fans and fearlessly crowd surfing, leaving everyone thrilled to be a part of the experience. His passionate energy while echoing social and political issues is nothing short of inspiring. The duo’s performances always knock it out of the park!
The duo also played Louder Than Life and Aftershock this year in addition to several European music festivals. The Humble as the Sun tour continues to the UK right now, so if you are across the pond do not miss your chance to see them!
As summer fades and the smell of fall fills the air, music fans from across the globe brace themselves for one of the most exciting and eccentric music festivals of the year: Riot Fest. The iconic festival boasts some of the best punk and alternative artists, including the classics we grew up on and new […]
As summer fades and the smell of fall fills the air, music fans from across the globe brace themselves for one of the most exciting and eccentric music festivals of the year: Riot Fest. The iconic festival boasts some of the best punk and alternative artists, including the classics we grew up on and new bands for fans to discover. Join us as Dying Scene revisits Riot Fest 2024; the bands, the fans, and the all new RiotLand!
Day One
Despite the sweltering heat, fans turned up for day one to get the party started. Headliners included Sum 41, Fall Out Boy, The Offspring, New Found Glory, Cypress Hill, Public Enemy, The Marley Brothers and NOFX. With so many amazing bands it is hard to figure out where to go first but we headed to the NOFX Stage to see Get Dead.
The San Francisco punk band formed in 2007 and joined forces with Fat Mike and his label, Fat Wreck Chords.
We wound up at the Radical Stage afterwards for several bands; the layout at this year’s Riot Fest looked a little bit different from years past, now complete with all large stages and two sets of stages side by side. Super convenient! Thanks to that I was able to catch some of Jhariah’s set before Canadian post-punk band Home Front.
Home Front’s performance was explosive, complete with an impressive amount of jump kicks, especially for this Chicago heat. They debuted their first studio album Games of Poweron March 3rd, 2023. It is best described as a beautiful blend of post-punk synthwave and oi!
Bay Area punks Spiritual Cramp followed Home Front on the stage with an equal amount of chaotic attitude and on-stage antics. The gritty yet delightfully polished swagger of frontman Michael Bingham easily won over the crowd. Spiritual Cramp also released their self-titled debut studio album in 2023 via Blue Grape Music.
Post-hardcore band Drug Church took the stage next with overwhelming support from their fans who crowd surfed and sang along to every song. Their newest album PRUDE is set to be released on October 4th, 2024 via Pure Noise Records. You will also still have a chance to catch Drug Church on “The Prude Tour” this fall that features support from Modern Color, Soul Blind, and Pony.
The second day of Riot Fest was just as hot as the first! We started at the Radical Stage for Heart Attack Man, the Ohio-based pop punk band. In 2023, the band released their third full length album Freak of Nature.
Over at the AAA Stage I was fortunate enough to catch the end of Sir Chloe’s set, an indie rock band from Vermont. Another fan raced to the railings at the end hoping to get a drumstick as she was a drummer herself. We both managed to get drummer Palmer Foote’s attention who promptly threw us both a stick! The Hives then promptly started at the neighboring Cabaret Metro Stage.
Finally, Health started, a band so many people have told me I just HAVE to see. The LA experimental-industrial rock band certainly is a vibe. Think cyberpunk meets nihilism meets sexy meets dark transcendentalism…yeah, hard to describe, but you can certainly groove to it at your next goth dark wave club night.
After checking out the highly anticipated St. Vincent and L.S. Dunes (who are no strangers to Riot Fest, check out our previous coverage here), nostalgia brought me to the infamous Taking Back Sunday so I could sing along to all the emo songs that got me through high school. Adam Lazzara still has all the moves with microphone tricks galore.
In complete opposition to the previous days, the third and final day of Riot Fest was rainy and cloudy. It certainly set the mood for the bands of the day which tended to be more metal and hardcore, including the reunion of Slayer.
GEL was everything you would expect from a hardcore band with a knockout performance. With the rain comes mud, and with mud of course there will be circle pits in it (and some mud wrestling). Their newest EP Personawas released on August 16th, 2024.
Other noteworthy acts of the day included the metal greats: Mastodon, GWAR, Lamb of God and horror shock rock king Rob Zombie who always put on the best theatrical performance.
New to Riot Fest this year is RiotLand, filled with old favorites like the Logan Arcade, wedding chapel and skate ramp but also the return of the Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow Revue. RiotLand was great to walk around while waiting for your next favorite band to play or just for some good old-fashioned people-watching. You can pop inside the store replica of the convenience store in the movie “Clerks” for some quick essentials, stop at the Riot Fest Historical Society made in collaboration with the Punk Rock Museum (those familiar with the Fireside Bowl will recognize the exterior!), and even watch some NWA wrestling.
Most importantly the RiotLand experience would not be complete if you did not take a picture with the giant butter sculpture of John Stamos…because why the hell not?
Riot Fest 2024 may be over but there is still an abundance of Riot Fest Presents shows coming up in the Chicago and Milwaukee area. However, it is never too early to start your Riot Fest 2025 predictions and dream line ups!
Keep an eye on Dying Scene for more in-depth coverage of all three days of the festival!
Rounding out our band interviews for HOOF we have The Daddy Sisters, frequent Dying Sceners Sweetie, The Cell Phones and Second City Seance who graciously hopped on the bill at the last minute! Be sure to check out our interviews with Sparkling Urbana, Carnivore Mommy and Peach Vomit plus an in-depth interview with Boybrain! Sweetie […]
Rounding out our band interviews for HOOF we have The Daddy Sisters, frequent Dying Sceners Sweetie, The Cell Phones and Second City Seance who graciously hopped on the bill at the last minute! Be sure to check out our interviews with Sparkling Urbana, Carnivore Mommy and Peach Vomit plus an in-depth interview with Boybrain!
I’m Birdy Vee, organizer of HOOF (Hands Off Our Fest) and frontwoman of the Chicago lipstick-punk band, Sweetie!
What are you looking forward to the most at HOOF this year?
I am most looking forward to literally all of it- am I allowed to say that? The lineup this year is KILLER. The lineup of drag performers and our comedian is STELLAR. And tattoos by Teddi Garson AND a Halloween costume contest? I mean, cmon! Don’t make me choose.
What does HOOF mean to you?
HOOF to me is creating a community within the punk community of folks that have spent a lot of time feeling ‘pushed to the outside of the mosh pit’. A lot of the punk scene can have this very bro-ey and even aggressive vibe, which, don’t get me wrong, there is a time and a place for. But oftentimes, the women and queer people get pushed to the outskirts of the scene.
Through the creation of this community, I want us to feel more emboldened to create, perform, and take up space; giving us a seat at the table as well. The punk scene wouldn’t be what it is today without the women and queer people.
Why should people go to HOOF?
So you know the fun, heartwarming, joyous vibes of a slumber party with your best friends? Yeah, it’s like that. Only with punk bands, a drag show, a costume contest, and tattoos.
Anything else you want the people to know? New music/show announcements? Favorite gum flavor or song to cry to?
Oh my FAVORITE song to cry to is “Trouble” by Cat Stevens. You know the one from the end of Harold and Maude? I’m crying right now just thinking about it. SO good.
Oh! And Sweetie is once again playing at the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Egyptian Theatre in Dekalb, IL on Oct. 25th! What is the Rocky Horror Picture Show, you ask? Well, you better come and find out for yourself and until then I hope you shiver with anticipation.
And don’t miss us at Reggie’s in Chicago on Nov. 15th for the You Died music release show!
Keep punk rock queer, fuck the patriarchy, register to vote, and tip your drag queens!
Hello, I’m Chick Falcon! I play guitar and sing for The Daddy Sisters. Jack Quinn plays drums.
What are you looking forward to the most at HOOF this year?
I’m most looking forward to sharing the stage with some of the most rock n roll femme baddies in the area.
What does HOOF mean to you?
HOOF to me is a platform where the often overlooked voices femmes and thems can shine!
Why should people go to HOOF?
People should go to HOOF because femmes and thems kick ass. Supporting these groups, help to better understand the undervalued and overlooked perspectives of the status quo. As they say, “knowledge is power.”
Anything else you want the people to know? New music/show announcements? Favorite gum flavor or song to cry to?
We just released our debut album, Beast with two Backs. It’s filled with studded leather, glam-rock hooks about being yourself, pansexual, a trans woman, thirsty, hot, etc. For fans of Iggy Pop, T. Rex, and Joan Jett. Oh yeah, “American Girl” by Tom Petty is my most recent favorite song to cry to. When you think if the song is being sang from the perspective of a trans woman the lyrics hit differently. “God it’s so painful, something that’s so close, but still so far out of reach”. It gets me every time.
Hello! We’re The Cell Phones, a Chicago-born power trio playing Girlpop Grindcore since 2008. We’ve been playing so long that we’re family. And despite this year being the year we all reach into our FORTIES, we still play hard and fast! The person answering these questions is Lindsey Charles, the frontwoman of this outfit. 🙂
What are you looking forward to the most at HOOF this year?
I’m most looking forward to hearing bands we haven’t heard before, chatting with fellow music makers, and trying very hard to get the boys to agree to a band tattoo!
What does HOOF mean to you?
HOOF means full-throated inclusion! The phrase HANDS OFF is there because music and the music industry is always trying to be pawed at and molded by the People in Charge, telling us that we want to listen to, I dunno, the Chainsmokers, or the next indie nepo baby or something. We’re over here playing the kind of music we love and trying to amplify the voices of our slice of the world, specifically the voices of women/femmes/thems.
Why should people go to HOOF?
When people come to these fests, they’re bound to see bands they’ve never heard of, which opens one’s musical horizons and broadens one’s community. Supporting local bands is community care, don’t freakin’ forget it!
Anything else you want the people to know? New music/show announcements? Favorite gum flavor or song to cry to?
The Cell Phones are currently in winter mode, writing new music and digging into the archives. If you haven’t yet, check out our Halloween Album, full of scary sounds and tiny songs, available on Bandcamp!
Hi! We’re Second City Seance, were a pop punk trio from Chicago. We have dueling male/female vocals and are big into harmonies and a classic pop punk sound.
What are you looking forward to the most at HOOF this year?
We can’t wait to see all the other performers at HOOF this year!
What does HOOF mean to you?
HOOF is a fest we are super excited to be a part of as a female lead band. Getting to rock out with other women is a blast!
Why should people go to HOOF?
HOOF is an awesome opportunity to catch some truly awesome bands and performances all in one event.
Anything else you want the people to know? New music/show announcements? Favorite gum flavor or song to cry to?
We will be playing November 1st at the Outta Space and November 3rd at Reeds local!
HOOF is coming up FAST! Get your tickets now and we’ll see you there October 19th!
In anticipation for H.O.O.F., the one day music festival celebrating the women, femmes and thems of the Chicago punk scene, we are interviewing and spotlighting some of the awesome bands playing this year. We have Sparkling Urbana, Peach Vomit and Carnivore Mommy today! If you are in the Chicago area we better see you there […]
In anticipation for H.O.O.F., the one day music festival celebrating the women, femmes and thems of the Chicago punk scene, we are interviewing and spotlighting some of the awesome bands playing this year. We have Sparkling Urbana, Peach Vomit and Carnivore Mommy today! If you are in the Chicago area we better see you there October 19th!
Hey! We’re Sparkling Urbana, we’re an all trans/queer grunge/alternative band from Chicago. We’re powered by gender-angst, queer joy, and the general chaos of being alive, jam that through some twinkly, fuzzy riffs and loud vocals, and see if it makes sense when the screaming stops.
What are you looking forward to the most at HOOF this year?
Honestly, getting a tattoo done by a cool nonbinary tattoo artist while there’s badass fem/queer punk bands playing on stage sounds like a dream come true, so yeah a couple of us are planning on getting a tattoo from Teddi.
What does HOOF mean to you?
We’re so glad as queer folks and local music lovers that this sort of thing exists. This would’ve been the coolest thing in the world to us when we were younger, which is a standard we try to live by. And it’s not just about the music (which of course the bands are gonna be killer) but about getting people together in a safe space, and celebrating this space by enjoying really talented artists and all of the other fun events–costumes and music and drag and tattoos etc. We want you to be your weirdest self here.
Why should people go to HOOF?
Because they want to be a part of something with other people who want to be a part of something, and they want to see some of the best local bands. Truly, everyone should see EVERYONE here. Carnivore Mommy, The Daddy Sisters, of COURSE Sweetie, and on and on. Sparkling Urbana will be playing songs from our new EP (Give It Extra Teeth) and at least one never before played song. Go see everyone, you literally can’t go wrong.
Anything else you want the people to know? New music/show announcements? Favorite gum flavor or song to cry to?
Our EP Give It Extra Teeth is on all of the streaming platforms and iTunes/Bandcamp and we have additional shows this fall. Follow us on instagram (@sparklingurbana) for show details. 🙂 Sparkling Urbana runs on queer joy, queer rage, and caffeine, so, shout out to the french press, top level cheap way to make coffee if you’re looking for a way to make coffee.
Hey what’s up? We are Peach Vomit! A crappy punk band based out of Harvard IL. Been a band for roughly 7 years and going strong. We got some awesome members including : Mama Vomit aka Meg, the vocalist and the wild woman. There’s Eric aka Papa Vomit who gets silly on the strings of his guitar and he looks fabulous doing it in his signature dresses! We have two awesome bass players , Abby aka Avalanche who is our primary bass player and Habacuc aka Haba who also fills in on bass for us from time to time. Last but NOT least we got Skylor aka Sky beating the crap out of the skins for us.
What are you looking forward to the most at HOOF this year?
We are looking forward to playing a new town, which also happens to be close to Meg’s hometown in Hazel Crest, IL. Also super stoked to see all the fabulous outfits and costumes.
What does HOOF mean to you?
Mama: hoof has an extra special place in my heart especially being a woman in the music scene. It shines a spotlight on those who are overlooked constantly and that is something that I truly respect and love about this fest.
Why should people go to HOOF?
Because it’s a wonderful and inclusive festival where everyone can be themselves and have a great time doing it!!
Anything else you want the people to know? New music/show announcements? Favorite gum flavor or song to cry to?
Yes actually we are currently in the process of working on an EP “Queerdo” and we are hoping to have them in the process of recording by November and hopefully have it released by December!!
Ever wanted the theatrics of emo and the horror of queercore to smooch a little?
Maybe you’re a lil’ freak who desperately wants to be Mommy’s favorite?
May we introduce to you, Chicago’s very own eerie, dancey, sick, and scream-soakedCarnivore Mommy.
Hi! We’re a femme-screamer-fronted, queercore band with influences of metal, screamo, and theatre! Our members are Sage Bryant (bass), Nich Svoboda (guitar), Lauren Memery (scream vox/lyrics), Gabriel Neimark (drums), and we’ll hit our one year as band this December!
What are you looking forward to the most at HOOF this year?
Lauren: I’m excited to hear from my fellow screamers! And also hopefully see some familiar faces from last year! Double also my fellow Mommys are cookin up a great band costume, soooooo very excited to play dress up!
What does HOOF mean to you?
Lauren:Going to HOOF last year was actually one of the final kicks I needed to go all in on Carnivore Mommy. Sage was the first one to hop onto my brain baby for this band, and I had just recruited Gabe by the time HOOF rolled around. Spending that gorgeous day in such sparkly, dingy, saccharine to suddenly vitriolic to delicious space, surrounded by truly the sweetest folks I’d been dreeeeeaming of finally meeting. Of course it finally clicked. The scene is waiting for what you have to offer, now get out of your own way and GET IT.
Why should people go to HOOF?
Lauren:Why wouldn’t you want to spend your day with the loveliest, silliest, most talented scenesters, and just lavish in generosity and power and spit and bite all dang day? Why would you NOT want to do that??? And everyone dresses up! Like, have fun already! Ugh!!!
Anything else you want the people to know? New music/show announcements? Favorite gum flavor or song to cry to?
Lauren:We’re playin’ Cafe Mustache (pwyc!) with our pals in An Fang on Oct 22nd and Liar’s Club Oct 27th with the Cult of Space Skull AND The Cult of Nasty! (So if you like cultic goodness AND screamy tunage, then you know where you gotta be, Baby.)
Also our Insta is: @carnivore.mommy ️
Double also, best song to sob your dick off too is Because Dreaming Costs Money by Mitski. Obviously.
Hands Off Our Fest returns to bring you female-fronted bands, drag, and comedy at Blue Island Beer Co. Celebrating the women, femmes, and thems of the Chicago punk scene, this music festival brings a gold mine of a musical lineup. After last year’s success, this year promises to be bigger and better than before, featuring […]
Hands Off Our Fest returns to bring you female-fronted bands, drag, and comedy at Blue Island Beer Co.
Celebrating the women, femmes, and thems of the Chicago punk scene, this music festival brings a gold mine of a musical lineup. After last year’s success, this year promises to be bigger and better than before, featuring live musical performances, drag, stand-up comedy, a Halloween costume contest, and much more. The event will be hosted at Blue Island Beer Company in Blue Island, IL on October 19th from 3pm to 11 pm.
Birdy Vee, founder of H.O.O.F. and frontwoman of Chicago lipstick-punk band, Sweetie, was emboldened by the success and joy of last year’s very first Hands Off Our Fest, and she boasts that this year will be even more ‘delightful and bewitching’.
“When I began organizing the first H.O.O.F., I was feeling really run down and intimidated by many of the experiences I had dealt with as a woman in the music scene,” said Vee, who sings and plays guitar for Sweetie. “There were times where I felt really upset and afraid. Instead of quitting, I put my background in community organizing to the test and took on the task of organizing my own festival.”
“I really wanted to make something that would bring together the women, femmes, thems, and queer folks of the Chicago music scene and give us the opportunity to bond, grow our community, and create space for ourselves,” Vee said. “Last year’s event was truly so special and heartwarming that I knew I absolutely needed to organize another Hands Off Our Fest. Last year’s festival had the same joyful, bubbly vibes as a slumber party, and I hope this year is even more fun and jubilant. Especially since the lineup this year is, once again, absolutely killer!” The lineup of musicians include Sweetie, The Rumours (IA), The Daddy Sisters (KY), Boybrain, The Cell Phones, Sparkling Urbana, Carnivore Mommy, and Peach Vomit.
“We are also excited to announce that this year we are partnering with Dying Scene, an online music publication that covers everything punk rock and its related subgenres.” Vee said. “ Boasting to be ‘for the punks, by the punks,’ Dying Scene is a news source for album releases, concert reviews and helping fans discover new artists no matter their size.”
This event also features a drag show hosted by Kai Valentine, with performances by Ichabod Vicious, Dr. Caligirlie, and Dolce Vita, accompanied by standup comedy from The Queeny Bitch. Teddi Garson of Electric Tattoo Parlour returns once again with their HOOF-themed on-site flash tattoos, donating part of their proceeds to Youth Outlook, a local charity supporting local LGBTQ+ youth. The festival is all ages (concertgoers under 17 must bring an adult). Tickets can be found on the Blue Island Beer Co. website for $25 presale and $30 at the door.
Want to get into the HOOF spirit? Check out the playlist below and listen to some of the artists playing this year and some from HOOF’s first year!
Located about 16 miles south Chicago’s Loop, Blue Island has been home to two separate punk rock music festivals that showcase some of the best local punk bands. Punk Rock Paradise 2 took place in August at Riverside Tap and of course Dying Scene was there for it! Dying Scene’s favorite ska band Bumsy and […]
Located about 16 miles south Chicago’s Loop, Blue Island has been home to two separate punk rock music festivals that showcase some of the best local punk bands. Punk Rock Paradise 2 took place in August at Riverside Tap and of course Dying Scene was there for it!
Southside-Chicago’s Fighting for Scraps brought the rowdy crowd in true street punk fashion.
Torch the Hive is one of many bands I’ve heard so much about but never had the chance to see for myself. The hype is absolutely real, they did not disappoint!
The F.E.D.S. are a tribute band to all things punk rock. A torrential downpour of rain did not stop them from playing!
Horror pop punk? Yes, it’s a thing, and yes, Won’t Stay Dead SLAYS at it!
Last but not least, Sweetie kicked some ass, as usual.
Sweetie’s Birdy V. is the mastermind behind H.O.O.F. (Hands Off Our Fest), a music fest celebrating the women, femmes, and thems of the Chicago punk scene and beyond. Come back out to Blue Island, this time at the Blue Island Beer Co., to check out this sick lineup!
Be sure to follow all the bands and give them some love!
Hardcore punk supergroup OFF! played a short stint of farewell shows to promote their studio album and movie of the same name Free LSD. Stopping in Chicago, New York City, and still to come in Los Angeles, consider yourself lucky if you manage to attend one of these legendary shows. If not, do not fret, […]
Hardcore punk supergroup OFF! played a short stint of farewell shows to promote their studio album and movie of the same name Free LSD. Stopping in Chicago, New York City, and still to come in Los Angeles, consider yourself lucky if you manage to attend one of these legendary shows. If not, do not fret, we got you covered. Check out our recap of their first stop in Chicago on July 18th at Lincoln Hall!
Chicago’s own moody art-rock band FACS stepped in to open the show after Shellac was originally slated on the bill. Those are not easy shoes to fill but FACS did an amazing job, even dedicating a song to Steve Albini.
According to their Sub Pop Records page, “Chicago band FACS was formed in 2017 by Brian Case, Noah Leger, and Jonathan van Herik, following the dissolution of their previous band Disappears. Informed by stark rhythms, space, and minimal arrangements, the group has recorded five albums of dubby and dreamy art rock through the lens of 21st century Chicago. Named after the catalog numbering system for Factory Records, with a nod to present day facial action coding systems, FACS marries the energy and ideas immediately following the disintegration of punk with the uncertainty and tension of the modern world.”
Before OFF! starts, Keith Morris enters the stage, taping up a mile-long set list that could have been written on a CVS receipt. Great news for fans to see such a stacked set list.
Despite a rocky start with some guitar amp issues, attendees were unfazed and waited patiently while other band members played some jazzy music till everything was fixed. OFF! brought it right back from the start and it was like nothing ever happened.
A sea of people was constantly moshing, jumping, and enthralled to be a part of this sold-out show. During breaks in their set Keith Morris did spoken word, talking about the political climate, the strange times we are in and Free LSD.
Besides the kick-ass album we get an equally kick-ass movie. Now, I will not get into too much detail about it because we have some awesome Dying Sceners who are reviewing it, but here is a brief synopsis:
“Elderly sex shop owner, Keith, falls for a younger customer, but struggles with performance. Seeking help from a strange doctor, he discovers an experimental drug leading to renewed vitality and a journey into a parallel universe where he’s a rock star targeted by an advanced AI set on stopping his band’s album, crucial for human consciousness awakening.”
The punk rock comedic sci-fi movie is directed by OFF!’s Dimitri Coats and features performances by David Yow (Jesus Lizard), Davey Havok (AFI) and many others.
If you find yourself in California, you can see an advanced screening of Free LSD with a Q&A; you can also pre-order to stream on Apple TV.
Check out all the photos from the unforgettable Chicago performance below!
