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!
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!
I was recently able to sit down with Chicago-based punk band Boybrain, who happen to be tied for the number one spot on my favorite local bands list. The band has a new single, “Ratmouth,” coming out this October; watch for it on your favorite streaming services. You can see them perform at Hands Off […]
I was recently able to sit down with Chicago-based punk band Boybrain, who happen to be tied for the number one spot on my favorite local bands list. The band has a new single, “Ratmouth,” coming out this October; watch for it on your favorite streaming services. You can see them perform at Hands Off Our Fest (H.O.O.F.) October 19th in Blue Island. Find me and say hi, I’ll be at there without a doubt.
I discovered Boybrain early during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown, when live music was nowhere to be found and live streams had to fill the void. I caught a broadcast from Liar’s Club that included previously recorded performances. There was a lot of great stuff in the stream, but the one that left the biggest impression on me was “Owl” by Boybrain. Flash-forward to venues opening up and shows happening again. On July 17th 2021 I was able to see live music for the first time in over a year, and boy howdy, I was on my way to Blood People, Aweful, and mother fuckin’ Boybrain at Liar’s Club! The show was nothing short of amazing. If I wasn’t already hooked on Boybrain when I got there, I sure as hell was by the time I left.
Over the next 3 years I saw just about every local performance Boybrain played. Multiple times at both Liar’s and the Bottle, once at Cobra Lounge and even once at Green Mill. I don’t know how I got so lucky, but on my birthday in 2022 Boybrian shared a bill with my good friends Aweful and my other favorite local band, Djunah! It was the best birthday present I could have asked for.
Boybrain consists of Patti on guitar and vocals. Hailing from Florida, she moved here for film school and thankfully decided to stay here and make music. Jon, who recently joined the band on bass duty, comes to Chicago from Detroit by way of Memphis. Inga, ripper of lead guitar, and Colin, smasher of drums, are both Chicago natives.
As we were about to begin the interview they joked about how fun it must be for me to interview a bunch of awkward introverts. On the contrary, their demeanor put my own awkward introverted anxiety to rest and the interview was a ton of fun. We sat down to food-up at Feed while we conducted the interview before walking over to their rehearsal space to take photos. Boybrain has been eating at Feed for a while now, religiously going there on Mondays when they practice. Taking a deep inhale of the atmosphere in Feed, Colin remarked,
“I like a layer of fry oil in the air.”
The band rehearses in the annex of Superior Street Studios where they are part of an excellent community. They currently share their room with Stick Fight. They used to share with Wizzo as well, who have since moved into a room next door. Their friends Something is Waiting practice in the room across from theirs. While the other tenants in the annex are great, the vending situation leaves much to be desired.
“The vending machines in the big space are awesome, but ours is a pop machine that doesn’t even work. They don’t care about us. Second class”
Even though I’ve never seen them put on a bad show, Boybrain is not immune to pre-show jitters. As a ritual Patti, who is usually not a drinker, always downs one shot of whiskey to calm her nerves. I’d wager it’s more a placebo than anything else, but since learning this I have had the privilege to take the pre-show shot with her multiple times now.
Shortly after this interview was conducted, Boybrain debuted a new song titled Nailbox at their home away from home, Liar’s Club. When asked, Inga described the song as “Another Opus” to which Patti added,
“It’s Another Exquisite corpse that is just parts smushed together.”
The song was written about a former member of Mr. Bungle, who had recently been arrested on suspicion of murdering his girlfriend. This was unsettling news for Patti, Mr. Bungle being her favorite band. The story went off the rails into a conversation about Nu Metal. How it was influenced by Bungle and Faith No More, and the role the soundtrack for Judgment Night played in its inception. Jon had this to say on the subject,
“I love Pantera, I just hate when other people try to sound like them.”
We discussed the pros and cons of the band’s recent show at Empty Bottle. One con was they had to headline the show, which they don’t like to do ever. Inga explained they like to open shows and leave the stage. Colin added, “Without vomiting.” Yup, there’s a story to go with that!
It was Colin’s first show at the Empty Bottle. He didn’t get much sleep the night before and he neglected to eat before the show. After loading in and doing a sound check, he was able to stop back at home, so he took an hour nap and ate a lot of spaghetti. Like three bowls of spaghetti. When it was time to play, the corner of the stage where the drums are was blistering hot as always. By the end of their set, Colin knew he was definitely going to throw up, but he thought he could make it to the end of the song. He did in fact, make it to the end of the song, and was just barely able to make it out to the alley to vomit. And get locked out. And vomit more, and more, while the rest of the band searched for him inside the venue. Inga recalled finally going out to the alley and wondering who had spilled all this spaghetti, to which Colin responded,
“You couldn’t tell it was used?”
We went on to discuss other music-related mishaps. Patti recalled almost passing out from the heat at a show in Arkansas. She briefly lost consciousness but somehow her body continued to play while a lesser mortal would have collapsed to the floor. Inga wasn’t as lucky, recalling a time she fell face-first on the stage after a drunk asshole in the audience grabbed her foot in the middle of their set.
We spent some time talking about previous bands everyone had been in, which led to the realization of how glad they are that none of them drink at band practice. Drinking at practice is a great way to waste 6 hours accomplishing nothing. Listening back to recordings the next day you thought would be awesome only to find out it’s terrible and you played like shit.
“In your 20s it’s what you do, because you’re just fitting music into your drugs and alcohol schedule and hanging out. Now we actually just care about the music.”
Having met the band so many times at this point, I felt embarrassed I hadn’t asked where their name came from before now. I guess I didn’t need to feel that bad though, because Colin chimed in that he had never asked either. Patti explained there are two reasons for the name. The first is that Patti calls Inga a boybrain, because Inga has a boybrain. The second being an article Patti read, possibly by Stephen King, (we don’t fully remember who wrote it). The author discussed the adrenaline and psychology of what happens when you watch horror movies, and explained that it is more of a male brain thing. Being both female and a tremendous horror fan herself (the whole band loves horror), she thought:
“That was like, so fucking stupid.”
Having always gotten a degree of a horror vibe from Boybrain’s music, I asked Patti if that was indeed an influence on her song’s subjects and lyrics. Inga pointed out they’ve come mostly from true crime. Patti explains she’s not really motivated by things like love and heartbreak, she’s more interested in writing about anger and things that are fucked up, like killing. She pulls a lot from movies and documentaries and such, which are usually about men behaving badly. However none of Patti’s lyrics are completely literal, she writes them through her own lens turning them somewhat autobiographical. Florida is another subject that frequently pops up in her songs. Collin adds, “Plenty of true crime happens in Florida.” Patti continues, “It is a scary place. Yeah, born and raised there, so it’s terrifying. It’s horrible there so there’s a lot to pull from.
Dying Scene will be covering Boybrain and other artists at Hands Off Our Festival (HOOF) this October. Here are some questions we asked the band about the fest.
What are you looking forward to the most at HOOF this year?
“We’re looking forward to dressing up for Halloween, baby! Playing a show dressed up in crazy as fuck costumes is so fun. We’re horror nerds so we take dress-up time very seriously [clown emoji, tongue-out winking emoji]. We’re also looking forward to playing with a bunch of bands that we’ve never played with before… like Sweetie and Carnivore Mommy! “
What does HOOF mean to you?
“HOOF is a rad festival that centers around women and queers….. without the typical sausage fest vibes that surround a lot of venues, bands and festivals (we see you Riot Fest). It also reminds us of riot grrrl era shit…and we’re here for that.”
Why should people go?
“People should go to support women who play the fuck outta some music.”
There you have it. Once again, remember to listen to their new single, Ratmouth, which will be on streaming services this October! Don’t miss them at Hands Off Our Fest (HOOF) 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!
Story and Photography by Meredith Goldberg Liar’s Club, always supportive of members of the Chicago punk rock community, often hosts fundraisers for various individuals/causes. Recall, the venue sponsored one of the Dying Scene Resurrection Shows recently. On Saturday August 6, 2022, Liar’s Club was the site for one of several local shows benefitting the Chicago […]
Story and Photography by Meredith Goldberg
Liar’s Club, always supportive of members of the Chicago punk rock community, often hosts fundraisers for various individuals/causes. Recall, the venue sponsored one of the Dying Scene Resurrection Shows recently. On Saturday August 6, 2022, Liar’s Club was the site for one of several local shows benefitting the Chicago Abortion Fund (CAF). Venues in Chicago and elsewhere have been holding similar fundraisers in wake of the of the Supreme Court of the United States’ 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturns landmark SCOTUS decisions in Roe v. Wade(1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey(1992) and endangers numerous other privacy related rights. The announced amount of money raised for the CAF came to almost $2,000.
Boybrain turned on the show’s engine with a hair swirling, brains (of all genders) smashing performance. The dizzying actions of the band members were matched by their striking physical appearances. Suited up in matching half uniforms of t-shirts with “Abortions” written across them in a font reminiscent of rec league baseball jerseys, and athlete-style black grease marks under their eyes. Boybrain slammed though a tight set featuring “Blood Wolf Moon,” off its 2022 debut album In the Company Of Worms. The band is comprised of punk rock veterans from the Chicago area and elsewhere: Patti on guitars and vocals, Inga on lead guitar, Colin on drums, and “Dr. Doom” (whose first name is actually Lauren. Come on though, Dr. Doom is a pretty cool moniker) on bass and vocals.
Aweful, which we featured in the aforementioned Resurrection Show, once again offered its talents to an important cause. The trio, made up of Traci Trouble, Lucy Dekay, and Izzy Price, as always had the crowds pumped and their fists pumping. They ripped through tunes including “Far Away,” “Bubble,” “Just Like Me,” and one of their most popular singles, “No Avail.” Whipping around the stage, guitarist Dekay displayed her usual flair, whilst drummer Price and bass player Trouble fueled the backbeat. Trouble’s gritty vocals matched her stage presence as well as those of her bandmates. It’s always a fun moment to see how she and Dekay go back to back literally, appearing to be simultaneously competing for flashiest performance and joining together to create a single, more powerful organism. So powerful that watching both women then fall away from each other, as if ripped apart, collapsing onto the floor seems the natural next occurrence. Even on the floor, Trouble and DeKay, are at times, still attached, playing a sort of punk rock patty cake with their sneakers.
Djunah, an electrifying two-piece group from Chicago, is comprised of Donna Diane and Jared Karns. Diane pulls triple duty on vocals, guitar, and Moog Organ bass, as Karns powers through on drums. It was a rousing and hypnotic set. Thus far, 2022 has been a busy year for Diane, between recording vocals for Jason Narducy‘s Verboten the Musical, and the band playing festivals and sold-out shows, with at least two more upcoming fests. Those events being Louisville’s PRFBBQLOU2022 in late August-early September, and Milwaukee’s Bay View Bash, in mid-September.
Heet Deth is another 2-piece band from the Windy City. Formed in 2018 by best friends, Julia B on drums and vocals, and Laila E on guitar and vocals, Heet Deth describes itself as operatic. Wearing matching blood red shortsleeve coveralls, with their faces garishly painted red, white, and black, they manage to create their own styles even as the likes of David Bowie and Monkey from the Adicts are brought to mind. Heet Deth’s theatrical appearance is equaled by its non-stop energy.
Good to see the punk rock community standing up for all of our rights, as unfortunate as it is that these rights have to be fought for so vigorously at this point in history. Alas, the fight WILL proceed and there will be great music to keep us inspired and energized.
