Additional reporting by Forrest Gaddis.
The punk rock community has always been known for giving back. Punk Rock Saves Lives has been one of the leaders in this area. Here’s a guide to some other ways how you can get involved this holiday season, donate, and be inspired to keep it going. Links to the events and charities can be found in the descriptions below.
Punk Rock Gives Back‘s mission statement on its website tells you what it is about upfront and clearly:
“Punk Rock Gives Back supports the causes YOU care about. We are a resource and partner for individuals, businesses, musicians, and artists to develop events and endeavors that serve the greater good.”
On Saturday, December 7, 2024 the group hosts a charity show, from noon to 5 pm at the beloved Alex’s Bar in Long Beach, CA.
There is also the 2nd Annual Ornament Auction, with bidding starting on December 1st at 10 a.m. PST and running through December 7th at 4 pm PST. “Supporting charities chosen by the artists” per the announcement. Among the dozens of creatives involved is Jim Lindberg of Pennywise; Bones Brigade skate legend Urethane founder Steve Caballero, Monkey from The Adicts, actor and playwright John Ross Bowie (TV shows The Big Bang Theory, Speechless, and more) also known for his NYC punk band Egghead; as well as Four Chords and a Gun, Warren Fitzgerald of The Vandals, Chloe Trujillo, Mike Herrera of MxPx, and Stacey Dee of Bad Cop/Bad Cop, Punk Rock Pottery and so many more. If you can make it to the event, great; if not, you can always help online as well.
Sleigh The Stage annual punk rock toy drive also happens on December 7, 2024, at Boxland in Columbus, OH. Free admission with a new unwrapped toy. Bands on the line. The event is presented by Coxey’s Army and Punkerton Records. Joining Coxey’s Army on the bill is HugeEuge, Voice of Dissent, Rabbit Dog, and Atomic Zombies. Doors at 6pm, show at 7 pm.
Filthy Fill’s 20th Annual Punks 4 Tots takes place on December 7, 2024 at Jandro’s Garden Patio in San Antonio, TX. Admission is a $10 new unwrapped gift, or $8 cash at the door. Bands playing the event are FATMD, Brutal Poverty, Brewtality, Inc, Nauscam, Code 88’s, and Zeke The Man Not The Band
Punks for Presents is a punk rock Christmas tradition in Richmond, VA, involving four nights of holiday-themed punk rock and metal bands. Starting December 6th at Wonderland, Black Flake (Black Flag), Steady Diet of Nutmeg (Fugazi), and X-Mas (X) will play. The following night December 7th at the Fuzzy Cactus, Van Hailin’ (Van Halen), Faith Sno More (Faith No More), and the Sharped Dressed Santas (ZZ Top) will play. Both shows are 21+ with a $10 cover charge.
If you are under twenty-one, have no fear, Punks for Presents has some all-ages shows as well. December 13th at the Camel features Imaginary Toys (The Cure), Beastie Toys (Beastie Boys), Snowmen of Death (S.O.D), Snoasis (Oasis), Alice in Candy Canes (Alice in Chains). On the fourth and final night, you can catch the Good Cretins (Ramones), Snow Control (Bad Religion), Something to Write Santa About (The Get-Up Kids), Sleighs the Day (Saves the Day), Sorry Ma, Forgot to Wrap the Gifts (Replacements), A Message To You Rudolph (The Specials) at the Hardywood Park Craft Brewery. These shows also have a $10 cover charge. All profits from doors, donations, and merchandise at these shows are used to purchase presents for hospitalized children in the area. Tickets are available for purchase here.
At San Diego’s Tower Bar, Punk Rock Chili Dog Social will put on a Toy Drive Potluck. They request you bring an unwrapped toy for their donation box to support those in need. The Noise Agents will be playing with support from Andy K of Demob, One Square Mile, Strychnine Ninety Nine, and Halloween Jax. $10 cover and 21+.
Combining KT’s Kids, Liar’s Club, and Off With Their Heads has been a Chicago punk community tradition for several years. They are all back together on December 15, 2024, starting at 6pm. The 8th Annual X-Mas Benefit Taco Party also features Grassface and Wrong War on the bill.
KT’s Kids is all about C.A.M.P. which stands for Children with Adapted Mobility Play.
But if you cannot make it to the actual event you can still donate to this amazing organization on the KTs Kids website.
These are just a few of the events showcasing important causes. Even if you are not able to attend please check out the links in the event descriptions for possible ways to donate. And perhaps there are some similar punk rock events in your own area. Be on the lookout for them. But even if there are not, there are many ways to get involved in your community, music-related or not. One thing is for sure, there are few things more punk rock than caring for each other
So Happy Holidays! Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Los Posadas, Soyal, Winter Solstice, Festivus, or just spend this time with loved ones, we at Dying Scene wish you a peaceful and joyous season!