Second Annual "Punk Island"

Stage 9 kicked ass!
To all of you that were there you all know “Punk Island” kicked ass this year. Considering that the weather was not working with us, “Punk Island” was still a success.

With no corporate sponsors or outside help this year, “Slug” pulled it off; the second annual “Punk Island” manifested itself on June 21st on “Governor’s Island” as a success.

The punks came out in droves. People showed up despite the weather, all with the hopes of hearing some good music, and having a good time. They were not disappointed. “Governors Island” was a great venue for this event.

Not only does “Governors Island” have some seriously great views of Manhattan it also has a nice up and close view of “The Statute of Liberty”, and almost every house on the island had its own individual art piece in the front.

Onto the show, the island consisted of 10 stages filled with energetic musicians eager to play, and play they did.

Me being co-stage manager along with “Shakes”, I was at our stage for most of the venue, but I was not disappointed. Aside from the first band cancelling on us, everything went off without a hitch. Not only did we have one of the, if not the best stage in the entire venue, every band got along with each other. We all shared equipment and showed support.
A big thanx to all the bands.

Well on to the show, “Mutilated Martyr” opened up the set with some explosive music. These guys were not playing around, they kicked ass. Check them out by clicking on their link to see what I’m talking about.

Second on stage was a band called “Sedated”, now their name does not define their music, their fans were as hardcore as they were. These guys played hard and fast. Click on their link for more on them.

Now on to the third act, these guys are called “Capt. Ronzo and The Thirsty Pirates”. Now not to sound biased or anything, but this act was real good. The lead singer has on this self made pirate outfit and a 3 foot long pirate hat to go along with it. These guys kicked ass. The island offers up tram tours around the island and the tram stopped twice while we were on stage. Everyone on board yelling “Arrrrrrrrrrrr” or “Shiver me timbers”, it was so much fun to be a part of that. This is one band that really is energetic and fun to watch. And the music is damn good. Check them out by clicking on their link.

Now the 4th act was “The Halfway Crooks”, and they were not halfway at all. This band was the least punk out of all the bands playing, there more like a “Ska Jam band” but let me tell you, they stole the show. This band is incredible, everyone on stage is extremely talented and not afraid to show it. You have got to check this band out, trust me. When these guys were off stage their was a line to buy their c.d.

And now the final act, they were “The U.N. Posse”. Now this band was special to me because the oldest member of the band was 19 and the youngest being 14, who mind you rocks as hard as they come. Click on their link to peep em out. This band played well beyond its age, and to top it off, the lead singer and bassist of “The Halfway Crooks” jumped on stage with them for their final song and they did a rendition of “Journey’s – Don’t stop believing” and oh man, let me tell you it kicked ass, they even through in a rap to go with it.

What a way to close out a magical day, in my eyes “Punk Island” was a major success. Check out my “MySpace and Facebook” page for more pics on the event, and for links to all the above mentioned bands. If you were their, you witnessed an awesome event, and if you weren’t, see you at next years, “Punk Island”.
Till next time….