jeanne crump previews the tri-state indie music festival…
All you seething, underground dwelling punks, head above ground this week for the Northeast’s debut of Upstart Fest. This 4-day roving punk rock party will satisfy the most blood-thirsty misfits out there. With an exploding line-up consisting of some of the region’s best, this fest may have an upheaval on their hands.
The fest will feature bands such as The Jukebox Romantics, Far From Finished, Lost In Society, The Independents, American Pinup, Two Fisted Law, The Obvious, Black Top Kids, The Scandals, Measured in Grey and more. Beginning Thursday, August 8 at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, the raucous begins. Moving to the El & Gee in New London, CT on Friday, August 9, then The Chance in Poughkeepsie, NY on Saturday, momentum will be soaring. Closing the ceremony on Sunday, August 11 will be none other than the world famous Asbury Lanes, anchored in the rock haven of Asbury Park.
“The Obvious is super excited to be part of Upstart Fest 2012!” says Angie Sugrim, frontwoman of The Obvious, a supporting local act on Sunday at the Asbury Lanes. “We love the choice of bands featured in the festival, and being on the bill with so many really talented acts is a real honor for us. We’ve had the pleasure and the privilege of playing with The Blacktop Kids, Lost In Society and American Pinup, so we’re looking forward to sharing the stage with them again.”
“We’d like to thank Travis who put all this together for including us–his vision of celebrating and spreading real gut punching punk is really pure and we’re extremely grateful for and supportive of all the work he does. Also, of interest to the night is the fact that my band will be playing naked. Well, just the guys, not me,” noted Sugrim.
Thanks, Angie. I’m sure the Asbury Lanes will be sold out now that we know that insider tip!
Another local supporting act on Sunday’s date is just as stoked to be playing the fest. Black Top Kids will be performing alongside their friends at the Asbury Lanes, a stage they’re all too familiar with. “It’s cool that there’s a local fest sort of thing with a bunch of punk bands that deserve to be heard by the public. Not to mention a lot of really cool people,” said Sam Maynard of Black Top Kids.
The Asbury-based group, Lost In Society, will be on all 4-dates of the Fest. This alternative punk trio just came off a 2-week stint on Warped Tour and are known for their chilling, pulsating live sets.
With a raw vision to bring punk and its sub-genres to new and old fans alike, the Upstart Fest is nurturing something that is desperately needed: a sustainable punk scene.
Doors open at 6 p.m., tickets are $12 advance, $15 at the door (but check each venue’s official websites for this info as it may change from date to date.) For more info visit www.upstartfest.com
