Cincypunk Fest #9

It’s April, and for Southgate House, that means it’s time for a yearly tradition involving many local music acts convening for a night of punk and rock and rabble-rousing. It’s Cincypunk Fest, and as in past years, it not only benefits the local music community, it also reaches out to local charities.

Founded in 2003, Adam Rosing took over operations in 2005 and started directing proceeds from the show to organizations like the Northern Kentucky’s Women’s Crisis Center, the Mental Health Association and Lighthouse Youth Services. Since then, the festival has raised more than $25,000.

This year, proceeds will be split to help the no-kill, non-profit Animal Adoption Foundation in Hamilton and Cincinnati’s Friends of the Children, which connects children from Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky with a professional adult role model.

We spoke with Rosing about why events like this are important to the music scene, and what it has meant to him over the years. 

Why are events like Cincypunk important to the community?
Cincypunk has turned into one big "punk" family reunion over the years. It features so many bands from so many different genres and draws such a diverse crowd. You end up seeing old friends, meeting new ones, and having a great time taking in what the Cincinnati music scene has to offer.

What’s your favorite Cincypunk memory?
There have been some incredible memories over the years but I think first and foremost was Cincypunk Fest 7. Lions Rampant headlined that year and their drummer, Alex, was battling testicular cancer. He was able to play a few songs with them that night and the support was indescribable. The feeling in that room both nights was electric. We ended up helping him pay $6,000 of his medical bills. Other great moments have been reunion shows by East Arcadia, Saturday Supercade, Pincushion, and Spodie, or that time at Sudsy Malone’s when Junior Revolution closed Cincypunk Fest 4. Imagine 120+kids crowding on the stage grabbing instruments, and having the time of their life.

If you go:
What: Cincypunk Fest 9
Where: Southgate House, 24 E. Third St., Newport
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $7 (21+) and $10 (18-20)
Contact: www.myspace.com/cincypunkfest

Daniele’s 5 to see

Small Time Crooks
Where: http://www.myspace.com/smalltimecrooksoh
When: 10 p.m., Friday (ballroom)
What: Hip Hop, Pop, Rap
Why: I saw these guys and gal perform at the Cincinnati Entertainment Awards, and I had a grin plastered on my face the entire time. It was a fully energetic and awesome scene. I’m ready to see it again.

Duppy à Jamba
Where: http://www.myspace.com/duppyjamba
When: 10:15 p.m., Friday (parlour)
What: Ska, Reggae, Jazz
Why: Some of this stuff will have you up and dancing, and some of it will have you swaying back and forth, smooth and sexy as silk. This is old school ska that will fit in quite nicely with the punk fans of the house. You’ll think you’re in a different city. The streets of New Orleans, perhaps?

The Guitars
Where: http://www.myspace.com/wearetheguitars
When: 10:45 p.m., Saturday (ballroom)
What: Rock
Why: This foursome might be my favorite local band to come out of 2009. The first time I ever saw them was at last year’s Cincypunk Fest, and I couldn’t even see the stage because it was so packed in the parlour. I’ve seen them since, and haven’t been disappointed. This year, I’ll have more room to breathe. And rawk.

Billy Wallace and the Virginia Blues
Where: http://www.myspace.com/billywallaceva
When: 12 a.m., Saturday (lounge)
What: Folk Rock
Why: This is the sort of music that makes a Cincinnati music fan know that we house musicians just as good as those in Nashville and Austin. Wallace and his Blues blend the perfect amount of folk, rock and Americana to bring soulful tunes fit for an evening on the porch rocking chair.

Two Inch Winky
Where: http://www.myspace.com/11187041
When: 11 p.m., Saturday (parlour)
What: Punk
Why: This stuff is the spirit of the festival – punk rock music. First, I have to say, the name of the band made me giggle. I checked them out on MySpace, and they are hilariously awesome. I’m excited to see them live.