Dug / Chora / Slolerner [Small Room-Downstairs]
Uz Jsme Doma / Snorkler [Small Room-Downstairs]
Punk avant-garde with trumpet from the Czech Republic Music like the one played by UJD is hard to find anywhere else. It is wild in a punk way, urgent, yet the composition is complex and elaborate with timeless lyrics. The typical features are the trumpet sound, the incredible tempo and the live performances filled with intense energy and humor. This is perhaps the reason why the band as well as their audience don’t seem to get any older. The music may seem chaotic, arranged randomly or improvised to an unfamiliar ear, but that is far from the truth. The music relies on each tone, detail, band discipline and much like a philharmonic orchestra, the musicians play according to sheets. An integral part of the band’s footprint is the visual aspect provided by Martin Velíšek, a famous Czech painter and graphic artist as well as a non-performing band member. Už jsme doma was established in Teplice in 1985. About six months later, Miroslav Wanek and Romek Hanzlík joined the band, having left the legendary punk band F.P.B., and they brought the work ethic and uniqueness that were characteristic of the F.P.B. The music of Už jsme doma was heavily influenced by the Rock in Opposition avant-garde scene and most importantly by The Residents as well as by the punk scene (Damned or Ebba Grön). On the Czech scene they have been in such company as the bands Psi vojaci, Dunaj, Dybbuk or Krasne nove stroje. Before the Velvet Revoluton the idiotic establishment had basically outlawed the band making it illegal to perform publicly or make records. However, after 1989 they broke through mostly because of their sophisticated originality, work ethic and will power making it as afar as European clubs, North America and Japan where they have been enjoying success in the form of regular concert tours. So far they have used their original music to represent the Czech Republic in over 40 countries (just in USA more than 700 shows) and on 4 continents making them a respected part of the worldwide avant-garde. The band often ventures into other art forms – animated film music (Krysaci – a TV bedtime story, Fimfarum – Mira Wanek’s music was nominated for Cesky Lev – Czech film awards), theatre (Ex-divadylko Zvolen, Minor, etc.). Band members: Miroslav Wanek – guitar, keyboard, vocalsPepa Červinka – bass, vocalsAdam Tomášek – trumpet, vocalsVojtěch Bořil – drums, claps, criesMartin Velíšek – brushes
Stabbing / Nuclear Remains / Feral God / FUBAR. [Small Room-Downstairs]
Illusions Of Grandeur / Murderachi [Small Room-Downstairs]
Illusions of Grandeur (IOG) is a Theatrical Hard Rock/Fantasy Metal band from Lancaster, PA. The bands performance, “The Siren Saga”, is a story of the journeys, perils, and triumphs of the Siren and her warriors. The story mixes facts and fiction combining Greek and Norse Mythology, Sirens, Gods, Archangels. IOH has toured the U.S., UK and Europe, have played several festivals and performed directly with acts such as DOPE, Puddle of Mudd, Otep, and Raven Black!
Gored Embrace / Selenoplexia / Incineration [Small Room-Downstairs]
Autolith / Pressed / Chora / Skinwraith [Small Room-Downstairs]
The Human Rights / Kween Jasira [Big Room-Upstairs]
Since we came together in 2007 around one of the Toronto reggae scene’s true lions, Friendlyness(Big Sugar, Culture Shock, Truth And Rights), The Human Rights have become one of the most beloved and respected Canadian independent reggae bands. In 2014, our longtime bredren Tréson joined the band to give us a uniquely powerful two-man vocal front line that delivers roots reggae, soul, R&B and dancehall vibes – backed by the propulsive rhythm section of Tyler Wagler (bass) and Eric Woolston (drums), Canadian reggae legend Dave Jackson on keys, two blazing guitarists and the Declaration of Human Rights horn section. By the end of this year, we’ll have played over 200 club and festival shows across Canada, and earlier this year we toured the United States for the first time to a fantastic response. We’ve released three full-length albums, with a fourth on the way in late 2024. On their most recent album Reggae Strong, The Human Rights more than live up to its title following an extended break since releasing their 2016 self-titled album and the 2018 single “I Need You.” Recorded with producer and former band member Patric McGroarty, and mixed and mastered by renowned Canadian reggae artist Dubmatix, Reggae Strong finds The Human Rights coming as close as they have yet to achieving a truly Canadian Reggae sound, with a little assistance from Toronto’s Ras Yunchie, Caddy Cad, Isax, and Carol Brown. That sound is on full display with the album’s first single “Peace Gun,” a song whose deep groove and powerful lyrics convey a timely message about the current state of the world. That theme is carried on through the title track, which magnificently shows the contrast between Friendly and Tré’s voices. However, the latter gets to shine on his own with the catchy and danceable “Tell Me That You Love Me,” while other tracks such as the cover version of Sly & Robbie’s “Red Hot” (itself being a cover version of Karl “Cannonball” Bryan’s “Red Ash”) pay tribute to Toronto Reggae history. In keeping with that theme, The Human Rights have also dedicated Reggae Strong to their keyboardist Bernie Pitters, whose face graces the back of the record, and also the inside as part of the mural on Reggae Lane in Toronto’s Eglinton West neighbourhood. As Friendlyness explains, “Bernie is a godfather of the Canadian Reggae scene. He came to Canada in the ‘70s and studied organ with Jackie Mittoo. He toured with Toots and the Maytals for 10 years and thought of Toots as a father figure. He also played with countless Jamaican artists when they came to Toronto, including Gregory Isaacs, Johnny Osbourne, and John Holt. Along with Jay Douglas, Leroy Sibbles, Glenn Washington, Carol Brown, JoJo Bennet and others, Bernie really made Toronto an important part of the international Reggae community.” It’s fair to say The Human Rights can count themselves among that company now too, having performed at major Toronto venues including Roy Thomson Hall, the Sound Academy and Harbourfront Centre, as well as major events across Canada such as the Calgary Reggae Festival. Further, their songs have become staples on Reggae radio shows everywhere, and on CBC Radio programs like Big City, Small World, while fans of the Trailer Park Boys will know them for their version of the Trailer Park Boys theme song featured in the movie Don’t Legalize It.
Punk Rock The Vote [Big Room – Upstairs]
Memphis Oddity & Curiosities Market [Both Rooms]
It’s that time again, folks!This is the second Memphis Oddity Market where you’ll find the oddest of oddities and the most curious of curiosities!Held at one of the greatest venues in town, Hi Tone! Come out and shop some interesting vendors, eat some of Hi Tone’s AMAZING bar food, and grab a beer (or two)! It doesn’t get better than this, folks!This event is all ages, both upstairs and downstairs, and IT’S FREE TO GET IN!
Punk Rock The Vote 2 [Big Room – Upstairs]
