LIVE: PUNK IN THE PARK – Orlando, FL, USA – September 14, 2024

Venue: Central Florida Fairgrounds

City: Orlando, FL

Date: September 14, 2024

Review and Photographs by: Stephanie Gray (https://stephgrayphoto.mypixieset.com/)

September 14th brought an electric buzz to the Central Florida Fairgrounds for the Punk in the Park Festival. Starting at noon, the festival kicked off with an infectious energy despite the mugginess and a storm that threatened to interrupt the day. The Central Florida Fairground was bustling with enthusiastic festivalgoers, and the variety of vendors, craft beer tastings, and food trucks ensured that everyone was well-fed and hydrated. Ample bathrooms and attentive security also kept things running smoothly throughout the day.

The festival opened with the raw energy of Suck Brick Kid. Their pop-punk tunes set a lively tone for the day, but it was the arrival of Slaughterhouse that really began to stir things up. The Los Angeles-based post-punk band’s moody and intense set was a perfect precursor to the more upbeat acts that followed. Orlando local band 430 Steps took the stage next. Their hardcore punk sound was a nod to the 80s and 90s punk scene. Down By Law, with their seasoned punk rock flair, brought a punchy performance that resonated well with the crowd. The energy only escalated when the Dwarves took over. Their eclectic mix of punk rock and intentionally provocative lyrics sparking both excitement and disbelief. Guttermouth, ever the crowd-pleasers, kept the momentum rolling with their irreverent humor and high-octane punk rock. Their set, featuring fan favorites and a few surprises, was a blast. Against All Authority, known for their politically charged lyrics, rallied the crowd with their fierce and fast-paced punk anthems. The Casualties followed, bringing a streetwise edge to their punk rock that had the audience singing along and fully engaged. Teenage Bottlerocket’s set was a perfect slice of Ramones-core punk, their energy had everyone bouncing and singing along. The Bronx’s performance was equally fiery, their hardcore punk sound pushing the crowd’s energy to new heights. Swingin’ Utters, known for their punk rock roots and engaging stage presence, delivered a set that was both nostalgic and fresh, setting the stage perfectly for the headliners.

Black Flag took the stage as one of the festival’s most anticipated acts. With a legacy that has shaped the course of hardcore punk, their performance was nothing short of legendary. The setlist was a potent mix of their most iconic tracks, starting with the raw, urgent energy of “Can’t Decide” and “Nervous Breakdown,” which set the tone for a high-octane performance. As the band charged through their set, tracks like I’ve Had It” and “Gimme Gimme Gimme” demonstrated their ability to blend melody with aggression, capturing the essence of their hardcore ethos. The crowd erupted during “Rise Above,” a track that embodies the defiant spirit of punk rock. The set reached a celebratory climax with a raucous rendition of “Louie Louie,” a classic cover that highlighted Black Flag’s punk roots while paying homage to their influences. The band’s performance showcased their enduring influence on the punk scene, leaving the audience energized and reverent.

Following Black Flag, T.S.O.L. took the stage, offering a diverse array of punk styles that highlighted their unique place in punk rock history. Formed in 1978 in Long Beach, California, T.S.O.L. (True Sounds of Liberty) has explored various punk subgenres over the years, from hardcore punk to deathrock and art punk. Their set was a dynamic showcase of this versatility.

Next Dead Kennedys brought their blend of politically charged punk rock to the stage. From the opening chords of “Forward to Death” to the closing notes of “Holiday in Cambodia,” their set was a masterclass in punk rock satire and social commentary. The Dead Kennedys are known for their sharp, often scathing critiques of societal norms, and this performance was no exception. Their set was a whirlwind of energy and satire, with songs like “Police Truck” and “Kill the Poor” resonating deeply with a crowd eager to engage with their provocative content. The Dead Kennedys’ performance also featured a crowd favorite, “California Uber Alles,” showcasing their ability to mix humor with a critical edge. A particularly memorable moment came when they performed “Viva Las Vegas,” a surprising and playful cover of the Elvis classic, before diving into “Holiday in Cambodia,” which ended their set on a high note.

The Vandals took the stage with their signature blend of punk rock and irreverent humor. Their performance was a celebration of punk’s lighter, more comedic side, characterized by catchy hooks and witty lyrics. From the opening notes of “Take It Back” to the energetic finale with “My Girlfriend’s Dead,” the Vandals had the crowd dancing and laughing along. The band’s set was a reflection of their knack for combining punk rock with a sense of fun and satire. Tracks like “Urban Struggle” and “Anarchy Burger (Hold the Government)” were met with enthusiastic applause, as the band’s playful approach to punk rock was a refreshing contrast to the more serious tones of the day. The Vandals’ performance also included “Oi to the World,” a staple of their live shows that showcased their ability to blend humor with punk rock’s raw energy. Their set was a riotous celebration.

Alkaline Trio closed out the festival with a set that highlighted their evolution from punk rock to a darker, more emo-influenced sound. Their performance was a dynamic blend of old and new, showcasing their extensive catalog with both fan favorites and recent hits. The setlist was a journey through their career, starting with the upbeat “Time to Waste” and transitioning through tracks like “We’ve Had Enough” and “Take Lots with Alcohol,” each one delivering the band’s signature mix of introspective lyrics and energetic punk rock. The emotional weight of songs like “Sadie” and “Mercy Me” were balanced by catchy anthems “Stupid Kid” and “This Could Be Love,” which had the crowd singing along with fervor. Alkaline Trio’s performance was a showcase of their growth as a band, with Matt Skiba’s powerful vocals and Dan Andriano’s harmonies creating a resonant sound that captivated the audience. The band’s ability to blend catchy punk rock with deeper, emotional themes made their set a fitting finale to a day of diverse and exhilarating performances.

As the festival wrapped up, the Central Florida Fairgrounds was full of excitement and appreciation for the day’s events. The punk rock community came together to celebrate their shared passion, and the festival delivered an unforgettable experience filled with high-energy performances and memorable moments. A huge thank you to Brew Ha Ha Productions for organizing such a stellar event, and to all the bands who brought their A-game. Punk in the Park was a shining example of how music festivals unite people through shared experiences, proving once again that the power of live music and community spirit can create magic. Here’s to many more festivals that capture the heart and soul of punk rock!

ALKALINE TRIO SETLIST: Time to Waste – We’ve Had Enough – Take Lots with Alcohol – Bad Time – Versions of You – Calling All Skeletons – Cringe – Armageddon – Sadie – Mercy Me – Fatally Yours – Every Thug Needs a Lady – Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs – Private Eye – Stupid Kid – This Could Be Love – Radio

THE VANDALS SETLIST: Take It Back – Urban Struggle – It’s a Fact – Live Fast Diarrhea – An Idea for a Movie – The Legend of Pat Brown – People That Are Going to Hell – Anarchy Burger (Hold the Government) – I’ve Got an Ape Drape – Oi to the World – And Now We Dance – My Girlfriend’s Dead – I Have a Date

DEAD KENNEDYS SETLIST: Forward to Death – Winnebago Warrior – Police Truck – Let’s Lynch the Landlord – Kill the Poor – Too Drunk to Fuck – Moon Over Marin – Nazi Punks Fuck Off – California Über Alles – Viva Las Vegas – Holiday in Cambodia

[Show as slideshow]

1 2 ►

PUNK IN THE PARK LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries