Hot Punk City, Saturday

Those of the long-ago Scene may recall a handful of especially cool-ass shows held at The Oven (now resurrected as Mango’s) about a decade ago, collectively referred to as Hot Pop City and featuring a veritable shitload of excellent bands, folks like Silver Scooter, Red Monkey, Britt Daniels (yeah, that Britt Daniels), Port Vale, Japanic, & Jen Wood. As somebody who was there for some of ’em, at least, the shows were a freaking blast; despite the generally DIY-style sound setup in the place, it was an awesome, awesome time. Good bands + friends hanging out listening to good music in the H-town heat = good times.

The shows were the brainchild of one guy, David Ensminger, with the idea of throwing a spotlight on both deserving local and touring musicians. And happily for all of us, Ensminger’s back for Round Two, this time called Hot Punk City, and he’s arranged a weekend of fine, old-school punk rock at The Mink.

Apparently Friday’s Mink show with London Girl, O Pioneers!!!, Diet Cokeheads, & We Moderns was also set up by Ensminger, but I didn’t realize that ’til just now, I’m afraid. But not to worry, because Saturday, August 1st is the real centerpiece of this thing.

AK-47 starts off the show at 9PM, followed by Scott Ayers deal Anarchitex at 10PM, under-recognized (and now apparently resurrected) all-girl punks Mydolls at 11PM, Hickoids at 12AM, and The Biscuit Bombs at 1AM. If you know much about Texas punk, those names should sound familiar; it’s nice to see ’em all again. Plus, there’re a couple of DJs, DJ Sonic Reducer & DJ Gina Miller (ex-Magnetic Four/Kimonos), spinning between sets.

During the day, too, there’ll be a Punk Flea Market, which I think sounds pretty damn cool — tables full of zines, music, clothes, & whatnot, all punk/DIY. That part runs from 12PM-6PM, I’m told.

Oh, and it’s going to be a benefit (I think?) for former Plimsouls player Peter Case, who had to undergo some serious surgery recently and is apparently recovering, as well as a remembrance of Randy “Biscuit” Turner, former member of the Big Boys, Cargo Cult, & Biscuit Bombs. And the whole shebang’s sponsored by venerable punk zine Left Of The Dial.

This is gonna be good, seriously, so get on out. The tickets are $10 for 21-and-ups before 10PM, $12 after 10PM, and $13/$15 for folks aged 18-21.