Free two-day concert: 239 Fest promises best lineup ever
Over two dozen bands will perform next weekend in the South Cape for a two-day festival.
The sixth annual 239 Fest will showcase a mix of punk, ska and reggae acts on two different stages at Rack’em Spirits & Times on Oct. 7 starting at 8 p.m. The event will pick up again on Oct. 8 at 4 p.m.
“We wanted to use it as a way to check out underground independent music,” co-organizer Eric Demayo said. “It’s a good chance to check out some local original music and bands.”
The performers hail from Tampa, Orlando, Miami and more.
“You get a good taste of all the bands from around Florida,” he said.
The festival is free, but it is only open to ages 18 and up.
Demayo noted that organizers toyed with the idea of selling tickets this year.
“But we decided it was important to keep it free,” he said.
Donations, however, will be welcomed.
Last year, approximately 300 people turned out for Saturday’s lineup.
“At this point, we’ve got it down to a science,” Demayo said.
Organizers have stepped it up a notch this year with some firsts for the event. A surprise guest cover band will wrap up the first night, while a nationally-touring band will be the highlight on day two. Out of Jacksonville, Whole Wheat Bread previously toured with Less Than Jake, Reel Big Fish and more.
“This will definitely be the biggest band we’ve had so far,” he said.
Demayo described them as a punk band with great harmony and vocal style.
“They have a lot of different styles mixed in,” he said.
Another first for the festival – a deejay will kick off and wrap up the second day’s performance list. According to Demayo, Southwest Florida-based DJ Kelly Blanx reached out to them to take part.
“It seemed like a good idea to start off the day and end the night,” he said, adding that they thought Blanx would really fit in with the show. “She spins like traditional ska reggae, almost 2 Tone.”
Ten bands will perform on Oct. 7.
They include Outside Threat, The Injurees, The JPP, The Young Dead, Twisty Chris and the Puddin’ Packs, Abortion Twins, Zero To The Left, Blood Wise and The Defiant, as well as the guest band.
Demayo described Twisty Chris and the Puddin’ Packs as a band with a speed like the B-52s and combined with the intensity of the Ramones. He compared the Tampa group to Agent Orange.
“They kind of have a surf rock-punk kind of sound,” Demayo said.
Blood Wise is always a fan and local favorite.
“They have been with us since the very first 239 Fest,” he said. “It’s heavy hard-rocking music, but what I’ve always loved about them is their almost sing-a-long choruses.”
The Defiant, out of Tampa Bay, is punk with a crossover of metal.
“They get on a lot of big shows. They play nationally-sized clubs,” Demayo said, citing the State Theatre in Saint Petersburg. “But at the same time, they’re really level-headed and humble.”
Fort Myers-based The Young Dead is a mix between Hole and The Cranberries.
“They’re a female-fronted punk band,” he said. “Musically, they’re all really talented.”
Demayo noted that it is also the band’s first time at the event.
On Oct. 8, the remaining bands will take the stage.
The lineup will include Andy Hall, Opposite States, Third Society, Simple Jack, Offset Era, The Possibilities, YugoSKAvia!, The Sensibles, Abandon The Midwest, The Freecoasters, Octo Gatos, Rude Squad, Bargain Bin Heroes and Sketchie, along with Whole Wheat Bread and DJ Kelly Blanx.
Hailing from Orlando, YugoSKAvia! includes a four-piece horn section.
“They’re a good punk ska band, but they have a hint of jazz in them,” he said.
“I get blown away by some of their horn arrangements,” Demayo added.
On the flip side, Cape Coral-Fort Myers’ The Freecoasters produces “almost laid back” music.
“The music tempo is slower and softer, but it’s still enticing and intriguing,” he said. “They have more, to me, of almost a reggae soul sound.”
Demayo’s own band, Bargain Bin Heroes, will also perform.
“We’re a good punk ska band,” he said, adding that the group has been together for three years. “We like to go out and just have a good time – catchy songs and balloons flying in the air and beach balls.”
“It’s just all part of the show,” Demayo said.
Also on day two, the Fort Myers Derby Girls will be on hand. The team will be promoting their upcoming bout, along with passing out team “swag” including koozies, keychains and more.
There will also be drink specials available both days.
“If they haven’t come before and they’ve been thinking about it, this is definitely looking to be the biggest and best one yet,” he said of the festival.
For more information, visit the Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/239punkskafest/ or the event page on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/events/668963909927401/
Rack’em Spirits & Times is at 1011 S.E. 47th Terrace.