Frank Turner, Lucero, Social Distortion 11/08/10 (Asheville, NC) and 11/09/10 (Knoxville, TN)

I was so excited when I found out Social Distortion was going to be playing in Asheville, NC. The last time I had seen them was in 2004 in Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle with The Horror Pops and Tiger Army (amazing show by the way). So This year I had vowed that I would not miss them again, as I had to last year. Of course when I had the money to actually get the tickets they had SOLD OUT. Like I said I was NOT going to miss them again soooooo, I checked where they would be playing next and I ended up buying tickets for Knoxville, TN. I had not heard the other bands that they were playing with on this Tour. So as usual I went and checked them out. It was then when I found my new favorite band of the year FRANK TURNER.

Frank Turner ( http://www.frank-turner.com )was the opening band of the night. I had looked into them the minute the show came up, I must say that the songs blew me away. They have so much meaning and they relate to the way I feel about so many things. If you like a mix of country, punk, folk this band is for you. The members are: Frank Turner on Vocals and the band is Ben Lloyd (guitar), Tarrant Anderson (bass), Matt Nasir (keys) and Nigel Powell (drums).

I must say I have been a part of the music scene for some time and I will go out of my way to help out others if they need it. So I decided to contact Frank Turner and to my amazement he actually responded back to me. I don't know if it's all the crazy shit going on these days but some bands just get it. Frank Turner and the band are some stand out guys. I was actually able to get on Frank Turners guest list for the (SOLD OUT) Asheville show . Frank Turner again many thanks and I will buy you PBR any time.

So when I had arrived just as they went on, they where playing Poetry of the Dead. I was able to get towards the front as they where playing. As I looked around checking out the crowd, Everyone was bobbing there head along and really enjoyed them. I had over heard people say that they had never heard of them but thought they where great. Had I not known of them before I went to the show, I would have became a fan then. There stage presence is amazing. Constantly moving even during slower parts. The sound was so much better then a CD and in this day of technology some times that says A LOT about a band. Not to mention how much they get the crowd to interact with them. Calling up someone to play harmonica, or my favorite part is when they did the sing a long to Photosynthesis " I wont sit down and I wont shut up, But most of all I WILL NOT GROW UP!" Frank Turner and his band mates have to be some of the most awesome guys I have met. This band is even more amazing live. They appreciate there fans and work there own merch booth. I was able to talk to Frank and Ben for a little bit both nights and as crazy as things can get, I had asked if I could have the set list for the show in TN. (I am putting together a concert scrap book.) Wait it gets better, When I walked up to the merch table Ben pulled out the set list and handed it to me. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to know that a band as big as Frank Turner can be so amazing in so many ways. Fallowing the next night in Knoxville they performed just as good. They change up there set a little here and there but still have so much energy to give. It was yet another amazing show, I was so happy to have scene them two nights in a row. Again in TN a lot of people had mentioned how much they had liked them. With more amazing tours like that and I think they will be just as big in the states, I hope. With the fact of how big they are when I had spoke with them, they said they like the opportunity to interact with there fans. From my experience this is more then true. Next time they are in the states playing a show I will most definitely be there and I recommend you do the same.


Playing smack in the middle was Lucero ( www.luceromusic.com ). This band has been around since 1998. If you like southern rock/country this is more then the right band for you. He sings from his heart. This is what I would consider really country, southern rock compared to the poppy shit that seems to be mass produced these days. I listen to a lot of things and I am all for change and things growing but it's hard to find good ol'fashion music such as Lucero. I know that a lot of people said they where let down in Asheville but some people expect a show like KISS and don't appreciate the music for what it is. Lucero is a very talented band and write from the heart. Although I must say when they played Knoxville, TN so much closer to there home town Memphis, TN for them they where even more active with girls bouncing up and down up front desperately pining over the singer. As a band it's hard enough to do the same thing day in and day out but depending on the crowd that can make the difference as well. The musicians need something to feed off just as well. If your not in to it some times it can be hard for them to get into it. Just because you may have paid to see a different band it doesn't mean you can't show the other bands respect. Lucero is a very talented, and obviously doing something right to have been around as long as they have.

Headlining the show was obviously SOCIAL DISTORTION Official Website Now this band has been around forever. They started in 1978 and have always had a big fallowing in the punk/rockabilly scene. In my opinion Social Distortion never disappoints. Playing old classics such as "Mommy's Little Monster" and "Sick Boy" to few from the Mike Ness (www.mikeness.com) albums such as "Ball & Chain" We were also able to get a sneek peek of two new songs "Bakersfield" and "Still Alive" from there "New" CD Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes release date January 18, 2011. I can't wait to get my copy.

So it was now time for SOCIAL DISTORTION to go on. I was not sure what songs would be played and nor did I have any idea that they would play such a long set. Being such a fan made those two nights some of my best nights in 2010. As Social Distortion was playing Mike would stop and talk for a moment and at one point he called his son up to play with them. Come to find out Mike discussed how he had been to Asheville before to visit his son who now lives in Asheville. His son played guitar for one of the songs. I don't know much about his son but he must be in a band because he sure knew what he was doing up there. It was a night to remember for sure, but I must say the show in Knoxville was even more memorable. I had made my way up to the very front as I normally do but who would have thought all that would go down. First off I was able to be standing next to Mike Ness's good friend from Cali. that now lives in TN with his awesome wife. Great group of people and Mike did a shout out to him, now that's friendship. Not to mention the wild bunch behind us that just would not stop being a pain in the ass....but that is normal when you are right up front. Of course it's not often you get someone talking shit to well "Mike Ness". So half way through the set just like the night before Mike stopped to talk to the crowd again again only this time some ass hole decided to yell at Mike and run his mouth. Mike told him that he needed to calm down or he would do something about it. The guy just kept running his mouth and Mike had him escorted out, Thank goodness and we all clapped and cheered. Of course that's not exactly what happened....and that was not word for word by any means but I am not talking about drama just stating what had occurred during the show. I don't really know what the point of it all was. I would NEVER talk shit to Mike he is scary when he is mad. Of course he is AMAZING in my eyes and I would never have any reason to.

Anyways moving a long. If some of you don't know they now have a new drummer who used to be the drummer for the old school band Suicidal Tendencies. With the new drummer Social Distortion played just as good as they always do. Social Distortion is a band I will never miss when they come around and if the money allows I will see them more then once. That's what I normally do for bands I enjoy. Social Distortion seems to be holding on and pushing forward like never before. With there most recent television debut o n Jimmy Kimmel, I believe we will be seeing much more of them. This is wonderful news for fans like me. Social Distortion is one of my favorite bands of all time.....I was lucky enough to get there set list as well that night (see Set List's section) All and all it was such an amazing two nights....I can't wait to see them again.



Stupunka
Stephani Fajardo

All photos by Stupunka Design

Cobra Skulls, Teenage Bottlerocket, and MFATGG

As the night started on the drive to my first show at Cat's Cradle in Chapel Hill, NC it was not to my surprise that the show had SOLD OUT. I myself was born and raised in Wyoming and was very excited to watch Teenage Bottlerocket, who are from Wyoming as well. It had been at least ten years sense I had last seen MFATGG and I had only heard of Cobra Skulls this year, but had never seen them live. Lucky enough a friend of mine is very good friends with Teenage Bottlerocket and I was able to hang out with Brandon and Ray, Awesome guys. As we stood there talking about music and what not there was a little boy about 10 standing by us. I could tell that he really wanted to talk to the boys so I brought it to there attention and they stepped over and talked with him and let him get his picture with them. This is what really makes a difference in the music scene. People like Brandon and Ray who are an up and coming band appreciate there fans. That boy I was told was singing every word to there songs and so overwhelmed with excitement. That day is day the little boy will never forget and perhaps we will be cheering him on in a band as he gets older. As he was leaving the show that night one of the guys had said good bye to him and talked a little more to him. The expression on his face that the spoke to him again and remembered him at the end of the night is priceless. This is what it's all about.



So to get back to the show, The Cobra Skulls www.cobraskulls.com started the night out. They didn't have a very long set but for a first act they had a pretty decent crowd. It was awesome watching them because it made me feel like I was in Charlotte watching my friends The Not Likelys, both bands are a three piece band and let me tell you when you have that much energy and you enjoy what you do, it really comes out in the music. The Cobra Skulls definitely did not disappoint. They may only be the opening act but they are worth showing up Earlie to see. They will be back around in February with The Bouncing Souls and NOFX. I highly recommend you check them out. I myself can't wait to see them again. I was able to talk a little with them and they are way down to earth and working there ass off to get things going. I highly recommend checking them out.

The Cobra Skulls played a cover song of Bad Religion that will be on the Bad Religion Tribute Album. This CD is celebrating the 30 years of B.R. You will be able to get the CD in the SPIN magazine for free. They have tons of great bands covering on the CD such as Frank Turner and the Polar Bear Club. Odd enough there will be show reviews by me for those two bands as well in later blogs. The Teenage Bottle Rockets also played there cover song for the album during there set.

Speaking of Teenage Bottlerockets teenagebottlerocket.com....can I just say they blew me away. I was highly impressed that this band from out West my home state Wyoming had such an amazing fallowing out here in NC. There was a lot of people watching them and singing a long to songs such as "Skate or Die" and "Blood Bath At Burger King". This band has so much energy and between the two singers it makes every little song a little different. There music is so catchy and full of energy. This is one of my favorite punk bands all around for so many reasons. If you don't know who this band is you are falling behind because they are defiantly the next big thing "Bigger then Kiss" perhaps. In my opinion at times they have this heavy Ramones/ TSOL feel. As for there music I don't think I have heard a bad song by them but my favorite song of all time would have to be "Fatso Goes Nutzoid" this song has a suicidal tendencies vibe to it. Very up beat and the topic of the song is very relevant these days. All and all they played a tight ass set and I will be going to see them again when ever they are out this way. Thanks again Brandon and Ray for the hook up!

Headling the show was Me First and The Gimmie Gimmies GimmeGimmes.com. Now this band has been around forever it is a mix of different band members that dress in matching cloths and play old school covers adding there personal touch. Band members include:

• Spike Slawson (of Swingin' Utters and Re-Volts)- vocals
• "Fat" Mike Burkett (of NOFX)- bass
• Chris Shiflett (of Foo Fighters ex- No Use For A Name)- guitar
• Joey Cape (of Lagwagon)- guitar
• Dave Raun (of Lagwagon)- drums

at this show Chris's brother Scott Shiflett (of Face to Face and Viva Death) was playing with them. By the end of the night the venue was so packed you could barely move. This band is just as good as it was in the past. Going crazy on stage and keeping the crowd going and well entertained at this show you got your moneys worth. If you are like me you go to see this band perhaps not so much for the cover songs but to see the band members in action if you like the other bands that they are in. I myself was overwhelmed when I realized that Scott was there. At the end of a SOLD OUT show a few band members stood around and chatted up with there fans. This is the night I will never forget because I was able to hang out with Scott and talk to him like a normal person. He was so nice and appreciative of his fans. Face to Face is and will always be one of my favorite bands. I will save this rant for another blog at a later time though. It's times like these that really make you respect bands and the people in them. Music can be such an important part of someone's life and when you relate to it and you love it. The feeling couldn't be any better when the musicians remember there fans.


Thank you Fat Wreck Chords for setting up a sweet ass show!!

	Fat Wreck Chords

-Stephani Fajardo AKA Stupunka
All Photos taken by Stupunka Design

If I was to die today....

If I was to die today, How many people would it really affect?
How many people would feel pain?
How Long would it take them to forget, to forget my name?

If I was to die today, How many lives did I impact?
How many people did I influence?

All my dreams, all my goals.....where they ever accomplished?

If I was to die today, What music would be played to remember me?
What movies would be watched and remind you of me?
Would they make you laugh or cry?
Would you picture me there by your side?

If I was to die today, What would you never forget?
Was it something I said?
Was it something I did?
Would it be something completely different?

If I was to die today, What would be your last words?
What would you want me to know?
What do you wish you could have said?

I did not die today but, I will some day.
Live your life with no regrets.
Hold nothing back, and leave nothing unsaid.

Because today, just might be our last.

By Stupunka
Friday the 13th

4/20/08 Tremont Punk Rock Show

Tremont 12th show review and rant

So it's a little late for it but I just wanted to say how great the show was in Charlotte @ Tremont on the 12th of April. Wow, who would have thought that Punk Rock was making a come back or at least I hope it is. The first band was IED I had never scene them before but needless to say they were good. Although I couldn't really hear the vocals much. The scene in Charlotte is one of the best punk crowds we have come across as far as local bands go. I really hope that old school punk makes a comeback.
They say that music/fashion ext. repeat it's self and just kinda adapts it into a more modern trend or whatever. The best thing about punk rock though is that they just don't give a fuck. That is the real punk rockers. Anyways to get back to the show......It was amazing the fans reaction's. Dancing and screaming all night showing EACH band respect now that is what I am talking about. Scence most of the bands that night are from Charlotte or play a lot in Charlotte are going to have a good crowd if you are good and well there was over 150 people there. So I guess it means something right for a local line up. Thanks to all of you who did come out. The support means a lot. Anyways as always run on sentences and mind jumping haha but it's just my blog and I don't think anyone reads this anyways.......The sec. band was Urban Turban and I must say they turned it up a lot from the first time I had scene them. It was much better but I think I would like to see them go full hardcore but that's just me.
The third band was well of course my future hub's band No Honor Lost and wow an amazing performance and thanks so much for our good friends and music fam from lil ol'marion for going. That was awesome YOU ROCK you know who you are. As always Tyler and Andrew a great new bonus to the band and as always the guys Thomas and Josh and Landon going wild and even though it's not our home town we sure had that crowd into it just as much as the local bands. Thank you all for that. We look forward to playing there again.
The fourth band was a band that's been around for sometime now Rouge Nation. we actually played with them the night before and well the PA kinda screwed up all night...sorry bout that. All the people there knew them and knew all the words the only thing is I think Chris you need to raise that voice of yours or it's just the PA's or something because I couldn't hardly hear a thing. That didn't stop them from getting the crowd going thought.
Last but deff. not least was South Side Punx. I gotta say this band never plays bad. They put on a great show and for being the last band to play there was still tons of people there to rock out. Great job to all of the bands that night and we look forward to playing with you all again!!!!!!
Stephani Fajardo (Stupunka Design)

Read more: http://www.myspace.com/stupunka/blog#ixzz0wMKNI8mT

Nov. 14, 2008 No Honor Lost

Okay, So the show was in Greenville at the Real Gypsy. It was a late start that night but it was worth the wait. First up was No Honor Lost. They had a new singer (Jason) who has now taken the place of Tyler. No Honor Lost just has not had the best of luck with singers but I believe they now have a new singer that music is as important to him as it is to them. I admit this show may not have been the best for them but Jason only had three practices under his belt before this show. So if you ask me it was better then most any one could have thought. I believe that once they put in some more practices this band is really going to surprise a lot of people. The music it's self is amazing and with the new vocals it will really make a difference for the best. Jason's voice is a lot stronger and diverse. I look forward to what route they will go when everything comes together. Musically it is very much like old school punk. They mix shouts up like the Misfits and the Adicts to heavy vocals and music such as Sick Of It All and Minor Threat. I just call them hard core punk. They are hard to classify because they mix so much of everything and make it sound great. They will be playing with Jimmies Chicken Shack in Asheville at a new venue called Nashwa November 18th. After that they will be working on some new stuff and breaking in the new singer. Can't wait.
Second up was a band that I had never scene before You Me and Us. This is a three piece band. They have wrote a song about Still Not Dead only I don't recall it really talking about us it just says still not dead but either way it deff.(Thanks Guys). I had the chance to talk to Patrick from the band, he was very friendly. He said they are influenced by many bands such as NOFX and I must say I can most deff. hear it in the music. Vocally I would have to say Patrick sounds like Lagwagon's singer. Of course a lot of the Fat Wreck Chords bands have a lot of similarity. In which some people don't like that because they say you hear one band and you have heard them all. I myself like a number of bands and really any kind of music is going to have it's similarity, some may just be more then another.
Fallowing You Me and Us was the Charlotte band The Not Likely's. I know these crazy boys very well and I couldn't tell you how many times I have seen them but that night just wasn't there night. Now if it was your first time seeing them you wouldn't notice a thing but unfortunately Bam was having troubles with his Amp and I believe not half way through the set something blew and well it just wasn't there night. Not because they played bad but because the instruments and what not just wasn't working well enough for them to hear up on stage. Either way I enjoy these boys. They are funny and talented. I can't wait for some new songs and look forward to seeing them again.
The Dead Boys, I mean the Fast Boys were next up. They are a five piece band and I don't know that it was the way the sound was set up or what but it just sounded very mushed together. The only one really getting into the music I felt was Cody one of the guitar players. I don't know what this band is about but, If I had to guess I would say they are MAJORLY influenced by the dead boys from the look to the attitude and music. Half way through the show I was told to "fuck off, stop taking pictures, just kidding" so I stopped. I don't know lame but it pissed me off. I don't know these guys and they may be a set of great guys but to call me out like that just made me mad. Oh, well that's music for you haha. Anyways they did a good job of covering the dead boys and if you do like the dead boys I recommend you to go see them some time. OH, I almost forgot about the girl on girl action during the time they played. We are talking lap dances and a little bit of kissing. I don't care for this but it gave the guys something to watch.
Last but deff. not least the DSS Crew. What a great group of guys, talk about support for local music. They are easy to approach and talk to. In my opinion if your in a band you have to have that. With out the three F's your nothing and that would be Friends, Family and FANS. These guys are so great, let me just tell you what they did. I had tons of Still Not Dead stickers and they passed everyone of them out. Thank you guys. What they sound like is a mix of a little old school punk with some ska undertones if that makes any scence. I enjoy watching these guys, you never know what your going to get. Speaking of a half naked bass player. Yes, He wore a You Me and Us shirt black socks and shoes. If you thought that was entertaining his wife went on stage helping out with a song and some dancing. Something about a bare white butt everyone just had to spank haha. These guys you deff. have to see some time and if you have seen them once go see them again.
All and all it was a pretty good turn out and I got to see some pretty damn good bands. The only thing that sucks for all of us is that punk isn't quite the in thing and the turn out's aren't always the greatest. The other thing that kinda stinks is that I am not sure that people know what to do when they go to these shows and they are stand offish. They don't really get into it. Some times this makes the bands mad or it make's them think they are no good. I just think that people don't know what to do. I guess as long as they don't leave when you are playing that's just as much as a good sign then any. Besides they did pay to go inside. Anyways that's all for me, support your local everything.
Stephani(Stupunka Design)

What is going on?

What is going through your head?
I thought you cared or so you said.
You left without saying good bye,
All I do lately is cry.
I gave you my heart,
You threw it away.
now we're apart,
There's nothing left to say.
Why did it come to this?
Is there something I missed?
From the first day I saw you,
I hoped you felt the same way too.
From the last day we were together,
I thought it would be forever.
Now things have changed,
and my life has rearranged.
Wishing you were here,
Holding you near.
No where around,
Are you to be found.

By Stephani Fajardo
AKA *Stupunka*
I wrote this at the age of 18 and it was published in Promises - Iliad Press

No one is to blame

I hate that you don' t know what it's like to be in my head. It never stops. Something is always going on.......from singing a song, to the people I have lost. The situations I am in or the random thing that pop in my head. To the world around me or just my life in general. From day to day situations or the decisions I have made.
You want me to apologize for how I feel or for what I have done. There is always more then one. More then one person in a relationship. More then one person in a friendship. I have made my own mistakes. I have told you how I feel in so many ways. I did everything I could to try and make things work. I focused all my energy, my whole life to make sure you were happy. To make sure your life was how you wanted. To make sure every dream you ever dreamed was that much closer to coming true. My heart only belonged to you. I was so blind I didn't notice how much I was changing.
It is no one's fault but my own. I lost my self trying to be who I thought you wanted me to be. Nothing about me or about us was ever a lie. I just wanted to make everything right. Alone is how I always felt. I opened my heart up to you. I did everything I could to make things right. A person can only handle so much pain and heart ache. I have the biggest heart in the world and most the time I wear it on my sleeve.
There is nothing more you can do nor say to me that will make me change my mind. We all deserve to live a happy life. Life is to short for pain and sorrow, remember what was good and erase the bad. Learn from the mistakes that were made and live your life your own way. Do what you want and as you will. Today may be your last day, don't go out having regrets. We are all responsible for the choices we make.If you are not happy with your life, there is no one to blame but your self.