Starting this Thursday, some of Richmond and the region’s best bands are coming together for four nights of punk-fueled charity in support of Charlotte, North Carolina’s garage rock destroyers Paint Fumes. In February Paint Fumes’ lead singer and guitarist, Elijah Von Cramon, was struck by a car while crossing the street, only weeks before departing for a international tour in support of the band’s amazing full length debut, Uck LIfe.
Starting this Thursday, some of Richmond and the region’s best bands are coming together for four nights of punk-fueled charity in support of Charlotte, North Carolina’s garage rock destroyers Paint Fumes. In February Paint Fumes’ lead singer and guitarist, Elijah Von Cramon, was struck by a car while crossing the street, only weeks before departing for a international tour in support of the band’s amazing full length debut, Uck LIfe. The accident left him severely wounded, with broken bones all over his body and damage to his brain. Like most touring musicians–and young people in general–Elijah doesn’t have health insurance. His injuries have burdened him with a tremendous amount of debt due to the cost of his numerous surgeries as well as ongoing recovery and therapy, all while he remains confined to a wheelchair.
In response to his friend’s dire situation, Nervous Ticks frontman and fellow garage rock acolyte Chaz Tick took it upon himself and the Richmond musical community to rally together in support of these friends and local favorites. Putting together four nights of extraordinary music that will deliver some of the best back to back shows this city has seen in a long time, Chaz created an amazing opportunity for the entire city to show their support for Elijah Von Cramon in his time of need.
Thursday night at Gallery 5 kicks of the four night run, with sets from Richmond’s favorite indie rock act Canary oh Canary, noise rockers Navi, and newcomers The James Badfellows. Along with these local acts, Atlanta, Georgia’s riotous guitar shredders Wymyn’s Prysyn will be rounding out the bill and starting up the deep south garage chaos that will be a constant of the four night run.
Friday night brings an evening of fiery noise and gasoline-fueled hallucinations with what is sure to be one of the greatest shows of the Huff Fest weekend. Strange Matter will play host to some of the best rock and roll to come out of Richmond in years, with performances by scuzz rockers and fest organizers The Nervous Ticks, along with Sacred Teachers, Naked Baby, Big No, and Christi. Capping off the evening will be a performance by none other than Paint Fumes themselves (their first since the accident), which is bound to be an amazing and welcome sight.
On Saturday, also at Strange Matter, the noise continues with performances from Richmond psychedelic ensemble Bermuda Triangles, punk thrashers Olde Shame, riot grrrl punk rockers Hot Dolphin, and the retro sounds of the Ar-Kaics. Also on the bill will be Harrisonburg experimental punk duo Buck Gooter and Atlanta thrashers Paradox.
Huff Fest wraps up on Sunday at Gallery 5, with performances by local weird rock pioneers and soul sisters Heavy Midgets and Tungs. They will be joined by Harrisonburg punk rock acid casualties Malatese and Death Cassettes, as well as DC guitar pop act BBQT.
All in all it will be four nights of amazing rock and roll music, for a really positive and charitable cause, that is sure to be a good time for anyone who loves music and the spirit of community and friendship that is creates. For more information about Huff Fest, click here: https://www.facebook.com/events/522018384501511/
To donate to Elijah Von Cramon’s recovery fund, click here: http://www.gofundme.com/ucklife
