The Briggs – Narcoleptic Youth – at The Dome – Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield went at it again for a second night in a row on Saturday as the city hosted a "Punk vs Ska" night at The Dome. Several bands performed in defense of their genre on two different stages. The Dome is a large venue situated in a desolate business area full of warehouses and buildings, and though such a setting would appear to be too sketchy to migrate to, Bakersfield's Punk community sat around the curbs and spent their time at ease in the environment and without concern for the area. Punk vs Ska featured renowned ska band La Banda Skalavera, and Punk bands The Briggs and Narcoleptic Youth.

The all day event featured two distinct locations in which the bands played throughout the day. Inside the venue, a medium sized room placed in front of the bar became the destined location of the majority of the Punk bands performing that night. Upon traveling outside the main building, a large lawn and a large concrete pit area led up to the biggest stage at The Dome, and this same stage was taken up primarily by all the ska bands playing that day. La Banda Skalavera dominated the large stage outside and performed for several Punks and Rude kids who all skanked away as the band played songs worthy of dance.

Sometime after 9pm, Narcoleptic Youth hit the stage inside The Dome and performed for a crowd that while small, proved to be loyal and overwhelmingly animated to see the band play. Vocalist Joey Bondage's stage presence was full of intense energy and utmost dedication as he stormed around the stage and occasionally handed the microphone to supportive fans who all seemed to know the lyrics to the band's songs. At one point during Narcoleptic Youth's set, Joey Bondage held what appeared to be a red mixed drink (Or maybe Kool-Aid), and held it in his hands while appearing to convey a solemn pose. He then kicked it into the audience a la mode de Bruce Lee, splashing several audience members who screamed for more and another try. Narcoleptic Youth played several songs from their album, "Chronological Disorder", and asked the audience if they wanted to hear "Barbie In Bondage" or "Busted Condom".

Audience members each shouted different answers, but while the crowd did so, the venue notified the band that their time was up and they needed to cut their set short. Once the band revealed this fact to the audience, the crowd began to shout words too inappropriate to mention, but through their upset demands, it was easy to see that the crowd truly supported Narcoleptic Youth and were thrilled to be witnessing the band perform. Narcoleptic Youth ultimately ended their set with "The Bitch Needs A Muzzle", and once their set was over, the majority of the people at The Dome made their ways out of the venue and called it a night.

Shortly after, The Briggs approached the same stage Narcoleptic Youth had played and performed the final set of the night. A couple of people remained on the floor and appeared to enjoy The Briggs' short set. The band played Punk Rock music with Rock N' Roll influences from time to time, and managed to hold onto the crowd's attention throughout their time on stage. The venue soon cut the band's performance, and once The Briggs were done playing, Punk vs Ska met its end and the workers who ran the venue began to close up and clean the building.


Punk vs Ska at The Dome was a creative experience that brought together Bakersfield's Punk and Ska community for an all day event of music and activity. While most were still recovering from the previous night's encounter with GBH, those who had proceeded to attend the diverse event at The Dome all agreed that the idea of creating a Punk and Ska show in the manner that the venue had done so would not be the last time it would occur. While it is not clear whether there is a sole winning genre, a show in which one can pit violently AND dance along to groovy beats is a show most prefer to take part in any day.

 

-Stephanie M.-
Big Wheel Senior Staff Writer
and
-J. Moncreif-
Big Wheel Photographer

More photos of the show can be seen HERE
 

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