Images: Summer Bummer feat. Be Like Max, Hard Pipe Hitters, The CGs and more August 21, 2016 at Vinyl Las Vegas

As I stepped out of the elevator, and into the lobby of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, I found myself lost in a turmoil of slot machines and cigarette smoke. I hadn’t been in a casino in almost five years, let alone Vinyl.

This would be my first time seeing most of the bands on the lineup, and the moment The Social Set stepped onto the stage I knew the feminine presence would be strong throughout the night. Not only because the rhythm and soul of the band (drummer, Jennifer Gonzalez) was a kick ass female, but because vocalist Justin Williams and bassist Isaiah Richardson rocked out in some very pretty flowery dresses. Their set was mostly instrumental with a bit of rebellious lyrics here and there, and I was quite taken at the bleeding enthusiasm throughout their set. I always imagine how hard it is to open a show when the venue is mostly empty and people aren’t nearly drunk enough to dance. The essence of true love for the music was inspirational, and overall – the set was a solid opening, even with a newly integrated guitarist.

When the next band rolled around, I immediately noticed an uptick in studded jackets and colorful mohawks. Tonight We Fight started off with one of their slower songs from their recently-released acoustic EP Where You’ve Been. A pit started swirling soon afterwards, and while this super poppy pop punk band definitely isn’t in my wheelhouse (I couldn’t stop thinking that Justin Bieber could easily be a part of this four-piece), I did dig their energy. They were up there really enjoying themselves, singing their hearts out and playing so hard that one of them even broke a guitar string.

Anti-Vision was up next, and were far more to my taste, meaning they were loud, angry, and fast. They really got the crowd going, and the sight of the pit was truly the most beautiful thing I had witnessed all night. They mostly play originals but did cover a CG’s song to show vocalist Brendan Sellers’ undying love for the band. Nothing says “I’m a super fan” like a tattoo and a CG’s forever chant. Sellers’ energy really took me away, and he even ended up on the rails serenading the crowd. Their set was really the tipping point of the night, and I finally felt at harmony with my fellow brethren in studded jean jackets.

At about 8ish, the only band I knew was up. Narrowed kicked it off with “Try Hard” from their EP Thick Skull, and it really helped the transition from Anti-Vision’s heavy sound to their recently-evolved melodic punk. I shamelessly sang along to every song up until they came around to my favorite – “Joy In The Morning” from the recently-released On To Something Else. I stood silently in pure admiration at how great it sounded live. They closed their set out with their debut single “Let Me Off The Planet” which has its own video on YouTube, directed by the talented Spencer Burton. The crowd must have really enjoyed the set because shortly after, I saw a line trailing to the opposite side of their merch table.

When I turned back to the stage I saw this beautiful dark mermaid, a Viking, anonymous, and a well-dressed pianist all getting set up. Drinking Water’s ska/Latin fusion sound was the cherry on top of a pretty kick ass night. They played a few songs that had lyrics in Spanish, and it reminded me a bit of a popular Mexican ska band Hombres G. By then, the crowd was very present and I’m pretty sure someone threw a shoe on stage at some point.

To be honest, Hard Pipe Hitters just looked super punk. They played a song called “Fuck School,” and the playful stage energy was contagious. There were moments where lead singer Keil Smith would come to left stage just to jump on guitarist Jesse Magaña while screaming his lungs out. Other times were spent just being really drunk or rocking out so hard that it was difficult to keep a pick in hand. I really liked how strictly punk they kept it, though with a soft spot – as one of the members was sweet enough to dedicate a song to his mother! I am definitely looking forward to seeing them play in the future.

The moment of truth was up now, the band everyone had been talking about all night, The CG’s. Vocalist Greg Weston went pretty in pink for the night not to mention some very sexy ripped panty hose. Without a doubt, theirs was the best set of the entire night, and the crowd definitely agreed. The show really started in the middle of the set when Greg, wanting to take a break for a beer,  handed the mic into the crowd to Brendan from Anti-Vision. They not only rocked out as a band but they rocked out as a co-op with The Social Set and Anti-Vision. It was really awesome to see local bands supporting each other.

Summer Bummer started in 2011 as a backyard festival initiated by Charley Fine of local ska band Be Like Max, out of love and support by and for local musicians. The last set of the night was none other than Be Like Max, who although incredibly drunk, played in harmony, eliciting an energy from the crowd that is rarely seen.

Overall, the night was great, the stars were shining, the freaks were out, and the punks were rocking. I came back to Vegas thinking the scene had died along with Yayo, but I was wrong. The scene is diverse and united.

-Bia Leyva-Mena

Photos by Margaret Schmitt | http://margaretschmitt.wix.com/margaretschmitt