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Everywhere I go, the question keeps getting asked…
“What do we do now?”
Here are some suggestions.
On Saturday, February 22nd, I attended a show at The Mercury Theater. I caught the performances of Two Weeks, Apologist, Itsi Ramirez, Carrie Decunzo, and Matriarch, hitting my limit before Swain’s set. It is entirely possible I saw Extended Release, also on the bill, or they may have performed after Swain. I was going to bring the new issue of Rocker to read but thought that was a touch too on the nose, like the 1990s custom of not wearing a band’s t-shirt when going to see the band. The energy last time I saw Apologist in Baltimore was raucous, this time more subdued, with a celebratory jubilance still emanating from the touring Philadelphia folks.
On Friday, February 28th, I attended a show at The Depot. The bill was Skrybabe, Wizard Violence, Palladists, and Druid Stone. I only caught Skrybabe, who describe themselves as “cute sludgy brat doom,” and was once again struck by what the trio are laying down. They are gigging regularly and can be DMed for booking.
On that same evening, I attended a show at Holy Frijoles. The bill was Dresser (Montreal), Powerwasher, and File Select. Dresser announced that this would be their last time touring the United States. I think sometimes I am not at a point age-wise where I can make it to two shows in an evening, but I did. The problem is that you wind up missing acts you want to see and become a bit overloaded/fatigued. But, hey… I did it.
On Saturday, March 1st, I attended a poetry reading at a private residence (#askapoet not #askapunk this time around). It was presented by Discount Guillotine. The poets were Echo/Yuyi Chen, Anna K. Crooks, Didi Cook-Creek, Momo Mullings, and Suzanne Doogan. The house was pleasantly packed, the vibes immaculate.
The above paragraphs are factual reports on what I am doing now, but that is only one way of looking at it. I am attending events to support artists and musicians. I am having interactions and conversations with people where I listen to what they have to say and do my utmost to treat them with dignity and respect. I am refusing to give up, stay home, or stop pushing for the world I want there to be as opposed to the one that I exist in now. I am refusing to dwell only in my comfort zone while being conscious of how my presence may impact others in new places. I am standing at the back of the venue so that others may see.
Mostly, I am keeping in my head and heart two songs, both about answering the question, one lacerating, the other stirring.
“What do we do now?”
What have you done? You can start today.
### Tim Kabara
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