The demise of Nita's Hideaway has left many concerned about the state of the local music scene. As a result, bands and fans alike have become dedicated to keeping their favorite local venues alive. Shizz-Stock, on Feb. 29 at Modified Arts, is a prime example.
The all-day festival will feature 10 bands, a rock 'n' roll rummage sale, a kissing booth and food (hotdogs and vegan dogs for $1). Your $5 cover charge goes directly to the improvement of Modified Arts, with participating bands seeing zero profit.
But the artists are more than happy to donate their time to raise funds for the small venue/gallery. Billy Goodman, guitarist for the Necronauts, explains, "We love the Modified. It's so down to earth and comfortable there. Anytime they call upon our forces, we will be there."
And so will nine other bands and a handful of helpers.
"The show is a team effort between the Modified and the Shizz," says Donald Martinez, Shizz promoter.
Martinez describes "The Shizz" as a Phoenix-based collective of local bands ranging from hardcore to alt-country to Nintendo-rock.
"The Shizz provides musicians with a way to communicate via message board and a calendar to stay informed of upcoming local events," he says.
Not only does the message board help people keep in touch, but it was the very place where the idea for the benefit concert was conjured up. From the kissing booth, to the rummage sale, Shizz-site visitors had their chance to dish out ideas.
Martinez has been volunteering at the Modified Arts for close to a year. He says seeing the integrity and the do-it-yourself atmosphere of the venue made him want to help raise money to improve the venue. He adds, "Not only does the club benefit by us donating a day of our time, but the bands will benefit as well, with new equipment the next time they play at the Modified."
There will be a variety of bands playing the show says Leslie Barton, a Modified Arts promoter.
"There is surf-rock, indie-emo, mellow Americana, pop, electronica, hardcore and straight ahead rock 'n' roll. A super slice of what this town has to offer!"
Shizz-Stock at Modified Arts, 407 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix. Sunday, February 29. 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. $5. All Ages. 480.968.9490. Web site
Barton, however, is convinced that the highlight of next Sunday afternoon will be the rummage sale. "The rock 'n' roll rummage sale promises to be especially exciting with everyone donating old records, band T-shirts, musical equipment and other kitschy items," she says.
But everyone has his/her own events to look forward to. Goodman thinks nothing could be better than the kissing booth. He's been waiting for this kind of opportunity for quite some time.
Schedule of Bands
9:15 p.m. - The Necronauts
8:30 p.m. - TBA
7:45 p.m. - Existi
7:00 p.m. - Peachcake
6:15 p.m. - The Winners
5:30 p.m. - And Guppies Eat Their Young
4:45 p.m. - Bella
4:00 p.m. - The Ruby Lee
3:15 p.m. - Vin Fiz
2:30 p.m. - Rum Tenor
"I've been waiting to slip Edward Crichton the tongue ever since I first laid eyes on him at The Nile about three years ago."
Barton and Martinez promise that there will be new kissers every 30 minutes, and that they will be of both genders, so no one will be left out.
Kissing aside, the main premise of this show is to create more unity between local bands.
"(A type of show like Shizz-Stock) shows a certain solidarity of a group of talented musicians willing to spend a Sunday afternoon entertaining strangers and friends," Barton says. "I like to think what we're doing is almost the anti-scene. It's like, 'Hey, we'll be over here doing what we think is a really cool thing, and if you want to come see, go for it. But if you don't come, don't bitch about nothing happening.'"
Reach the reporter at chelsea.ide@asu.edu.
