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When Ryan Olcott, songwriter and frontman of Twin Cities’ iconic indie rock band 12 Rods, found unfinished Rods demos during lockdown, he was surprised. When he realized they were good, he was shocked. He quickly set to finishing and recording the compositions, which became If We Stayed Alive, the first 12 Rods album in twenty-one years. “These are songs that I forgot about,” he explains, “but upon finding them, I thought, ‘Wow, these are actually okay.’” That was the easy part.
Reacquainting himself with a twenty-year-removed craft and technique took some getting used to - some parts longer than others. He recorded all the instruments in a week, but the vocals took a bit longer. “Oh my god!” he laughs,“it took a couple of days to get my voice back with that range and that power, but I could do it.” Any cobwebs that needed dusting are long gone. If We Stayed Alive is everything longtime fans have wanted, and the perfect introduction to what some called “America’s Radiohead" and what others have called one of the best indie bands of the ‘90s.
Despite these songs being written twenty-two years ago, their sound, themes, mood are evergreen. Lead single, pop nugget “My Year (This Is Going To Be),” is both the appropriate ticket to a new era and a souvenir of the past, gussied up in self-awareness, humor, and perhaps the faintest bit of hope. “Cause with all my calculations/Everything looks so, so clear/This is going to be my year.”
Which of us didn’t watch the dawn of 2020 thinking the same, only to have confused stellar light with nuclear flash? Everything magnetic in vintage Rods -- pitch-perfect, Beach Boys-esque harmonies, clean, rhythmic guitar, grooving bass, steady drums -- and that clear, plaintive voice invoking our deepest, silliest wish: that everything’s going to be okay.
And that’s only one of the album’s seven bangers. From album opener “All I Can Think About,” with its subdued inner monologue musings that meander from world-weary to awestruck, to the grunge-indebted “Comfortable Situation,” to the smooth, loungey “The Beating,” it’s clear that Olcott isn’t just picking up where he left off, but having fun while doing it. “To be honest,” Olcott says, “I think it’s the best material I’ve had to offer so far.” If you had asked me a few years ago whether the reunion 12 Rods album could be their best, I don’t know how I would have answered. But if you had shown me videos of UFOs cruising the globe and told me an Air Force general didn’t rule out extraterrestrial responsibility, I would have called shenanigans on that. 2023 is weird as hell. And it’s about to get weirder. What else can I say? It’s 12 Rods. It’s new. It’s everything we’ve waited for.
WEDNESDAY JUNE 17TH
7PM - MIDNIGHT
FREE EVENT, 21+

CHOOSE YOUR OWN
BUG JAR ADVENTURE!
THURSDAY JUNE 18TH
Babe Haven is a queer punk band known for their riot grrrl attitude and nu-metal edge. Formed in Boone, NC by Lillie Della Penna and Naomi Poesel, the band creates anthems of empowerment and resistance brimming with raw aggression. With a mission to uplift femme, queer, and BIPOC voices, Babe Haven turns every show into a space of radical inclusion and catharsis.Babe Haven has been setting stages ablaze and selling out shows, quickly becoming an iconic staple in the modern punk scene, shared stages with the likes of Mannequin Pussy, Otoboke Beaver, Soft Play, Teen Mortgage, Pinkshift & Pollyanna. They have also appeared at popular tastemaker festivals such as L7's Fast and Frightening Takeover, Punk Rock Bowling & Jorts Fest.Their sophomore album, Nuisance, showcases a bold evolution in sound-blending nu-metal, thrash, and punk into a visceral, genre-defying statement that cements their place as one of punk's most vital rising voices.
Wearing tall hair and heels, the charismatic seven-foot drag queen Beverly Rage leads the band Bev Rage & the Drinks in a dynamic, visually exhilarating, anarchic garage punk spectacle. Bev Rage & the Drinks’ unique style, which earned them the title of Chicago’s Best Punk Band in 2024, is relentlessly loud, fast, and brash, showcasing a trove of hooks that invite audiences to bop along.
Bev Rage & the Drinks is deeply rooted​​ in Chicago’s punk and queer communities. They infuse the local scene with an unapologetically queer and vibrant pageantry while giving the finger to the powers that be. On tour, Bev Rage surprises new audiences with gleeful, unpretentious levity that liberates them from the unprogressive status quo. The band’s connection to these communities has built a loyal following throughout the Midwest and parts of the US, touring in support of bands like Pansy Division and BULLY.
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LOCAL SUPPORT
COMFORT OBJECT
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It’s been one hell of a wild ride for Wine Lips.
Originally formed in Toronto back in 2015 as a part-time project between Cam Hilborn (vox, songwriter, guitar) and drummer extraordinaire Aurora Evans, Wine Lips quickly escalated into a full-blown, full-time, full-on international phenomenon. Their debut album took them across North America followed immediately by an intensive and unexpected tour of Hong Kong and China in 2018. They released their massive “Stressor” album the very next year (2019) to rave reviews and massive critical acclaim. Multiple tracks from Stressor charted across North American and European radio, while several songs ended up being featured in broadcast and Netflix series. Endless touring ensued.
Then 2020 happened. The band used their mandatory downtime to fully dedicate themselves to crafting their groundbreaking third full-length “Mushroom Death Sex Bummer Party” (recorded by Simon Larochette at The Sugar Shack). The record was released in October 2021 and then shit really hit the fan. The international music press lost their collective minds, penning over 250 glowing features and super positive reviews spanning 35+ countries. At the time of writing, the album is rapidly approaching 20 Million spins on Spotify alone. The vinyl release of MDSBP is currently in its 7th pressing with 9 different colour variants. The lead track “Eyes” has been licensed to a metric ton of films, series and video games including ABC’s The Rookie, Hockey Night In Canada and Population 11. Even more endless touring ensued, except this time the venues were huge and mostly sold-out.
Which brings us to the new record… “Super Mega Ultra” is an absolute beast. Recorded by Simon Larochette at The Sugar Shack in Ontario, the album is jam-packed with 12 ramped-up supersonic ear-scorching auditory delicacies. SMU is probably Wine Lips’ most ambitious undertaking to date, exploring new thematic territory while firmly maintaining their signature psych garage punk rock panache. You truly need to hear the album to believe it… And if you haven’t already guessed, more endless touring is booked for 2024. The wild ride continues!
"It's tough writing a new record when you're always on tour. The previous album seemed to be doing really well and at times I felt like I was hitting a wall creatively. Long story short, I think this album turned out great. Simon always brings a good vibe at the Sugar Shack and we were able to try some new ideas and capture the energy without straying too far from our roots. Excited to see where these songs take us in the future." – Cam Hilborn
The Mystery Lights story begins in 2004 in the small town of Salinas, California when friends Michael Brandon and Luis Alfonso — whose shared fondness for groups like The Mc5, Velvet Underground, Dead Moon, and The Fall (to name a few) — joined forces to craft their own brand of unhinged rock and roll. From there they spent the better part of 10 years touring relentlessly before migrating to Queens, New York in 2014.
With a live show known for its visceral energy and relentless assault — leaving little to no stoppage between songs — they barreled through countless NYC haunts and DIY venues, quickly amassing a fervent local following. The buzz soon caught the attention of Daptone Records execs who were in the beginning stages of launching a new rock-centric imprint, Wick Records. Impressed by the groups’ groove, endless supply of energy, and understanding of musical history, The Mystery Lights were quickly signed to Wick. Though a rock band at heart, the parallels to what Daptone Records had traditionally looked for in their soul artists was undeniable.
LOCAL SUPPORT
LEUS ZEUS

TUESDAY JUNE 23RD
7:00PM DOORS OPEN
FREE, (21+ EVENT)

Playboy Manbaby is not a band. Playboy Manbaby is a corporation. Finally someone who can give a voice to a group that has never been treated fairly. Corporations. After years of touring the country and building a name as an electrifying and energetic live band, Playboy Manbaby has given up on being a band. From this point forward Playboy Manbaby will be touring the country giving electrifying and energetic motivational team building seminars. Increase your net worth TODAY!
VIOLENCE is the brand new full length musical product being released to consumers January 6th 2026. The last full length album from Playboy Manbaby (the band) was released in 2018.
But now that Playboy Manbaby is a corporation, they have learned from their previous mistakes and enlisted Zac Carper from FIDLAR to produce a full length musical product that will excite both shareholders and members of the board alike.We at The Playboy Manbaby Corporation could not be more excited for VIOLENCE. Because whether you like it or not VIOLENCE will be everywhere!
local support:
Les Greene, the voice of Little Richard in the recent “Elvis” movie and Grammy nominated soundtrack. With his band The Swayzees, vibrantly bring you a powerful force of roots rock n soul. With a high energy twist on the genre all while staying true to its sound this is the unique yet recognizable spin that music needs right now and hasn’t seen in some time.
With at least three US tours, 20+ dates each and shows overseas in places like Ireland, Sweden, Spain and more under his belt, a top 50 placement with an aired audition on American Idol in 2018 and his vocal role as Little Richard in the “Elvis” movie and soundtrack, Greene is ready for anything his budding career brings his way. A true captivating performer.
One of the best entertainers of his time, waiting for the rest of the world to experience his natural born gift.
In the rich tapestry of music, few genres resonate as deeply and universally as soul. It's a genre that speaks directly to the heart, tapping into emotions with its poignant lyrics, infectious rhythms, and impassioned vocal performances. And within the realm of soul music, one name stands out for his ability to captivate audiences with his soul-stirring melodies and heartfelt lyrics: Les Greene.
Hailing from the vibrant musical landscape of Baltimore, Les Greene was destined for a life steeped in rhythm and melody. From a young age, he was drawn to the soulful sounds that permeated the streets of his hometown – the smooth jazz, the funky grooves, the raw emotion of blues. Greene immersed himself in the rich musical heritage of his city, honing his craft and developing his own unique voice as a musician.
At the core of Greene's music lies a deep reverence for the traditions of soul, but he's never been one to simply replicate the sounds of the past. Instead, he infuses his music with a modern sensibility, blending elements of R&B, funk, and jazz to create a sound that feels both timeless and fresh. His songs are a testament to the enduring power of soul music – a celebration of love, loss, and the human experience.
Greene's talent as a musician is undeniable, but it's his soulful voice that truly sets him apart. With its rich timbre and emotive delivery, his voice has the ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from joy and passion to longing and heartache. Whether he's belting out an upbeat anthem or crooning a tender ballad, Greene's voice has a way of cutting straight to the soul, leaving listeners spellbound in its wake.
But it's not just Greene's vocals that leave a lasting impression – his skills as a songwriter are equally impressive. Each song is a carefully crafted narrative, weaving together personal anecdotes, universal truths, and poetic imagery to create a compelling lyrical landscape. Whether he's exploring themes of love and relationships or delving into the complexities of the human condition, Greene's lyrics are always heartfelt and honest, striking a chord with listeners on a deeply emotional level.
Beyond his talent as a solo artist, Greene is also known for his dynamic live performances. Whether he's commanding the stage with his soulful voice and blistering guitar solos or leading a tight-knit band through a funky groove, Greene is a consummate entertainer, capable of captivating audiences with his boundless energy and magnetic stage presence. His live shows are a testament to the transformative power of music – a shared experience that brings people together and leaves them uplifted and inspired.
In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, Greene's music serves as a beacon of hope and healing. It's a reminder of the power of art to transcend boundaries and connect us to something greater than ourselves. With his soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, Les Greene continues to touch the lives of listeners around the world, spreading joy and inspiration wherever his music is heard. As long as there are hearts to be moved and stories to be told, the soulful journey of Les Greene will surely continue to resonate for years to come.

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