While holed up and studying for impending exams on campus, you might not have had a chance to branch out and see what the Akron area has to offer. Maybe you’ve lived here all your life and haven’t noticed one of the local gems, or more aptly, diamond in the rough, Annabell’s Bar and Lounge.
Especially make a visit on a Tuesday, when it is Akron Punk Night. A regular act, First Offense, is a punk rock group from the area. Danny Doverspike is the founding member and lead singer of the group, as well as a law student at The University of Akron. Doverspike also graduated in 2009 from The University.
Comprised of Catie O’Shea, Justin Ackermen, Joe Brown, Jeremy Fischer and Doverspike, First Offense is the best and brightest when it comes to the local punk scene. The band combines everything a punk fan would ever want: sing-a-longs, chants, screaming guitars and pounding drums. First Offense puts all of these elements together in a combination that will be sure to leave you wanting more.
You shouldn’t have to just take my word for it though; check them out at a show. First Offense is one of those acts that stays busy and actually plays regularly, with the next show at Annabell’s Lounge scheduled for Dec. 7. First Offense has taken it upon themselves to bring to Akron one of their biggest musical influences, a national act from New Jersey called Hudson Falcons.
If you know who First Offense is, you know a band that influenced their style will be sure to entertain. Needless to say, this is a great opportunity to bust out of the daily grind here on campus, and the best part about the Dec. 7 show is that it’s free. That’s right, free, something we starving college students can really get behind.
But you aren’t getting off that easy; donations are appreciated. Everyone has something to give, so help promote the local scene and the touring act by donating at the doors. If you are one of the first ten people to make a donation of five dollars or more, you receive a copy of First Offense’s seven-inch record Stranded in the Combat Zone.
I am psyched to get copies of our band’s vinyl E.P. into the hands of new people, said Doverspike.
So show up early, donate and help support the local music scene! In addition to the Dec. 7 show, First Offense is planning a jam-packed December with two additional shows: Dec. 14 at The Center Court in the nearby city of Barberton, and Dec. 19 at Thursday’s Lounge right on campus at 306 E. Exchange St.
If you’ve grown too comfortable with conformity here at our university, what better way is there to get out some of that pent-up frustration and dorm fever your assignments are causing you than shouting, carrying on and being a punk? Can’t think of one? Me neither.
Greg Ginn, the founding member of Black Flag, once said, There are several books out on punk history, but I haven’t read any of them. I was there. Will you be a part of Akron’s punk history?