Interview with the Menzingers,Block (Island) Party — Come Get a Taste,401 Counterculture Hangs out with Mister Sister
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Interview with The Menzingers Chatting with Tom Way On May 29 at The Met, you have the opportunity to check out one of the most exciting punk bands out there today — The Menzingers. Hailing from The City Of Brotherly Love, they have a new album out called Rented World and have been electrifying crowds on both sides of the pond. I chatted with co- guitarist and vocalist Tom Way about the band’s current tour, working with Epitaph Records and what it’s like for a punk band in 2014. Rob Duguay: The Menzingers are currently on tour with Buffalo punks Lemuria, fellow Philadelphia rock act Cayetana and PUP from Toronto. Last time I saw you guys at The Met you opened for Hot Water Music last January and it was a hell of a time. What is it about The Met that makes The Menzingers want to come back? Tom Way: New England has always been a special place for us. When we first started playing out of state in high school bands, New England was on the edge of our charted territory. You can always count on a good show and a good diner. There’s something inherently comfortable about the area. We first played The Met a few years back with Anti-Flag and it was such a great time. A very dear friend of mine went to RISD and we ended up having one of the most memorable nights of tour yet. It’s just a great venue in an interesting place. RD: Last month, The Menzingers came out with their fourth studio album, Rented World, off of the legendary label Epitaph Records. Being your second release off of Epitaph, how is it working with Bad Religion’s Brett Gurewitz and the organization as a whole? TW: Working with Epitaph is nothing short of fantastic. It is the label I have aspired to be on since I was a kid. Actually signing to the label and coming full circle is a lot like some kid from south Philly throwing around a baseball his whole life and signing to the Phillies. While we were starry eyed at first, we’re now a lot more comfortable with our working relationship with Epitaph. The people who work there are stand up individuals. Brett Gurewitz is Brett Gurewitz. I mean c’mon — how cool is that? RD: Whenever I interview a punk act, I ask this question: In your opinion, what’s the state of punk in the 21st century? Do you think it’s fallen off from being out of the mainstream or do you think it’s right where it belongs with people having to look for punk albums rather than having it shoved in their faces? TW: Ahh, to quantify the unquantifiable and label the nameless. What is punk? I have no idea, but I know whole heartedly that the idea of “mainstream” is so much different than what it was that it’s difficult to even call it “mainstream” anymore. People don’t buy records and people are leaving the radio in droves. Warped Tour may not have punk bands on it anymore, and bands that were huge punk bands in the ’90s can oftentimes barely draw anyone to shows. But why shouldn’t it be that way? That was 20 years ago. TWENTY YEARS. Twenty years before those punk bands peaked in the ’90s, punk didn’t even exist. Has particular pigeonholed styles of aggressive rock & roll fallen off? Sure. However, the ethics of accomplishing things on your own and starting your own bands, and your own venues, and throwing your own shows are as strong as ever. Things are certainly weirder now, and the music itself has changed, but the part of “having to look for punk albums” has gotten even easier than it was when it was more mainstream. The days of the internet are here. I’m sure that there will always be some shitkicker in a Casualties t-shirt walking around the mall causing trouble. At least I hope so. RD: After this tour in support of Rented World, what does the rest of 2014 have in store for The Menzingers? TW: Lots of touring! Heading to Europe in the fall with our dear friends in The Holy Mess and The Smith Street Band. We’re so excited! It should be one hell of a show with The Menzingers, so I highly suggest you go. Tickets and showtimes available on The Met’s website at themetri.com. I’ll see you there! The Menzingers’ website: themenzingers.com Block (Island) Party — Come Get a Taste Food, Drinks, and Events for Everyone! Everyone — from the outdoor enthusiast to the Baggo playing beer lover — will find something to enjoy at this year’s Taste of Block Island from paddleboarding lessons to wine tastings, book signings to lighthouse tours, discounted items to the absolutely free (and who can say no to free?). During the May 30 – June 1 weekend, you’ll be able to choose from 67 events and activities around the island, and that’s in addition to the 24 participating restaurants, 40 retailers giving discounts and 13 hotels offering weekend deals. I can barely create an itinerary worthy of all that I want to do (including weaving my own potholder and building my own ice cream sundae), but here is just a taste of the Taste of Block Island. Five Reasons To Jump On Board (the Ferry) 1. Beer and wine, hooray! For the past six years, the biggest draw has been — not surprisingly — the beer and wine tastings. As such, these events require pre-registration (see below for details) and spots fill up quickly. For an aphrodisiacal good time, check out The Beachhead Restaurant where the wine tasting comes with sensual $1 oysters. If beer sounds more your style, check out The Mohegan Café and Brewery. Ten lucky people will get a behind-the-scenes tour with the Brew Master himself, Dave Sniffen, and enjoy a flight of beer, light snacks and a 16 oz. freshly poured draft to end the session (only $12!). 2. Bacon-Fest Ah, what a glorious hyphenated sentiment. In addition to being surrounded by heavenly aromas, you can help decide which chef will be crowned Winner of Bacon Fest 2014! Hosted by the Poor People’s Pub and Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR), this will be the first-ever BI Bacon Fest. Eight local chefs will put their best bacon dish forward (including Block’s of Fudge’s chocolate-covered bacon) and YOU can sample all of the delectable dishes and cast a vote. There will be giveaways, and the champion will earn a pig trophy. And if that doesn’t convince you, come for the free PBR (each person gets two) and the knowledge that proceeds from the entrance fee are benefiting a great cause, the Sloviken Project. This event does not require pre-registration, but you must purchase a $16 Bacon-fest Bracelet. The Sloviken Project is a restoration project started by the BI Conservancy. They purchased the old, dilapidated ocean-front property and hope to create a public park where people can picnic, watch surfers and drink PBR. 3. Fire Pits and a Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar The National Hotel is hard to miss when exiting the ferry — a big white monument of a building — and it’s a great place to begin or end your day. For early(ish) risers who come for breakfast, you’ll get to experience a free round of the Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar with the purchase of an entrée (a previous night’s hangover is not required). Late risers can stop by for lunch or dinner and get a free cup o’ chowdah with their meal, an award-winning recipe that took first place in last year’s chowder contest. Meanwhile, for those who only cross the threshold when the sun goes down, check out the National’s fire pit out back. This year they’ll be chewing the (bacon?) fat while roasting s’mores, and you’ll get a complimentary s’more when you order any cocktail. Accommodation discounts are also available for those who wouldn’t mind waking up to a Bloody Mary Bar every day. 4. Free Souvenirs The Glass Float Project is now in its third year, and it’s a summer-long event in which tennis-ball-sized glass orbs, uniquely numbered and stamped with the year and a Block Island logo, are hidden across the island. This year they’ve upped the ante to 500 glass orbs, which will be dispersed sporadically in waves of 100 between May and September. Keep your eyes open because it’s finders keepers (but please take only one; the greedy have a special circle in Dante’s hell). 5. The Library is a Hot Attraction Book nerds, rejoice! The library is a hotspot this year, particularly for free and awesome events. Check out Block Island’s debut Film Festival, featuring five short films starting at 8pm, and pick up your Scavenger Hunt list during the day. But be prepared to cross paths with me as I dart around the island and dominate the competition. (Ahem. Kidding.) For those whose competitive spirit is amplified (or nullified) by a cocktail, check out the free Baggo Tournament at The Oar Restaurant — grab a bean bag and play or cheer on the contestants. Some very important information: In order to participate in the events and receive discounts, you’ll need to purchase a Taste of Block Island button ($5), which can be found on the BI Ferry or at the Block Island Chamber of Commerce.