Punk Rock-Out

On Wednesday, March 5, Santa Barbara’s La Casa de la Raza will play host to an evening full of circus-inspired musical numbers infused with more than a touch of theatrical influence. With the compliments of local nonprofit organizations KCSB, La Casa de la Raza, and the Scimitar Cooperative, Wednesday’s showcase will feature hit punk groups such as Ollin and The World/Inferno Friendship Society, two groups whose genre-crossing and diverse talents ensure that “punk” is one four-letter word that will never go out of style.

Hailing from the streets and rooftops of Brooklyn, New York, the World/Inferno Friendship Society are not afraid to bend the rules and push the limits. Their multi-member orchestra and swing-punk stylings preach anarchistic change through catchy, showtune-esque lyrics. And the Society successfully summon punk, soul, avant-garde cabaret, and world-music influences to create bone-shakingly energetic performances that leave audiences cheering for more. Their show at the Casa will include songs from their 2007 release, Addicted to Bad Ideas: Peter Lorre’s Twentieth Century, a punk rock opera based on the life of character actor Peter Lorre.

And straight from L.A.’s Chicano music scene, Ollin, an eight-member, punk-meets-swing-meets-traditional-Mexican ensemble, will reconvene after a long break from performing. Their worldly musical blend that includes (but is definitely not limited to) Irish melodies, Klezmer riffs, German polkas, and African syncopations creates a sound that’s hard to define-and even harder to ignore. Their lyrics and performances promote political awareness, and their latest release, San Patricios, honors Irish U.S. draftees who fought alongside the Mexican Army during the Mexican-American War. Santa Barbara’s self-proclaimed math rockers, Oso, and the Radical Women’s Performance Troupe will also be performing.

All ages are welcome, and a beer garden will be available for those 21 and over. Mexican food and snacks will be available for purchase, and all of the proceeds will benefit KCSB and La Casa de la Raza, Santa Barbara’s nonprofit organization that helps provide resources for local Chicano and Latino residents in need. Tickets are $10 at the door, and KCSB will broadcast the performance live for those who are unable to attend.