Punk may be one of the most commonly misunderstood genres in modern music. But if you’re a devotee, you’re used to being misunderstood – you might even thrive on it.
Recently, at the Ramada Inn in Seekonk, the inaugural Punk Rock Marketplace event took place, accommodating hundreds of visitors and music enthusiasts. The punk movement is about non conformity, celebrating difference, speaking truth to power. Although a fuck you attitude can accompany that, it is really, by default, a very accepting and encouraging community, and at this event, everyone, regardless of the number of piercings, was instantly welcomed and accepted, creating a supportive, open vibe. Much of this vibe was fostered by showrunner Andy George of Stay Gold Management.
The location may not sound very punk, but it has unexpected street cred in the community. When George was scouting locations for the event, he visited the Ramada and happened to run into HR from the acclaimed hardcore punk band Bad Brains, coming out of the elevator. “I took that as a sign,” George explains. Turns out, this particular hotel is a favorite of a few area clubs that focus on the punk scene, when they’re booking lodging for touring performers.
Over 50 vendors were there to offer a wide, wide variety of punk-adjacent wares. Local film curating legend Josh Gravel offered a booth with fantastic DVD and even VHS rarities, classic horror films, and other collectibles. You could find crystals, leather clothes and jewelry, punk rock dog collars and vintage clothing. Skulls adorned everything, and there were top-of-the-line photos of classic bands. There was an electric chair you could climb into, courtesy of an energy drink company that makes private-label drinks for specific bands, including one that looks like a hospital’s blood bag. The MA Attack Roller Derby crew had a strong showing, and the event’s charity raffle was a hit, George says, also highlighting the NOFX pop-up, which featured collectible and tour merch from the famous LA punk band.
Overall, MC (and Motif contributor) Bobby Forand created a relaxed, approachable vibe for the evening, conjuring an open mic and sharing some of his own poetry. The hangout featured performances by Lenny Lashley’s Gang of One, Sharks Come Cruisin’, and My Druthers, who were there to support throughout the weekend.
This is planned as an annual event, so if you missed this one, don’t worry. Next year will be a great time to experience these vendors, pick up some gifts for the tough, spooky or forlorn on your gift list, and admire collectibles from the punk sphere.
