Punk-rock bands from Europe and South America are playing Tampa’s ‘Pre-Fest 666’ this month

When you think of music scene champions, people like Chewy Hemphill come to mind. Often without fanfare (although there are songs about him), the Bay area promoter brings his favorite punk band to town so all his friends, and their friends, can enjoy them, too.

Next week, he continues his long tradition of not only bringing punk-rock bands from around the world to Tampa Bay, but giving said bands another opportunity to make a little money while they’re in the Sunshine State for Gainesville’s annual punk-rock bacchanal Fest.

This year, Hemphill has bands from the Netherland (Lone Wolf), Croatia (Trophy Jump, pictured and streaming below), Italy (Menagramo, I Like Allie) and Chile (Talking Props) joining other outfits from across the country, plus a handful of beloved local acts for Tampa’s two-day punk-rock Pre-Fest 666 festival at Hooch and Hive, happening Wednesday-Thursday, Oct. 26-27.

In all, nearly two dozen bands will hit the stage as part of the show where proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 48 hours is required.

“As an alternative, you may voluntarily submit proof of full vaccination for entry,” Hemphill wrote. “Masks encouraged. Photo of your vaxx card is ok.”

This article appears in Oct 13-19, 2022.