You damn sell outs! Fresno proves its support with run of sold-out shows

Plus, We Are Fresno Fest (happening today), the end for Tulare's Barmageddon and new music (metal edition)

Those new to Fresno’s music/entertainment/culture scene may not remember this, but there was a time when people believed (and would say out loud even) that there was nothing to do in Fresno.

There was a real fear of competition in those days.

If you were putting on an event, you would blackout the Big Fresno Fair dates and any time there was a Fresno State Football game. Those were big-draw juggernauts. Why would you diminish you’re chance at an audience?

So, it feels good to know there was a sold-out (1,000 plus) crowd at Tioga Sequoia watching Silversun Pickups (and Lovely the Band) on the same night that Ashanti and Baby Bash were over at the fair for what was also listed as a sold out performance.

This, on the same day that Fresno State played and beat San Jose State (and it was a night game).

I will add that, the night before Strummer’s had a sold-out performance from the mid-west post hardcore band La Dispute and word is the Karol G Strip Love tour will be sold out by the time it arrives at the Save Mart Center next week (Oct. 25). There are a few tickets left (mostly resale) and they will cost you.

Upcoming: We Are Fresno Fest

Rumblings of the We Are Fresno Fest have been going on amongst area bands for a long while now, months at least.

It finally really came together for real in the last few weeks, but I was only able to get around to telling you about it on the day of. Sorry.

This is a scene-driven music festival (meaning its all about showcasing bands and building community) featuring a dozen acts across genres (pop-punk/rock/ska and metal) on two stages with rotating set times.

It’s free and all ages and happening on a Sunday afternoon (this one, right now, so no old man excuses for missing out). Lineup and set times below:

Main Stage

• 12:30-1:15 Centerpath

• 1:45-2:30 The Remedy

• 3-3:45 Life Jacket

• 4:15-5 1335

• 5:30-6:15 Mindless Society

• 6:45-7:30 Fire to the Throne

Second Stage

• 12-12:30 A Dollar Underwater

• 1:15-1:45 The Stereo Hopeful

• 2:30-3 Hyacinth

• 3:45-4:15 Blazed

• 5-5:30 The Velisha

• 6:15-6:45 It’ll Grow Back

Tulare’s Barmageddon shuts down after 7 years

This weekend marked an end for Barmageddon.

The bar/venue/nerd hangout has operated for seven years on 126 E. Kern Avenue in Tulare. It made an announcement on it Facebook page last week.

“Hey adventures, friends and family, we’re asking for your help to finish this epic chapter of our story,” it wrote. “Thank you for the seven years of many genre of music, stand up comedy, the pool league, drag shows, gamers, those who took the stage for Karaoke and more.

“There’s been significant changes that prompted the decision to close. Be on the look out for the next chapter at a new change of scenery.”

Barmageddon will be missed, with its dungeon vibe (and Skeletor mural) and odd collection of retro arcade and board games. There was also this “Nightmare on Elm Street” backstage boiler room area that served as a green room.

More than that, there was a really a sense that the place was open for anyone who wanted to come in and perform.

It’s a one-off kind of place that can never be replicated.

There is one last chance to say goodbye. The venue is hosting a stacked-up comedy show open mic 8 p.m. tonight (check the lineup here). It’s free for those 21 and up.

New music, metal edition

Here are a couple of new releases worth checking out. One is out now, the other will be out Friday. Both are super metal — deathcore and metalcore, respectively.

“False Awakening,” is the latest from Sleep Serpent. It’s the debut single from the band’s Hiraeth EP and features Reminitions singer Jay Muller. The song is out now. You can check it out video below.

Scoundrel releases its latest single “Ides of March,” on Friday.

According to the band, the song is “a colossal, fast-paced and crushing track meant to energize and get the listener’s blood pumping. It’s an epic story of a man in a millennia-long battle for land against terrifying giants.” I

Perfect for: “Any workout, angry, or heavy metal playlist.”

You can get an exclusive first listen of the track on the Homegrown show, 8 p.m. tonight on New Rock 104.1.

That’s it for this week. Remember you can now hear me on the Homegrown Show Sundays at 8 p.m. on New Rock 104.1 FM. If you have anything you think I need to be looking at or listening to, feel free to let me know: jtehee@gmail.com