Punk Rock Summer Nationals 2014 @ The Complex 08.26 with Stiff Little Fingers, The Offspring, Bad Religion, Pennywise

The Complex seems to have the edge when it comes to booking big-name punk acts. In the last year alone, Salt Lake has been graced by the likes of Adam Ant, Screeching Weasel—via the SLC Punk 2 film—and even Black Flag. Of course attending these gigs provides a hefty dent in the wallet, but it’s arguably worth the nostalgia, or in tonight’s case, a possible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the legendary act, Stiff Little Fingers. … read more

Punk Rock Summer Nationals 2014 08.26 @ The Complex with The Offspring, Bad Religion, Pennywise, Stiff Little Fingers

On Aug. 26, The Punk Rock Summer Nationals tour featuring The Offspring, Bad Religion, Pennywise and Stiff Little Fingers stopped at The Complex in Salt Lake City. Two SLUG writers, Eric U. Norris and Nick Kuzmack, offer their unique perspectives of the show.   … read more

Damn These Heels Film Festival: Appropriate Behavior

Still from Appropriate Behavior (2014)

This Brooklyn-20-something-hipster comedy sparkles with Lena Dunham–like wit and relies heavily on the kind of unapologetic humor made famous by Girls, so it’s fitting that the film’s Iranian-American writer, director and actor, Desiree Akhavan, will join the show’s cast for its upcoming fourth season.  … read more

Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas @ Urban Lounge 08.27 with Lady Murasaki, Holy Water Buffalo

Jessica Hernandez of Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas.

This week has not been short of good gigs, having caught Stiff Little Fingers the night before, one might think that’s enough. But it isn’t. A month prior to tonight’s venture into the dimly lit venue, I looked up Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas via the Urban Lounge site. Thinking that a band having the name Deltas in it, they must be cool, I checked out their music video for “Caught Up.” My initial reaction was along the lines of “right, I know what I’m doing.” Though, I will confess to my eagerness to check this gig being somewhat considerable, as again I’m early and sipping my drink, waiting for the gig to kick off. … read more

Damn These Heels Film Festival: Lady Valor: The Kristen Beck Story

Lady Valor - Kristen Beck

In 2013, former Navy Seal Christopher Beck came out as Kristen, a transgender woman. After 20 years of serving in combat missions in war zones across the world, her new mission—to find inner happiness and to raise awareness of trans issues in the military—has been one of her most exhausting and most challenging. … read more

Monorchist @ Diabolical Records 08.29 with Creature Double Feature, Coyote Vision Group

Members of the punk rock band Monorchist.

I’ve already spent 45 minutes listening to various 45s at Diabolical Records and I need to go into temporal exile from the lures of an addicting habit. My exile is brief—I come back to find that things are still not yet underway. But I find that the members of Monorchist are tailgating in the parking lot. After introducing myself, I am invited to join them in some pre-gaming before their big comeback gig. … read more