On Wednesday, April 29, at Jammin’ Java, Punk It Forward hosts four bands to raise money for Survivors.org. The evening will feature DC’s own Gigi Marie, Old Knife, and Shelley Star & The Galaxy, in support of headliners Modern Natives. The show will be a fun combination of punk, rock, pop, and mutual aid.
Here’s a little info about the lineup:
Modern Natives was founded by Florida-born Dezy in 2009 and evolved into a dynamic duo when Savannah joined in 2019. What began in the humid swamps of Florida eventually stretched all the way to frozen Alaska, with the band spending years traveling back and forth between the two extremes while carving out their sound on the road. They’ve toured cross-country from Alaska to Florida and across Canada multiple times—living out of an old camper with their three cats and dog along for the ride. Now nestled full-time in New York’s Hudson Valley, Modern Natives brings that wild, road-worn spirit to every stage. Known for their genre-blending sound and unforgettable live performances, Modern Natives is a must-see act wherever they land.
Shelley Star & The Galaxy are making cosmic waves in Washington, DC, bringing out-of-this-world lyrics, vibrant pop-rock melodies, and theatrical flair to the Nation’s capital. The enigmatic Shelley Star powerfully belts and stomps the stage in platform space boots while high-octane musicians “The Galaxy” shred by her side. The band takes musical inspiration from icons such as Lady Gaga, ABBA, and David Bowie, and their style comes from deep roots in the art of drag.
Old Knife is a trio of musicians who create a distinctive DC post-hardcore sound that draws from much wider geographical influences. Ella Gallogly (drums), Maddie Franca (bass) and VJ Hyde (guitar/vocals) bring a mix of intensity and musicality to their live shows that is like performative group therapy meets art punk opera. Old Knife’s music will cut you and leave a scar.
Gigi Marie is “DC’s favorite red head rock n roller” according to DC radio DJ Reddy Kilowatt!! A finalist for two Wammie Awards this year for Best Punk Song with “Miss Black Lagoon” and Best Rock Album with “All Things Night & Beautiful”, she’s thrilled to be bringing her truly unique Garage-Glam-Punkette attitude to the Jammin’ Java stage in support of an amazing cause. Gigi is also the founder of Punk It Forward. She started it after participating in her first benefit show earlier this year for Survivors.org. As a survivor of domestic violence, Gigi was deeply moved by the impact this show has, and her organization will commit to continuing awareness for important causes through music and the arts.
The purpose of survivors.org is to support individuals recovering from sexual assault and domestic violence by providing resources, community spaces, and educational programming. Unfortunately, the organization was recently defunded by the current administration. Because of this loss of funding, they are in immediate need of our help to continue their operations and maintain their essential programs.
As an additional bonus, $3 will be donated to the DC Migrant Mutual Aid Action Network for every advance ticket sold.
Links for more info:
Survivors.org
DC Migrant Mutual Aid
Modern Natives
Gigi Marie
Old Knife
Shelley Star & The Galaxy
Punk It Forward
Modern Natives
W/ Gigi Marie, Old Knife, and Shelley Star & The Galaxy
Jammin’ Java
Wednesday, April 29
Doors @ 7pm
$21
All ages
