Funzone Turns It Up to 11

Hemmingway, Mildura, I'm Glad It's You, and Full Circle Create Radical Energy

The question “What day is today?” is a sure sign that the carefree days of summer are upon us. On Monday, June 29, Funzone hosted Hemmingway, Mildura, I’m Glad It’s You, and Full Circle and the radical energy literally had each act asking in shadowed disbelief, “What day is today?” A shout from an audience member gave a response, “It’s a Monday!” “Wow, well thanks for coming out!” said the grateful artists.

The small storage space turned DIY rock ’n’ roll venue, at the East Beach batting cages, was packed to the brim with people rocking out to distorted guitars, heavy drums, and the punchy lyrics from some of the best underground emo bands on tour right now. The night started off with Mildura and I’m Glad It’s You, two bands on tour with Hemmingway. Both had a classic emo sound with fast power chords and breath taking stops that held the audiences hearts in their throats only to be dropped back down with a huge vigorous release and screams from the lead singers.

The bands, both from Redlands, California, shared the bass player: “It’s pretty cool because we don’t have anything like this is Redlands. Spencer (Vonhershman) is awesome for putting this together,” said Kelley, the lead singer and rhythm guitar player of I’m Glad It’s You. After the intense and reeling sets from Mildura and I’m Glad It’s You, Full Circle took the stage. Full circle is a Santa Barbara emo band and they took full advantage of the opportunity to prove that this town is not just about reggae bands, but that we also love a good headbanger as well.

Hemmingway closed the night with a killer set. The bassist stood almost in the audience while he strummed his bass violently. The space at Funzone allows for a intimate experience unlike any other Santa Barbara venue. Hemmingway’s sound is considered emo but has punk undertones and sophisticated lead guitar work that differentiates them from the other bands. In between songs, recordings of the words of the writer Earnest Hemmingway were played through the speakers. His profound musings introduced hardcore electric guitars and thumping drums, it was too cool!

This was the most interesting and exciting Monday I’ve had in a while, and it was all thanks to Funzone, the bands, and the community’s collective love for live music. It’s wonderful to support DIY music, remember that all of your favorite bands started out playing house parties and small venues. See you at the next show!