'Punk in the Park' brings music, skate exhibitions to Eau Gallie
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The Eau Gallie Arts District goes from funky to punky on Saturday, May 6, when “Punk in the Park” fills Eau Gallie Square and spills onto Highland Ave. The music festival will fill EGAD with the edgy sights and sounds associated with the musical genre that emerged in the mid-1970s.
This is the second year for “Punk,” and co-organizer Steven Spencer expects crowds to exceed the 2,000 that attended the inaugural festivities last year.
Spencer is personally as eclectic as the event he orchestrates. A former algebra teacher, he is now owner of the new Cadillac Cove restaurant in Satellite Beach. He shares the duties of organizing "Punk in the Park" with Robert Polak of 518 Underground Skate Shop in EGAD.
"(Polak) really does so much for this event, bands and the skate show," said Spencer.
Things get started at noon at Eau Gallie Square, 1423 Highland Ave. at the corner of Eau Gallie Blvd., and run into the evening as headliners such as Gel, Down by Law, Heaven’s Gate and the Green Goblin Project take to the stage.
Additional performers include Shakers, Wolfy Lonesome, Face First, Spanish Needles, Flag on Fire and Trans Flag. Most groups are local, and true punk fans appreciate homegrown talent.
“We help promote original music,” said Spencer.
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The event is sponsored by 518 underground, an EGAD store specializing in skateboards and vinyl, and Harbor City Local, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting local original music and the organizer of the Space Coast Music Festival, a day-long musical extravaganza also held at the Eau Gallie Arts District. In 2019, the Festival provided $13,000 to purchase musical instruments for Brevard public school students and scholarships for students who could not afford music lessons.
In addition to the music, vendors will tempt with food, jewelry, ceramics and more along Highland Ave., where a temporary skate ramp will take pride of place. Spencer emphasizes that attendees should leave their skateboards at home, because the exhibition skaters demonstrating their moves are X-games-style experts.
While “Punk in the Park” will draw a young crowd, middle-aged - and older - fans should also be in attendance.
“We had a diverse crowd at our first 'Punk in the Park,'” said Spencer.
If you go
Punk in the Park
Where: The Eau Gallie Arts District, 1423 Highland Ave.
When: Saturday, May 6, starting at noon
Admission: Free
On the web: spacecoastrocks.com/punkinthepark
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 'Punk in the Park' music festival returns to EGAD
