[Flyer courtesy of Hudson Forman]

By Carley-Auna Guy, Contributor

Are you ready to party like it’s 1977? Punk Prom is taking over Athens this Saturday, and it’s going to be a night you’ll never forget.

ACRN Media is gearing up for its eighth annual Punk Prom on Saturday, Feb. 15. Punk rockers from all over Athens will take on The Union for a night of moshing and high-energy excitement. Punk Prom isn’t just any show — it’s a full-blown celebration of the music, style and life that makes punk what it is. Whether you’re coming to thrash in the pit, scream along to every lyric or sit back and take in the electric energy, this is the night for you.

Taking the stage first on Saturday night will be Ananke, a band composed of five Clevelanders who recently broke out into the Athens music scene. Ananke will start off the night with some heavy playing to get the crowd soaring. Ananke’s lineup for Saturday night will include Martin Bradesca on vocals and guitar, Jonas Evans on lead guitar, Ben Stewart on rhythm guitar, Sean Bradesca on bass guitar and Ted Bucha on the drums.

Read more: ACRN Production Show

Up next, complimenting Ananke, PARKiNG will take the stage to bring you some loud punk noise. PARKiNG is a band from Louisville, Kentucky that delivers high-energy performances packed with fast riffs, pounding drums and vocals that hit like a gut-punch. If you haven’t heard them yet, now is your chance to experience their relentless sound.

Last, but certainly not least is Hueston Woods, an indie rock band from Cincinnati. They will take command of the stage to wrap up the night. Hueston Woods has a lineup of 4 great musicians including Mary Rose Klein on vocals and guitar, Cooper Cunningham on lead guitar, Adam Flem on bass guitar and Lucas Vanderpool on the drums. 

In addition to the killer lineup, Punk Prom will also be having a raffle featuring prizes from local favorites like Donkey Coffee and Casa Nueva. Proceeds from the raffle will support ACRN and help us keep bringing live music to Athens. Not only can you win some sweet prizes, but you’ll also be directly supporting the Athens music scene.

ACRN’s Prom will also be hosting a Best Dressed Competition, so now is the time to start planning your ultimate punk look. Whether you go full-on studded leather and spikes, DIY crust punk, pop-punk throwback or something entirely unique, we want to see it all. Dig through your closet, thrift some new pieces or raid your friends’ wardrobes to create a look that screams punk in your own way. 

Tickets are $8 at the door, with an additional $3 charge for those under the age of 21. The doors open at 8 p.m., and the music kicks off at 9 p.m.— but if you want to claim your spot in the pit, you’d better be there early.

Will we see you in the mosh pit this Saturday night?