Jackson Free Press

Jessica Mizell, a senior at Belhaven College, is an editorial intern at the JFP and one of the main organizers of Rurnt Fest.

I have spent the last four years of my life engulfed in the lives and culture of Jackson. I've loved it, I've hated it, and now, my time in Jackson is coming to an end. Between my first dilapidated one-bedroom apartment on Jefferson, discovering my love for writing, working with three other wonderful people planning charity events and soaking in the beat of this city, I've fallen in love with music all over again. I'd never heard this type music. I became enamored with the small garage-rock/punk-rock/metal/synth scene I found only on road trips.

Before leaving the city, it seemed only appropriate that I find a way to bring the music I'd come to love on road trips to my city of four years. I pitched the idea to several people in May, and six months later, my idea of a rock 'n' roll festival has come to fruition in the form of Rurnt Fest. After months of planning, we've booked 17 bands—three of which are one-man-bands. Thanks to Carey Miller, the Goner Records Board (a bulletin-board home to many fans of this particular scene of music), Daphne Nabors, and a host of other musicians and volunteers, Rurnt Fest comes to life this weekend, Nov. 10 and 11. And lest I forget, Mississippi's own Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company jumped on board to sponsor the fest.

Here's an overview.

Friday night kicks off at W.C. Dons. Two hard-rocking punk-influenced Florida bands, The Remnants and Fashion Fashion and the Image Boys, as well as our local punk-rock fiesta hombres, the Tuff Luvs, give inaugural performances. From Mobile, Ala. come the Hibachi Stranglers, a rip-roaring garage-rock group sure to please the crowd with their on-stage antics. The Nasty Habits, a father-son band from New Orleans, La., features a guitarist who will blow you away not only because he can play, but also because he's only 14 years old. Traveling with them is the newest King Louie project, The Black Rose Band, which can be best described as finger-pickin' rock 'n' roll. The River City Tanlines headline with their in-your-face fusion of punk/rock/garage. Fronted by Alicja Trout, whose myriad of projects includes the Lost Sounds and the New Love Band whose performing was halted with the tragic death of the late, great Arthur Lee. The Tanlines will bring any rock 'n' roll lover to their knees.

Saturday afternoon is free and hosted at Jackson's new tattoo/art gallery, the Ink Spot. The first One-Man Band Off, jump-starts the afternoon with three one-man bands competing, Ming Donkey, Connor Sewer, and King Louie, competing for the title of best one-man—err, person—band. Butterfly Yoga is making a contribution to Rurnt Fest too. They're hosting a new Punk Rock Pilates class at noon on Saturday in their studio. The cost to find your core to rock 'n' roll is $12.

Hal & Mal's plays host Saturday night in the Red Room. Local punk band the Overnight Lows start the night with their hard-hitting, fast-moving sound. Rock and metal fans won't want to miss Memphis metal phenomenon Evil Army, and then the Die Rotzz from New Orleans will hit you with so much force you couldn't ignore them if you tried. Oxford's new full-throttled pop sensation, The Black and Whites, will get your toes tapping with their songs about girls, cigarettes and more girls.

Local favorites The Hot News Mexicans are coming all the way from Athens, Ga., to play an insane mixture of music, combining the likes of David Dondero and the Queers. This band is a must-hear. The Nowhere Squares from Birmingham, Ala., round off the night with their pop/punk fusion. Memphis-based noise band the Final Solutions headlines. Known for their entertaining stage presence and their incredible sound, anyone watching will not forget this band.

Tickets for each night at Rurnt Fest are $10 each night, and the doors open at 8 p.m.