Fred Armisen wowing the crowd with his punk rock prowess. photo by kim moenich

It was at last year’s Musack Rocks fundraiser that I shot my viral video of Jesse Michaels and Tim Armstrong playing “Take Warning”. Needless to say, that put the charity’s annual shindig on my permanent to-do list. Of course, I bought my ticket this year as soon as they went on sale, not knowing who was going to show up. But this year’s “Carnival” did not disappoint!

Totally jam-packed evening of mischief and mayhem! photo by kim moenich

The event is hosted by Musack Rocks founder, Donick Cary, an Emmy-winning writer and producer on shows such as The Simpsons and David Letterman. Cary hosts the event in the backyard of his Beverly Hills home, but it’s not as bourgie as it sounds. The Carnival, which raises funds to purchase musical instruments and lessons for underprivileged kids in places like the Navajo Reservation, is populated by punks and rude boys/girls. Sponsors included Guitar Center Foundation, Punk Rock Pottery, and Punk Rock Gives Back, and art by punk icons like Nan Coffey, Shepard Fairey, and Mark de Salvo (who saw my tattoo and gifted me a smaller version of the final show poster he made for NOFX!) are up for auction.

Donick Cary kicking off the annual fundraiser for his charity, Musack Rocks. photo by kim moenich

The evening started with Darren Thompson explaining the history of and then playing a Native American flute. His music was beautiful and mesmerizing. He then invited Annie Zhang onstage, who played the Erhu, a traditional 2-stringed Chinese instrument.

The dial got turned up a few notches with the next act: the infamous Punk Rock Karaoke band. Comprised of members of DI, The Dickies, and Bad Religion/Circle Jerks, the band plays the music while you sing the tunes. There were definitely some notable moments this time around, with Fred Armisen coming out to sing The Clash and the Buzzcocks. You’ll know all the words, and audience participation is mandatory!

Greg Hetson giving the crowd what they want with Punk Rock Karaoke. photo by kim moenich

Taj Sorenson sings “Suburban Home” with Punk Rock Karaoke. photo by kim moenich

Another satisfied Karaoke customer! photo by kim moenich

As Punk Rock Karaoke left the stage, my heart began to speed up. Coming up next was an act that I never thought I’d get the chance to see live: the one and only Josie Cotton! Josie, who has been performing since the late 1970’s, said she, “wasn’t sure why I’m here, but I am punk rock adjacent they say. I don’t know what that means. I think I’m just irritating to everyone, so...” She then launched into her biggest hit, “School Is In”, from the classic film, Valley Girl, and the crowd went wild. Cotton also performed the song that put her on the map, “Johnny, Are You Queer?”, which the singer said got her banned in Amsterdam. Her performance left all of us smiling ear to ear!

Josie Cotton absolutely killing it onstage singing “Johnny, Are You Queer?” photo by kim moenich

Armisen then came back onstage and sang a few tunes by himself, before inviting Slim Jim Phantom and Jennie Vee to accompany him. Several celebrities were there to watch him perform, including his wife, Riki Lindhome, and friend and past costar, Diedrick Bader.

Slim Jim Phantom, drummer for the Stray Cats, and Jennie Vee help Fred Armisen keep things rockin’. photo by kim moenich

Riki Lindhome, wife of Fred Armisen, watches from backstage. photo by kim moenich

Next up were seminal punk group, T.S.O.L. Formed in 1978, Jack and the boys proved to be just as spry as they were forty years ago. After a raucous performance, which included internet sensation, 5-year-old Jordan Sunshine dancing on stage with the band, Jack Grisham took to an interview platform to talk about his books and the band’s new album, A-Side Graffiti, among other things.

T.S.O.L frontman, Jack Grisham, had us rockin’ out. photo by kim moenich

Internet sensation, Jordan Sunshine, plays guitar with T.S.O.L. photo by kim moenich

Then my second favorite part of the night started, with Me First and the Gimme Gimmes taking the stage. Led by the incomparable (so he would happily tell you), Spike Lawson, former singer of the Fat Wrecks band Swingin’ Utters, the Gimmes are the cover band to end all cover bands. The lineup changes constantly, and this iteration had Adrian Young of No Doubt on drums, C.J. Ramone formerly of The Ramones on bass, Stacey Dee of Bad Cop/Bad Cop and Jake Kiley of Strung Out on guitar. They played such classics as “Jolene”, “Country Roads”, and “Love Will Keep Us Together”. The crowd was on their feet, screaming out lyrics and dancing all night. Now how do you top that?

Spike Lawson sings all your childhood favorites! photo by kim moenich

Stacey Dee, CJ Ramone, and Jake Riley know how to party! photo by kim moenich

Stacey Dee and CJ Ramone gettin’ down and bringing the crowd with ‘em. photo by kim moenich

Apparently with an acoustic set by Jim James from My Morning Jacket. He sang a melodic and beautiful set that helped end the night on a reflective note, much like how it began.

Jim James took us all home with his acoustic set. photo by kim moenich

Throughout the evening, items were auctioned off, couples renewed wedding vows, and Shepard Fairey spun tunes. Donick had raided his own closet, and had a ton of ska and punk t-shirts for sale that would make you look way cooler than you really are. People were constantly checking their phones to see if they had been outbid on the GreenDay coffee mug by Punk Rock Pottery or on the Rancid box set painted by Nan Coffey. Food vendors were selling fajitas and hot dogs, and there was a brewery there. Guitar Center was omnipresent, as they were gifting a grant to help fund Musack Rocks for the coming year. There was an even a costume contest that was “won” by a young couple dressed as “Cokie the Clown”. Fat Mike would have been proud. This year’s Carnival was the most fun one could have on a Saturday night in Beverly Hills, and I can’t wait for next year!

Musack Rocks Our Socks Off At Their Annual Fundraising Carnival

Off With Their Heads Halloween Misfits Set, Norcos Y Horchata, Middle-Out.

Hardcore: Sunami, Never Ending Game, D-Bloc, Ingrown, Torena, Bad Beat.