A new festival celebrating punk music, skateboarding and local art is set to make its debut in Montrose this fall.
KVNF Community Radio will host the inaugural Punk on the Unc from noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at Riverbottom Park and the Montrose Skatepark. The free, all-ages event will feature eight punk bands from across western Colorado, the Four Corners and the Front Range, along with food trucks, artists, vendors, skating and a beer and wine garden.
Organizer Geoff Thorsen, who is putting on the festival with his radio partner Tom Smith (Smitty) said the idea grew out of conversations about expanding KVNF’s presence in Montrose.
“KVNF is kind of North Fork-centric,” he said. “Montrose is probably the most populous county other than Mesa County that KVNF reaches, so we wanted to get more exposure out there and start doing some stuff.”
The event’s name came about as a play on words before quickly turning into a full-fledged festival.
“I’ve never done anything like this before,” Thorsen said. “It’s a bit terrifying, but I think people will show up.”
The lineup includes:
• Minor Malfunction
• Down Valley Trash
• Drug School (Montrose-based band)
• Mommy Milkers
• NVRNDVR
• Fedsmøkr
• Black Dots
• Pitch Invasion
Music begins at 1 p.m. and wraps up before dark.
In addition to live music, the organizers are planning a festival atmosphere centered around the skatepark. Thorsen said the stage will be positioned so concertgoers can watch skateboarders while bands perform, creating what he hopes will be a uniquely energetic environment.
He is also working to bring in a portable mini ramp and professional skateboarders for demonstrations throughout the day.
While Thorsen originally hoped to have tattoo artists offering flash tattoos, county regulations adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic prohibit body art at temporary events.
Thorsen said organizers are instead exploring alternatives such as airbrush or temporary tattoos.
For those unfamiliar with punk music, Geoff described it as something different from what audiences typically see in Montrose.
“It’s not the typical music you’re going to go out and see in Montrose,” he said. “It’s not the same ‘70s and ‘80s cover bands. It’s loud and fast. It’s pretty grassroots, uninhibited and high energy.”
Admission is free, though attendees will be encouraged to support KVNF by purchasing beer or making donations during the event. Geoff said he hopes Punk on the Unc becomes an annual tradition if the inaugural festival is well received.
“Depending on the crowd and the feedback, absolutely,” he said when asked if he hopes to continue the event in future years.
The festival will also feature local artists and vendors, four food trucks, giveaways between bands, and a beer and wine garden open from 1 to 7 p.m.
Organizers are still seeking volunteers to help throughout the day and expect to need roughly 20 to 25 people working in two shifts. Duties include helping guests, keeping the grounds clean and assisting with general event operations.
Punk on the Unc is sponsored by Boyd Material Supply, Bower Coffee, Highland Cycles, Iron Industries, Performance Auto Body, Ron’s Auto Repair, The Tipsy Trout Taproom, Town Hall Tavern and Westcore.
The event is produced by Tom and Geoff of KVNF’s “Music Box,” which airs Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m. on KVNF. They also occassionally host “Redneck Riviera.”
