Ep563: WTF Happened To Punk In The Park?

Punk in the Park founder Cameron Collins breaks his silence on a $250 political donation that split the punk scene - and reveals plans to bring the festival back. Topics Include: Punk in the Park traces roots back to pandemic Prior fests: Punk in Drublic, Sobroso, Scallywag festivals Live Nation courtship briefly paused earlier festival branding Punk in the Park debuted, drawing thousands nightly Cameron explains his hands-on promoter and producer role His punk awakening: hearing the Ramones as a kid Punk rock's meaning: distrust, self-reliance, misfit belonging Cameron opens up about his $250 Trump donation Donation explained as protest against Biden running again He admits regret, calling it a costly mistake Initial backlash was mild, mostly online chatter Dropkick Murphys' onstage denouncement escalated the controversy Cameron feels singled out versus other political donors He highlights years of charity and community giving Bands say they're paid and treated better here Festivals act as touring anchors for national routes Headliners reportedly earn more at fests than clubs Cameron's booking philosophy: all viewpoints get a stage Hard line drawn: Nazis and hate groups banned He booked a singer after his own separate cancellation He acknowledges marginalized fans' real safety concerns New Silverado festival branches into psychobilly and Americana Silverado revives a legendary Southern California festival site Cameron pushes for dialogue over reflexive cancel culture He shares a cross-political friendship with a fellow musician Conversation turns to America's deepening political polarization Cameron argues both parties ultimately serve the same interests He champions smaller government and personal freedom Cameron confirms plans to relaunch the festival by 2027 High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide