Desolation Center:

Join us for an unforgettable night celebrating the raw spirit of underground music and art. The evening kicks off with a rare live set by punk legends Mike Watt (Minutemen/Firehose) and Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction), delivering a powerhouse performance that sets the stage for the main event.

Next up is a special screening of Desolation Center—a riveting documentary chronicling the early ’80s DIY desert shows that defied authority and laid the groundwork for alternative music festivals like Burning Man and Coachella. Directed by Stuart Swezey, the film captures a forgotten but vital moment in music history, when punk, industrial, and experimental noise collided far from the confines of the city.

Stick around after the screening for an in-depth Q&A with director Stuart Swezey, producer Mariska Leyssius, and legendary punk performance artist Johanna Went. The conversation will be moderated by Ron Placone (comedian and writer).

Ron Placone is a comedian, writer, and filmmaker. His feature film, Left At Wall, is out now on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Tubi and more. He’s been on the Discovery Channel, SiriusXM, and he’s a regular on Status Coup News. His stage play, Termination Fee, ended its debut run at the Hollywood Fringe Festival in June and was nominated for a Playwright’s Promise Award.

Don’t miss this one-night-only celebration of art, resistance, and the radical energy that sparked a cultural movement.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

Mike Watt is an American bass guitarist, singer and songwriter,  best-known for co-founding the rock bands The Minutemen, dos, and fIREHOSE; He is also the bassist for the reunited Stooges and a member of the art rock/jazz/punk/improv group Banyan as well as many other post-Minutemen projects.  Watt is often cited as a key figure in the development of American alternative rock: the Red Hot Chili Peppers dedicated their hugely successful Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991) to him. The seminal rock writer Richard Meltzer has called Watt “the most important songwriter since Bob Dylan”].On November 1 2008, Watt received the Bass Player Magazine lifetime achievement award, presented by Flea.

Stephen Perkins, born in Los Angeles, Perkins’ picked up drumsticks at the age of eight. In 1983, his first band ‘champion’ played the Troubadour in Los Angeles; his second band ‘disaster’ rocked the Whiskey &  Roxy in Los Angeles in 1984. By late summer 1985, Perkins joined an older singer and bass player and together they formed Jane’s Addiction. Jane’s Addiction released their first record “Live At The Roxy” on Triple X Records, which led to signing a seven record deal with Warner Bros. releasing “Nothing Shocking” (1988), which was nominated for a Grammy. In 1990 “Ritual De La Habitual was nominated for two Grammy’s and Jane’s Addiction went on to headline the 1 st Lollapalooza tour that summer. Perkins’ joined the band Infectious Groves in 1991 and recorded in toured for two years. By 1993, Perkins’ created Porno For Pyro’s and released its first self-titled album on Warner Bros. Records, which was nominated for a Grammy.  Perkins’ reunited with Jane’s Addiction with Flea on bass in 1997, while also releasing a second Banyan record. By 1999, he released the third Banyan record while joining Tommy Lee for the Methods of Mayhem tour. He went to tour with Methods of Mayhem and record for two years. In 2001, Jane’s Addiction released “Strays” on Capital Records. Perkin’s continued working with Jane’s Addiction, Hellride, Tabitha, Summer Moon (w/ bass player from The Strokes), and Drop The Needle.  Watching Perkins’ on drums is a show within itself. His energy, charisma, unique skill and style make him one of the most sought after drummers today. He received his star on Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1997, and Hands at the Rock Walk Hall of fame at Guitar Center Los Angeles. Ever evolving, Perkins’ invented the percussion instrument “Go-Jo” bag sold by LP Percussion.

FEATURED FOOD TRUCK: Happy Place Eatery

Happy Place Eatery is Downtown Ventura’s latest Award Winning restaurant! Specializing in crafting great food, great vibes, and great times. From delicious smash burgers, to the local list of craft beer, we take pride in making your experience the best possible! They will be serving food from 5:30 p.m. through intermission. We strongly encourage you to arrive early to allow plenty of time to order and enjoy your meal and make the most of your night!

Menu: Click here
For more information: Website, Instagram