Center of the City takes over Black & Gold Tavern Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Middle of the Map takes over Westport this weekend, but you can escape the fray for a different kind of madness at Center of the City. Thirty-five KC punk and hardcore bands spend three nights battering two stages at Vandals – the remodeled indoor stage at the Black & Gold Tavern and an outdoor courtyard.

“I just thought that the independent punk-rock scene, we needed our own, truly independent, truly local festival,” Mike Alexander, Center of the City founder and organizer, says over the phone. “It’s a big, happy, fun show. Originally, we just wanted to get a bunch of bands together over two days and make it super cheap, super DIY. And that’s kind of what happened.”

Alexander explains that the festival, now in its third year, has quickly been expanding – a testament to how many punk bands the scene has to offer. 

“It’s gotten bigger every year, and here we are. It’s cool because it’s such an organic thing in this community that popped up around Black & Gold,” Alexander continues. “Originally, it was only going to be one show, and then so many bands got involved that we made it two, and now there are three days. This will be the first time we’re doing an outdoor stage, too.” 

The lineup is intimidating: Red Kate, the Bad Ideas, Stiff Middle Fingers, Bummer, and Black on Black are just a few highlights, along with a few regional acts that play Kansas City somewhat less often. Eardrums will be blasted. Beer will be spilled. Prepare yourself for a sweaty, gnarly good time.

Center of the City takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 4-6. Details here.