PRN’s last show at Bubba’s

Counter Culture Unity, Up Scumbag, Toxic Reasons
Bubba’s Bowling Club
Saturday, April 30

Last Saturday was Punk Rock Night’s last show at Bubba’s Bowling. Upon the insistence of the landlord, the entire neighborhood and anyone else who’s been able to get a word in, the “freaks” have to go; but there’s no better soundtrack for getting run out of yet another venue than the Indiana legends Toxic Reasons. Next week, everyone will be headed to Broad Ripple for Dick’s Bodacious Barbecue, but first they have to say goodbye to Bubba’s.

Counter Culture Unity started off the show with their usual energy, but for part of their set and Up Scumbag’s, half of the audience seemed content to just sit in the back and talk. The people who were in the front did move, though, and a few times someone (usually the same kid) would go flying across the stage. In return, the singer would run into the audience between verses with the microphone still in his hand and make sure everyone was going to move.

Up Scumbag from Fishers played next, featuring a new cover which surprised everyone: Simon and Garfunkel’s “Sounds of Silence.” The Runts were supposed to play next, but according to the Web site, they “died in a tragic train accident” and the Web site update was the guitarist’s phone call from hell. Dead In Marseille considered filling in, but there was a consensus to not put off Toxic Reasons any longer. Featuring original drummer JJ Pearson, they played an amazing set of their original Indiana hardcore from the ’80s, long before “crusties” took over the term. It was a fitting goodbye for a venue that really tried. Let’s hope that the next one is just as good.