Performance: Howlin’ Weenie Festival (AKA HBC Fest) – Haebangchon, central Seoul
With over fifty musicians or bands spread out across two evenings and six venues, the Howlin’ Weenie Festival crossed one of the most entertaining holidays with plenty of music. While not seen as much in previous festivals, the police presence was necessary. For better or worse, the foot traffic far exceeds what the two-lane road can handle, especially considering the lack of sidewalk and the parked cars:
It’s a bit more control than some might like, perhaps, but I’ll say a respectful thanks to the police doing their best to keep people safe and keep traffic flowing.
In the interest of trying to take in as much as of the festival as I could, I jumped around a lot:
John Redmond playing some classic rock on acoustic guitar at Phillies.
Hunger Tree at Camarata Music Studio – the Viking helmets came off fast, but the folk rock trio kept it smooth.
Jesus Christ! Also at the Camarata Music Company’s studio, call him Matt Crane when he’s not wearing the wig and cape. Not pictured was a wonderful Mary, who briefly served as whistler and singer.
Nick Iacovino on guitar and Ryan Ritter with the violin at Orange Tree.
Nice to see these guys again – the power-rock trio Dongmyo Police Box in the Phillies basement. Love that green wig.
One of the more unusual bands, the Prison Murder Gospel Choir (formerly the Prison Murder Gospel Trio) features a ukelele and banjo alongside the more common guitars. The vocals from the quartet wasn’t bad, either.
Magna Fall in the Phillies basement – one of the only bands I heard an announcement about a recording they’ve done.
Sean Maylone and Sighborggggg in the VFW Canteen. Not pictured is Sean using a drumstick in place of a guitar pick.
After some time in Hongdae, we came back to hear one of the closing bands:
The Blue Biscuit Blues in the Phillies basement – nothing like a hard rock band to end the night off right.
Great work, all.
Recommended for you
Destination: Haebangchon Fest
Share Also called the HBC Fest, the Haebangchon Festival is a treat for eyes and ears, but mostly the ears. Featuring dozens of acts by foreigners living in Korea (and a few international acts), few events can bring so many foreigners together in one place – which might be a good thing for the sake…>
Destination: Haebangchon Fest (fall 2010)
Gil, at the HBC Cafe. The good news about the Haebangchon Fest: if you’ve gone once, you know exactly what to expect. The bad news about the Haebangchon Fest: if you’ve gone once, you know exactly what to expect. Excellent local musicians – both expat and Korean alike. More than adequate supplies of beverages, both…>
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