BY MICHELE MILLER
What’s What New Port Richey
Oct. 6, 2023
Punk Rock makes its way back to New Port Richey on October 21 as some 19 bands from here, over there and down under descend upon our quaint little downtown for Ashtray Monument Records’ third annual Monufest.
Bring your earplugs or pick up a pair at the door at hosting venue, Ordinance One where members of a generation that spurred this alternative music festival are getting to that time of their lives when they’re taking better care of their hearing as well as the tender ears of the kids in tow getting an introduction to a popular genre of days gone by.
FILE PHOTO | MICHELE MILLER
While bands will be performing on stage inside the local haunt, there’s also a backyard stage that spills out to Railroad Square for those who would prefer the open-air aspect.
Not that it’s all loud. Thunderclap’s 2020 release Strange Land, for instance, is a hauntingly, whispery tune that starts out soft and stays there.
Aren’t familiar? Feel free to peruse the Ashtray Monument website to listen in to that song as well as selections from other bands in this year’s line-up.
Monufest is distinct in promoting original music and artists – a welcome departure from the bulk of the usual tribute band concert fare that dominates the local live music calendar.
It is said that the third time’s the charm and in this case it feels that Monufest might be defying the doubters and settling in to become a regular offering on New Port Richey’s festival schedule.
At the least it seems that fewer people are rolling their eyes when organizers promote the event as a New Port Richey destination, said Louis Ciper of Ashtray Monuments Records.
But things have changed and things are hopping around here, especially as summer gives way to fall.
It was Ciper, Jay MacDonald and Drew Williams, friends from their Gulf High School days, who originated the fest three years ago as an offshoot of Ashtray Monument Records, a local business venture, side hustle, and collective goal of the three to get some of their favorite bands on record, so to speak, for posterity.
First-year brought in 225 fest-goers. Year two 540. Who knows what year three will bring beyond the 80 band members performing throughout the day? You are welcome to get in on it by purchasing a ticket in advance and saving yourself $5 on the “at the door” price.”
This year’s line-up brings an eclectic mix that includes bands from Australia and Germany as well as some familiar sounds from the past two fests such as Thunderclap, Curtains, State Drugs, The Hamiltons and last year’s apparent fan favorite from New Orleans, Pricked
“Even though the bands are not as well known, this is the best lineup we’ve had so far,” Ciper said
Women musicians are a prominent presence this year as well, he added, giving a nod to the “amazingly talented Theresa Rose” who just happens to have a new album coming out.
“Some of the musicians play in multiple bands and come from all walks of life,” Ciper said noting that the band Minimum Rage from St. Augustine includes “four guys in the band and a lead singer who was their former high school teacher.”
“(It’s) a super diverse group of bands from all over but with all sorts of Florida flavor. It’s a no-brainer of a good time and there is something for everybody,” said Jacob Hamilton, who plays drums with Minimum Rage and Telepathic Lines.
Fjørt, a post-hardcore band from Germany with an impressive European following, is kicking off a Florida tour at Monufest before heading to gigs in Gainesville, Orlando, Tampa, Vero Beach and St. Augustine.
“They are looking to expand their reach. They found us. I don’t know how,” Louis said, noting that the band will be playing at The Fest in Gainsville.
Also in for their first appearance is Amends, an alternative punk rock group from Sydney, Australia, who will also be appearing at The Fest.
Once again Cigar City Brewing is the primary sponsor of the event. But the festival is also supported in part by grants from the City of New Port Richey and Pasco County’s Florida Sports Coast.
The City Council recently approved funds that the Cultural Affairs Committee allotted, an investment that Richard Melton, Chair of the Cultural Affairs Committee said is well worth it in the potential boost it brings to local businesses.
The committee was keen on supporting Monufest primarily because of the downtown location, Melton said. Concerts and festivals typically held in Sims Park don’t always translate to increased sales for local businesses, he said.
“We keep hearing that from our businesses – people that come to attend something in the park generally stay in the park.”
Promoting the local hub and what it has to offer is why organizers decided to bring the fest to their hometown in the first place.
According to their stats about 75% of festival goers come from outside of the New Port Richey area, Ciper said, adding that the hope is that they will want to come back to enjoy other aspects of the city.
“A lot of people just don’t know how cool it is here,” he said.
Visiting bands book hotel rooms, eat out and explore when not performing. Ticket holders are welcomed and encouraged to take a break for lunch or dinner at one of the downtown eateries or drinking establishments and take some time to shop in local stores.
As in years past, Monufest also features a silent auction with proceeds going to the non-profit Mullins Music School as well as the Dirt Mall, a pop-up vintage market featuring area vendors and artisans.
Members of the band, State Drugs saw it as a lucky turn to be invited to the 2022 Monufest and are happy to be back to explore more of the New Port Richey in the days before and after the fest.
“The festival brought in people from all over the country to New Port Richey to enjoy its artsy downtown, fun nightlife, and excellent food scene,” guitarist, Thomas O’Leary wrote in an email. “The weather, location, staff and drink selection at Ordinance One were perfect, and the rotating inside and outside stages kept the music and fun going all day. All the bands had something different to offer, and the crowd was amazing. Ashtray Monument pulled off a spectacular event.”
If You Go
Monufest will be held from 12 to 11 p.m. Saturday, October 21 at Ordinance One, 5738 Main Street, New Port Richey. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Children 12 and under are free. For ticket info and to purchase, go to www.ashtraymonument.com/monufest23
- Five to six pieces of artwork will be auctioned off with proceeds going to the non-profit Mullins Music School. * Poster artwork included in the story was done by Sol Mendoza.
- The event will also feature the Dirt Mall Op-Up Vintage Market from 3-9 p.m..
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