BLUE WIDOW Blue Widow is an alternative psychedelic punk band from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, blending political urgency with feral live energy. Known for their outspoken Louisiana-focused commentary and high-impact shows, the band has become a rallying point for young listeners who feel boxed in by the systems around them. Drawing influence from Rage Against the Machine, Turnstile, King Gizzard, and Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, Blue Widow has carved out a loud, confrontational lane in the Southern underground. DANA IVES New Orleans’ finest swamp daddy duo, Dana Ives, was formed in 2018 when Matt Ernst and Ethan Wallace met at Loyola University. Both hailing from California, lead singer/guitarist Matt and drummer Ethan brought their respective talents down south, and within moments of meeting knew it was fate. Hence, their love child, Dana Ives, was born. Dana Ives is best described as the musical sweet spot where lucid, screeching guitar melodies lay overtop aggressively raw drums and vocals, providing the perfect marriage of alternative rock and post-punk. The band’s sound reflects Ernst’s upbringing in the Los Angeles garage-rock circuit and Wallace’s experience drumming in the California hardcore scene. Combined with their love for synthesizers and samples, Dana Ives creates a unique and dynamic experience that separates them from other alternative bands. Dana Ives regularly performs in New Orleans and has several festivals and US tours on their list of accomplishments. Their August 2022 record, So Happy It’s Time, marks a higher level of aggression and rhythm not heard in full form on their previous work. SHE MIGHT BE A BEAST Ready or not, it’s time to unleash the beast. The New Orleans power trio fuses the styles of grunge, punk, and metal to create the Neogrunge sound (with a dash of NOLA spice). She Might Be a Beast’s live shows are exciting and memorable, from insane improvised jams, to catchy singalong choruses, to sweaty moshpits.