"The Rise of Joe's on the Blvd." by William Torres

Bring On The Shows At Joe's, Joe's on the Blvd. is hosting another hardcore, show in Brownsville on September 19th 2008: Acts include Panteon, the Rejected, and Soul Twist.

In my opinion Panteon and the Rejected are two of the best original bands to ever be born of Brownsville, Texas. Soul Twist is an up and coming band whose members have over fifteen years of music experience, and are expected to be quite the contender when it comes to hardcore, original, music, born and bred in Brownsville, Texas.

While other venues have decided to ignore the hardcore scene, and the deprevity of the hardcore people in Brownsville, Joe's is taking a chance and it seems to be paying off for everyone involved. "It's time to try something different", says Ruben, owner of Joe's on the Blvd..

"While the hardcore scene may not be new to Brownsville, local bands and bar owner's maybe taking note to the closing of (Chapa's Bar, and The Pit), and perhaps now been looking for a new venue",says Ronnie Gonzalez, of the Rejected.

Joe's offers a different atmosphere than any other place in Brownsville. It's outdoors and has an Austin, feel to it, that I like, that other venues can't offer. Joe's on the Blvd. intends to offer competitive pay for bands that can draw the crowds, and plans to do it without ever charging cover. Bands around town are hard at work practicing and getting better everyday. It is a new day in Brownsville thanks to places like Joe's, others are sure to follow which is a very good thing for everyone. Believe it or not, the city as a whole does better when the local bars are doing well with sales.

It's my opinion that the city should do more to invest in larger venues and allow concerts in parks and such. If you feel the same, contact Chris Patterson at Parks and Recreation(956-455-7729) I'm sure he'd love to hear from you. The market is huge and it's getting larger everyday. "They can spend time with they're corporate ventures", we'll keep giving the people what they want, something pure, something true, something unforgettable. BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS, HARDCORE!!

Some would argue that what we are doing is anything but ART. Well my friends, if you've ever painted a picture while feeling sad and consumed by pain; if you've ever splattered paint on a canvas while being overwhelmed by anger; if you've ever written a poem about life while being influenced by the confusion around you; if you've ever dared to speak up and out against the norm; well my friends, you too, are Hardcore. Appreciate other forms of art. Come check out a show at Joe's.

For more info about the hardcore scene in Brownsville, call TnT Productions of South Texas at 956.640.1491

Tune in for more Shows at Joe's. On the 26th it's Metal, Metal, and more Metal with Spiral Fire, Hybrid and Grace of Terror. Coming in October, The Sweethearts, Back to Riverdale, and Redemtion by Cutting Fist. That's going to be one Hardcore Punk Rock show. How will you express yourself today?

BY WILLIAM TORRES