squabfest 2023
Squabfest, presented by the The Pigeon Hat Collective (@pigeonhatcollectiveand Hellhouse Productions (@hellhouse.productions) brought an eclectic combination of music-lovers together. What the party lacked in cooked pigeon, it made up for in a chill, crude enthusiasm for the arts and Las Vegas creativity.
Lining the backyard, vendor booths ranged from a fully funded apocalyptic board game titled Proliferation by War Games LV- to the End Overdose non-profit, which visited from L.A. to help, “end drug-related overdose deaths through education. During this entire time, bands rotate on stage, ready to rock.
First up for myself when I arrived was the talents of #smirlhaggard . The duo hit the stage with a guitar and violin in hand respectively. With accurate fiddles and strums, and a relentless tone they fire off with their first track. Infusing macabre lyrics fluidly with a high-paced, deadpan delivery, the violinist’s talents on display accentuated the performance so well through the entire set
It was obvious the duo had experience playing with each other and it conveyed through the quaint venue. Smirl Haggard also showed versatility by slowing down and highlighting some innate sentimentality, culminating with the performance of, “See You Again,” a heartfelt, emotional song to a family member where the singer rips out an earnest performance that can spur nostalgia through his delivery.
#smirlhaggard members weren't done for the night but stay tuned. Next on stage was The The Rifleman String Band . The country-tinged rock group brought the lead-singer of Smirl Haggard as a bassist and fit right in the evening’s line-up. With a feel good, melodic tone, The Rifleman incorporated the banjo and the strings, only allowing their singer to fall deeper into his performance. Over a crowd of supportive patrons, they display a talent for relatable lyrics, and a festive stage presence to liven up the scenery.
Next up was the aforementioned Smirl Haggard, however with a new frontman- they transformed into the Ñiñx de la tierrä (@spudbugs). The energetic nature of the evening refused to dissipate this set- in fact at points, things got intense. With proper harsh vocals, adding to the innate harmony of the instrumentation, the Spud Bugs ensured that no one turned away from the stage without notice.
Lastly, as the night began to take over the setting, the mood was set by Lepidoptera. With a definitively solemn instrumental set, the duo was a refreshing addition to the night’s line-up. Establishing a controlled pace, they brought their talents to showcase, leaning from ambient back into a faster pace at times. It was clear that Lepidoptera was not going to overwhelm the audience, but instead invite them to chill along, while they rock out.
WRITTEN BY: Gilbert Wake
PHOTOS BY: Gilbert Wake
