Desolation center

Join us for an unforgettable night celebrating the raw spirit of underground music and art. The evening kicks off with a rare live set by punk legends Mike Watt (Minutemen/Firehose) and Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction), delivering a powerhouse performance that sets the stage for the main event.
Next up is a special screening of Desolation Center—a riveting documentary chronicling the early ’80s DIY desert shows that defied authority and laid the groundwork for alternative music festivals like Burning Man and Coachella. Directed by Stuart Swezey, the film captures a forgotten but vital moment in music history, when punk, industrial, and experimental noise collided far from the confines of the city.
Stick around after the screening for an in-depth Q&A with director Stuart Swezey, producer Mariska Leyssius, and legendary punk performance artist Johanna Went. The conversation will be moderated by author and punk rock activist Jay Ponti, diving deep into the film’s legacy and the revolutionary spirit that still reverberates today.
Don’t miss this one-night-only celebration of art, resistance, and the radical energy that sparked a cultural movement.