Rocking good time in Happy Holler
Punk Rock Flea Market turns Downtown North into toughie playground
by Jordan Achs
Despite the sweltering heat that lingered in Knoxville on Saturday, Sept. 23, the Punk Rock Flea Market was roaring with activity. Previously located right by Purple Heart Tattoo in North Knoxville, this year the giant bazaar of shops and music moved to a slightly larger location at 900 N. Central St. Feeling like Shakedown Street at a major summer music festival, the babble of shoppers mixed with energetic rock ‘n’ roll sets made for a wonderful late-summer weekend evening.
With a new location came more room for additional vendors, as well as for other fun surprises. The market was bursting with booths and tents, with a large stage area front and center with enough room to allow for dancing and beer sellers. Some vendors even lined the street in front of Striped Light, catching shoppers as they came in and out of the main marketplace.
The market drew a wide demographic of people. Families with young children were present, as was the occasional four-legged friend. Skateboarders both young and old were trying out the ramps at the impromptu skatepark, which lied well within earshot of the bands playing onstage. Located directly in the heart of the Old North Knoxville neighborhood, a bustling area these days, the space was set apart from the busy street, which helped to cultivate a festival feel while still remaining insular.
Tents lined the edges and the center of the market. Brimming with more than 100 different local and regional artisans specializing in a variety of handmade goods, items ranged from soaps and jewelry to art and crafts. However, what really set the Punk Rock Flea Market apart from standard markets were the vendors who provided more outside-of-the-box fare, like those offering racks of one-of-a-kind vintage clothing, horror-movie paraphernalia and chainmail garments straight out of “A Knight’s Tale.” Even taxidermied creatures, brains and skulls were for sale. One booth offered tarot readings, while others supplied kids with a plethora of free temporary tattoos from which they could choose a design.
The vendors traveled to Knoxville from all over, but the local-artist presence naturally was very strong, as well. It included the likes of French Fried Vintage, Golden Heart Graphics and Rachel Gurley Designs. Local food trucks, too, were on hand to provide attendees with mid-shopping fuel. The Mother Cluckers, a two-taco dish from Oinks & Cluckers that features grilled chicken, roasted red pepper, chorizo gravy and scallions wrapped in crispy naan bread, was heavenly. Ever-popular Captain Muchacho’s also was serving up tacos to hungry rockers and skaters throughout the day, and almost every booth offered passing pets water to so that they would keep hydrated.
The Pilot Light was responsible for bringing the music, and it didn’t disappoint. Booking some of the region’s best indie-rock groups, it elevated the market’s rowdy punk-rock feel. Eight acts played over the course of the day, with DJ Billy Fire spinning music in between sets. Gag Me, a Knoxville-based rock band, opened the show, followed by Ugly Muggz and the always-excellent Faux Ferocious later in the evening. Other bands that performed included local standouts Ex-Gold, Burning Itch and Paperwork.
The headliner, NOBUNNY, put on a show to a very eager crowd. The sky had grown dark by that point, and vendors who didn’t bring lighting rigs for their booths had packed up in order to either leave or catch the set. Wearing bunny costumes in varying stages of undress, the band put on a captivating show which had the crowd jumping, moshing and dancing infectiously. It was a sweaty, electrifying rock set that was the perfect cap to the hot day.
Proceeds from the event went to the performers; considering the fact that the organizers had to make at least three separate beer runs, it’s probably safe to assume that it was a successful/lucrative day for those musicians, too.
The Punk Rock Flea Market is a one-of-a-kind occasion that brings together a motley crew of folks: Vintage treasure hunters, horror-movie fanatics, DIY crafters, art enthusiasts and local music supporters all show out in force for a night of punky fun. Check out the organizers’ Facebook page (www.facebook.com/PRFMknoxville/) to get updates about the next scheduled event.
