Bands withdraw from Denver’s Punk in the Park festival due to political contributions
Two musical groups, Destiny Bond and Time Heist, have recently withdrawn from the Punk in the Park festival due to political donations made by the festival organizer, Cameron Collins. Collins, the owner of Brew HaHa Productions, reportedly contributed to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and other right-wing political groups based on FEC reports. The abrupt departure of these bands has led to intense discussions among festival attendees and the broader punk community.
Brandon Alan Lewis, the owner of Punkerton Records, uncovered Collins’ political affiliations and believed it was essential to inform others. He expressed his concerns by stating, “I felt like people at least had the right to know.” For Lewis, this revelation contradicts the core values of punk rock, emphasizing that supporting right-wing politics goes against the anti-establishment ethos of the genre.
In response to the backlash, Collins defended his actions via email, emphasizing that the festival is centered around music, connection, and enjoyment rather than politics. He stressed that Brew HaHa Productions aims to create inclusive and safe spaces for people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate music and community. Collins reiterated his commitment to providing artists with a platform to express themselves freely, denying any censorship or restriction of bands’ messages at his events.
Despite the controversy, the Punk in the Park festival proceeded as scheduled, prompting mixed reactions from fans and attendees. Many fans supported the decision of Destiny Bond and Time Heist to withdraw from the lineup, emphasizing the importance of standing by one’s beliefs. The impact of Collins’ political donations resonated within the punk community, with fans like Davey Dangerously and Cora Weatherby expressing reservations about supporting an event linked to right-wing affiliations.
The ongoing discussions within the punk community reflect a broader dialogue about the intersection of music and politics. While some fans continue to attend the festival despite the controversy, others remain critical of the organizer’s political associations. The decision of bands to withdraw from the Punk in the Park festival has ignited conversations about accountability, ethics, and the values that underpin the punk rock scene.
As the festival unfolds and debates surrounding its organizer’s political contributions persist, the punk community grapples with questions about inclusion, authenticity, and ideological alignment within the music industry. The contentious issue underscores the complex relationship between art, activism, and personal beliefs in shaping cultural events and defining the boundaries of creative expression in the punk rock community.