The Smell’s August benefit show will include ‘secret’ headliners that might be too big for the venue

The Smell may have been granted a reprieve from the wrecking ball for now, but recent worries over its potential demolition proved that the beloved all-ages punk venue is in urgent need of support for its long-term plans, whatever they may be.

On Aug. 6, many bands from the current crop of rowdy young Smell acts will perform at a benefit for the venue. At the top of the bill are two as-of-yet unnamed performers, currently listed as “secret headliner.”

This show, interestingly, will not be at the actual Smell – suggesting that maybe its two secret top-billed headliners might be bigger acts than the alleyway venue can currently accommodate. The venue for the benefit has not yet been announced.

Among the promising acts listed for the show are trashy punks White Fang, So Many Wizards, the great rising indie band Feels and a dozen more acts over two stages. Smell founder Jim Smith, always out front at Smell shows but rarely commanding the PA himself, will also spin records for the show.

With the loss of Pehrspace and the close call at the Smell, it’s never been more essential to not take DIY spaces for granted. This show is a fine occasion to remember: show up, or potentially lose it forever.

The Smell earlier launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for relocation. Thus far, $23,102 of 1.4-million goal has been raised.

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