Manifest Music Festival will soon flood Franklin Street with the fierce sounds and sensibilities of punk rock. Running Friday, March 14th, and Saturday, March 15th, Chapel Hill’s very own “queer, nonbinary, feminist music fest” will take over The Cave, Local 506, and the space in between.
For the seventh year in a row, Manifest will feature over a dozen acts on a vast spectrum of sound.
“Chapel Hill’s music scene, and the Triangle in general, has such a rich history,” explains Erika Kobayashi Libero, founder and organizer of Manifest, and one-half of the BANGZZ duo, “and [Manifest] is about celebrating that, as well as uplifting marginalized voices.”
That’s about as close to a theme as the freeform festival gets. This year’s event is in memory of local, beloved powerhouse, Reese McHenry, who passed away of cancer this past November. Known for her powerful, throaty belt and unshakeable kindness, McHenry was, as Libero describes, a beacon of inspiration. “Like, ‘Wow, I can do that. That person’s so cool, and they’re just shredding it up there,’” she says.
With Manifest 7, Libero is intent on harnessing the awe that McHenry inspired in her—and releasing it back into the community for others to harness.
“It’s about tying that legacy to generations of women and gender expansive youth in this area,” Libero says. That’s why, in McHenry’s memory, this year’s shows serve as a benefit to Girls Rock NC, an organization dedicated to empowering youth of all genders through music.
Libero wants the next generation to know they have the right to perform, to inspire, and to be loud: “In the world, but also right here in my hometown.”
And this year’s lineup is guaranteed to be loud. Weather abiding, noise artists Spookstina and Lunar Creature will turn out a set on March 15th, outside of The Cave, right in front of its notable floral mural.
“We’ve been collaborating with a local projection artist, Jesse Barnes,” enthuses Libero, “who overlays a projection over it and then starts manipulating things so they move. So basically, he brings it to life.”
In fact, Libero proceeds to describe the art as “breathing.” Attendees from last year might recognize the act and recall the way in which the crowd was moved to silent observation. “It was a moment.”
Local act KHX05, pronounced ‘chaos,’ is planning a characteristically show-stopping show. You can stream their debut album online, but Libero insists that nothing compares to a live performance.
“They’re definitely one to catch,” Libero pauses, before correcting herself. “You know, actually—you should probably see it all. You should be there the whole time.”
Other notable acts include co-founder of Manifest and outlaw country star, River Shook, aggressive grindcore force Girl Brutal, and returning favorite, Sister Brother.
The weekend will also feature two shows from BANGZZ, who pack a vibrant, multigenre sound worthy of the all-caps. Libero and bandmate Jess Caesar plan to release their next release, their sophomore album, Maybe She’s Born With It, Maybe It’s A Trauma Response, this May.
Perhaps, if you’re lucky, you might catch a sneak peak of BANGZZ’s upcoming single, “Hypocritical.” Political art these days can feel a bit dire, but the song radiates the same convivial energy as venting to a friend—something you can sing when you don’t feel like screaming.
While The Cave is 21+, Libero has taken extra efforts to ensure that folks of all ages can engage with the weekend. Events at Local 506 are all ages, and much of the programming for the day on Saturday between noon and 6 PM is teen-focused.
“Girls Rock is doing a day party on Saturday, and it’s gonna include some local teen acts and bands, and after that, there’s gonna be an open mic,” Libero says. The Manifest Maker’s Market will be taking place at the same time in Midway.
Tickets and the full lineup can be found on Manifest’s website but attendees can expect some surprise guests, too. On both Friday and Saturday, doors open at 7 PM and shows begin at 8 PM.
“[Manifest] is DIY,” Libero says. “Everyone is punk. Everyone gets to play music.”
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