Bing Bong
Vacant Church, Louie & The Flashbombs
Doors 6:00PM / Show 7:00PM
$8 ADV / $10 DOS
BingBong formed in 2012, quickly becoming one of Madison, Wisconsin’s favorite bands. Their 2021 single, Faces was named the Madison Area Music Association (MAMA) overall Song of the Year. BingBong has previously won MAMA Awards for 2020 Rock Performer of the Year and Rock Song of the Year for Bouncing Ball. BingBong’s newest single, “Make It Right,” contrasts singer/guitarist Pam Barrett’s wistful lyrics with bright, almost breezy guitar figures from Danny Hicks and the sharp rhythmic drive of drummer Brian Bentley and bassist Julie Kiland. Members of the band formed around their love for late-70s and early-80s guitar rock. Striving to revive the verve and the energetic power pop of that time, they’re heavily influenced by greats like Rockpile, The Pretenders, and The Smiths. BingBong’s raucous live shows—as witnessed by that blowout show at the storied Double Door in Chicago (2014)—speak to their ability to pack a larger venue with pure energy. Their local pub gigs yield a feeling of “Wow! I just witnessed something awesome!”
“Riding in on their brand-new LP, “Pop Restoration,” BingBong is one of the best pop rock bands in the state." - Andy Moore
Vacant Church's debut album Stabilizer (2022) drew comparisons to Beck and The Flaming Lips. Weaving psych pop and folk rock, the Madison (WI) band's diverse roots and influences scaffold and texturize the sketches of a singer-songwriter.
Powered by Louie Lucchesi’s unmistakable voice, Louie & The Flashbombs perform original songs co-authored by Lucchesi and veteran Milwaukee songwriter Mike Benign. The Flashbombs’ songs blend Lucchesi’s love of 1970s New York City rock with Benign’s knack for hooky alternative pop.
Rounding out The Flashbombs are a Who’s Who of Milwaukee musicians: drummer Bo Conlon (BoDeans, Pat McCurdy, Crime Family), bass Paul Biemann (Blue in The Face, The Mike Benign Compulsion, Arms & Legs & Feet), guitarist Al Hildenbrand (Pet Engine, Britpop) and keyboardist Matt Meixner (Jasmine Road Affair, The Willy Porter Band, 5 Card Studs, Mea Jima, Milwaukee Underground Duo).
Lucchesi began his career performing at notorious New York City nightclubs like Tramps, CBGB's and The Bitter End. He returned to Milwaukee and fronted bands that included Crime Family, Brother Louie and Klaus Nomi’s Homies.
Benign is best known for spearheading Milwaukee bands Blue In The Face, Arms & Legs & Feet and The Mike Benign Compulsion.