This weekend's CincyPunk Fest is now set to be first event at the new Southgate House Revival after an aborted opening last weekend, plus Cincinnati Metal Family Reunion rocks Reading and Vacation comes home  

After hosting their last, bittersweet blowout concert at the Southgate House just across from Newport on the Levee on Dec. 31, the Raleigh family, which operated the venue for years and brought it to regional (and national) acclaim w, is ready to open their new venue in Newport this weekend.   

We might not have a Bonnaroo or a Lollapalooza, but Cincinnati is pretty rich when it comes to music festivals. Especially if you're a fan of local music. One of these great opportunities for exploration is the Cincypunk Fest, which celebrates its ninth anniversary Friday and Saturday on the many stages of the Southgate House.  

This year's fest again keeps the quality bar high, with nearly 40 bands performing, ranging from established crowd favorites to the latest up-and-comers. Saturday headliners include The Lions Rampant, The Pinstripes, Alone at 3AM, The Guitars, Slow Claw, Loudmouth, Two Inch Winky and De Los Muertos.  

Don't be fooled by the festival's name. Punk plays a part, but the genre boundaries are pretty loose, with bands playing everything from Folk and Ska to Indie Rock and Hip Hop. Friday headliners include The Seedy Seeds, The Harlequins, State Song, Small Time Crooks, Duppy a Jamba, Hazle Weatherfield and This American Life.  

Molly Malone's in Covington presents a benefit show Friday for local Irish Folk/Rock performer Roger Drawdy and his family. A month ago, Drawdy's home burned down and the family lost everything but the clothes on their backs, a couple of guitars and a child's car seat.  

CincyPunk Fest organizer Adam Rosing has a number of reasons for booking what has become one of the area's most anticipated Punk-and-whatever events. "I do it every year because it's a great time and it's a chance to get everyone together." For CincyPunk Fest VIII, the audience will also have the opportunity to catch up with bands they haven't seen in years: Spodie, Pincushion and Saturday Supercade.