Beyond its cinematic significance, Woodstock has been a haven for writers and artists. The town’s unique charm and nostalgic ambiance have attracted individuals who find inspiration in its beauty. The red bricks of the square seem to whisper secrets of the past, containing cosmic memories of rubber, flesh, and hooves that once roamed the Earth. Woodstock is truly a one-of-a-kind town, and it’s no surprise that it has nurtured such unique individuals.

I arrived at Trademark Events LLC about half an hour before the doors opened. As usual, the magic of Woodstock Square began even before I arrived. It was snowing, think big, fluffy snowflakes and light wind. I decided to have an early dinner before the show. After a delicious buffalo chicken sandwich and a couple of Hi Waters at a local restaurant “Oliver’s”, I headed over to the venue.

There, I was greeted by Clay, a member of the local metal band “Rotten Mouth” and a member of the organization “The Warp Corps”. Both of these groups are significant contributors to the event I’m attending. The event, titled “Metal Cares Market,” brings together over a dozen incredible artists and artisans, along with four bands: Strident Escape, Rotten Mouth, Wings of Severance, and SVNTN (pronounced seventeen). Strident Escape’s Matt Monson organized the event, and he did an outstanding job. The event successfully raised over $2,000 to support The Warp Corps’ mission.

What is this mission? It aims to prevent suicide, substance use disorder, and homelessness through direct engagement. Rob has been a figure in our community since my childhood. He owned and operated one of the area’s most popular skateparks, The Warp, back in the early 2000s. I have fond memories of attending skate camp there and meeting skaters from all over the area, including professional skater Patrick Melcher. I also had the opportunity to skate with Chaz Ortiz before he became the professional skater he is today. Even back then, Rob provided a safe and welcoming space for kids and teens to engage in year-round, fostering creativity and offering a healthy outlet for expression in an area that lacked such opportunities. He continues to do this today in a broader and more expanded form. Please watch this video to learn more about their mission and involvement here.

Woodstock, IL, and McHenry County are alive with a vibrant music and art scene. As I stepped into the basement venue of Trademark Events, I was transported back in time to a place that thrives on love, cooperation, and free expression. SVNTN brought raw and brilliant emotion to the stage, which was extended and built by Matt and Blake of Strident Escape. Their performance genuinely captured the energy of the youth. The music was loud, angry, and filled with a sense of togetherness, creating a beautiful and powerful atmosphere. It was as if I had stepped into an 80s hardcore show, but with a profound sense of care and camaraderie among the performers and audience. Circle pits erupted like the blooming of a flower, and skanking filled the pit. When someone fell, everyone immediately stopped to ensure their well-being. This venue embodied the best aspects of the underground music scene while providing a safe environment for kids and teens.

Between each set, I ventured upstairs to explore the diverse array of local vendors, artists, and artisans. Each one showcased their unique and creative creations. I purchased an emotional support pickle, some homemade and reusable hand warmers, and custom stickers. I wish I had brought more money because there was so much more to discover and purchase. From hand-painted skateboards, a pop-up tattoo station, coffee and cheesecakes, to handmade artwork, candles, hats, handmade esoteric items, and a pop-up record shop. There was tons of stuff here to look at and buy.

Wings of Severance had an incredible set. Their vocals were guttural and loud, yet elegant and well-received. I wish they had played their cover of the Misfits’ “Dig Up Her Bones,” which is one of my favorite songs. However, they did play a lot of their own original songs, including “Welcome to the Afterlife,” which was absolutely fantastic. Sometimes, there’s nothing better than some Viking metal, and this was one of these instances. They later said that this show brought them back to their roots, and I couldn’t agree more. Their set reminded me of going to and playing at thrash metal shows back in the late 2000s.

Strident Escape is another band that needs more exposure. They released two singles in 2025, both available on streaming services, titled “Just for Fun” and “20 Years.” My favorite track of theirs is “The Mute King,” and they played even better live. This was when the show reached its peak. During their song “High Water,” a massive circle pit erupted. This, combined with the beach balls flying around and the light show happening, truly made for one of the most wild sets I’ve seen in a while. They played extremely well together and the vocalist was absolutely on point. Even after taking a few beach balls to the face, it was truly epic and refreshingly real.

Last but definitely not least, Rotten Mouth. They self-describe as Groove Metal, and they definitely live up to that. Their songs ranged from heavy rock to straight-up metal and even punk. A couple songs reminded me of old CKY, primarily around their “Infiltrate. Destroy. Rebuild” album. Clay’s playing abilities and vocals are impressive and well-done. I highly recommend checking them out on their Instagram and streaming platforms.

Each of these bands brought something truly original, unique, and amazing to the stage, and the fact that they united with local artists for a noble cause made the event even more special. This is how our world progresses; it’s a microcosm of the future. Togetherness and community looking out for one another through art and music. It doesn’t get any better than this. If you’re ever in Chicago and want to experience the community and its spirit, hop on Metra’s UP-NW line from Ogilvie Transportation Center and head out to Woodstock. The square is just across the road from the train station and is very walkable. There are diners (including the one Murray visited), chocolate shops, art boutiques, bookstores, a renowned Opera House that hosts incredible plays, a movie theater, numerous bars, venues, and a beautiful pavilion and park. The spirit of togetherness is alive and thriving here; come experience it for yourself!

Links:

Warp Corps Instagram

Wings Of Severance Instagram

SVNTN Instagram

Strident Escape Instagram

Rotten Mouth Instagram