Although the vast Issue Oriented empire stretches from the sands of the Saraha to the hills of Constantinople, we’ve got local love, too. This August we are proud to be sponsoring Hub City Hardcore Fest in New Brunswick, NJ. Now we realize that the vast majority of Issue Oriented listeners probably don’t live anywhere near this event, but had to post about it anyway – especially since the shows all benefit a guy named Rich Cunningham; Rich ran a label called Happy Days Records back in the day, and released key early records from Hot Water Music, Ink and Dagger, Endeavor (featuring IO contributor Michael Olender) and more. He was also the very first guest on Issue Oriented, on episode 5 – way back in 2005. He’s a good person, and a good friend to many.

Rich has cancer. So friends have stepped in to lend a hand. Proceeds from these shows will be directed to Rich and his family, to help them with the various ridiculous expenses that arise when you get sick in this country. Some of the area’s best bands are playing – The Measure [SA], Detournement, Static Radio NJ, Torchbearer and The Degenerics (among others) – as well as two reunions (The Match and the Moth, Kamikaze). Bands from outside the NJ area include The State (MI), Crucial Cause (CA), Thrashington DC (France) and more.

There will be a raffle as well as giveaways, plus a special “Scene Report” zine published specifically for the event. You should go! (Please note that the Lifetime/Endeavor (reunion!) show at The Court Tavern in New Brunswick on 8/21 is also a benefit for Rich.) For more info on the show go to myspace.com/hubcityhc. And you can buy a special 3-day pass from Chunksaah Records here.