Saturday Service x Hobnob: Punk is Not Dead, It’s Reimagined

On Saturday, September 24th, a Los Angeles neighborhood was filled with the steady boom of a bass guitar and the fluctuating tones of raw vocals. It was time for another of John Katovsich’s eye-opening (or should we say ear-opening) Saturday Services—and Hobnob was ready to help him facilitate the event.

Once again, Katovsich lived up to his nickname, “Golden Ear,” and introduced guests to three bands whose individually authentic sounds stirred up memories of youth, while demanding movement to their dynamic melodies.

The attendees dressed casually, sipped on Angel City brews, and chatted openly with one another. As always, there were no signs that this group consisted of music, television, and film’s biggest names.

This time around though, the atmosphere had a unique, nostalgic quality to it. At times it came with a gritty, youthful edge, and at others it was full of soft melancholy.

First to take the stage were The Buttertones. Beneath string lights and tree branches, the group sported slicked back hair, shades, and undeniably retro style. With a strong undercurrent of 1950s rock paired with modern motifs, this group of five started the afternoon with their dreamy surf punk sound.

Next up were Katy Goodman & Greta Morgan. These two women have already made a name for themselves separately—Katy with La sera and Greta with Springtime Carnivore—but they’ve recently come together to create the album Take It, It’s Yours, an incredible reimagining of timeless punk classics.

Together, they smiled into the microphones as they let their hauntingly soulful voices wash over the crowd. Reminiscent of Skeeter Davis and Jenny Lewis, they transformed familiar songs into doleful ballads that left listeners entranced.

White Reaper was the last group to take the stage. Hailing from Louisville Kentucky, this band of young twentysomethings was not afraid to shake things up. Their gritty sound immediately struck the audience with its confidence, and guitarist/singer Tony Esposito’s unpolished vocals dared anyone not to dance. Heavy drumming and a solid bass line contrasted against optimistic keyboard leads, and the band members moved about the stage with an unbridled energy that was infectious.

On this sunny afternoon in Los Angeles, these three bands revisited the classic era of punk rock, and introduced attendees to their new individual styles.

Saturday Services are such an asset to the music industry (not to mention film and television). They’re simple, laid back, and allow for creativity, openness, and discovery to occur both within the bands and the audience. Hobnob is excited to continue to help facilitate these events—dispatching invites, sending reminders, hosting photos—and we cannot wait to hear who Katovsich has in store for us next time!