GUInterview: Chad Painter (Punks For Presents)

·24 min·2 clips

Chad Painter explains how Punks for Presents grew from a bar idea into a 16-year Richmond institution raising thousands for sick kids.

The episode is a GUInterview special of Geeks Under the Influence, focusing on Punks for Presents, a nonprofit organization based in Richmond, Virginia. Hosts introduce guest Chad Painter, who has been involved with the organization for about half of its 16-year history. Chad explains that Punks for Presents started as a casual idea among friends at a bar to give back to the community, initially donating to various causes before partnering with a children's hospital for roughly a decade. The organization hosts annual cover band concerts in December, featuring local musicians who perform as acts like Imaginary Toys (The Cure), Toy Division (Joy Division), and Sledpiltura (Sepultura). Chad notes that the events have grown organically through word of mouth, with donations doubling nearly every year, leading to the need to become a 501c3 nonprofit for legitimacy and transparency. He discusses the 2021 show schedule, including dates at venues like Wonderland, Fuzzy Cactus, Richmond Music Hall, and Hardywood, with some shows being all-ages for the first time. The conversation highlights the festive, party-like atmosphere of the shows, where attendees can enjoy music while supporting a cause, with Chad often serving as the emcee to encourage donations. Chad shares anecdotes about memorable performances, such as High Voltage's AC/DC cover where a first-time performer impressed him, and describes the volunteer efforts behind raffles and ticket sales. He addresses practical aspects like accepting digital payments via QR codes and pre-sale tickets that yield an extra dollar per sale, as well as safety measures including vaccination requirements or negative tests for attendees. The episode also touches on Chad's personal involvement, including fundraising through Facebook for his birthday, and his humility in crediting the broader community for the organization's success. Throughout, the hosts and guest emphasize Richmond's vibrant music and food scene as a backdrop for these events, framing Punks for Presents as a positive example of local collaboration. The interview concludes with logistical details for listeners to find more information on Facebook and potential future podcast collaborations on topics like wrestling.

As heard by us

A loud Richmond benefit-story tour, carried by cover-band lore, loose jokes, and mic-passing community energy.

Geeks Under the Influence gives Punks for Presence the kind of noisy, affectionate spotlight that fits a Richmond benefit-show scene built on volume, jokes, and people willing to grab a mic for a cause.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want a loud Gwinterview with Richmond nonprofit lore, Wonderland mic energy, and crowds being asked to hand over money for kids?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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