Here’s why Stiff Middle Fingers is one of the best punk bands the area has to offer.

On Friday night the rockers gathered four bands from Lawrence and the surrounding area for a punk rock extravaganza. They topped off the night with one of their classic performances, mixing in originals and covers that tend to get the audience singing along… and by singing along, we mean gripping the mic and screaming into it.

Stiff Middle Fingers have an infectious attitude. If you’re in a funk, they’ll pull you out of it. They bring a positivity to the stage that invites you to come play. And if you’re not inside watching them, they’ll come harass you outside. The band’s vocalist tends to leap from the stage, drag his mic chord as far as it can go, and start serenading anyone sitting outside the venue on the patio. He’ll also jump into the crowd when his guitarist has a sweet solo, just to cheer him on. By 1:00 a.m., your energy could very well be zapped. But after seeing stunts like that, it’s easy to get a second wind.

Here’s what it looks like when Stiff Middle Finger’s frontman gives them “a sample,” as he calls it:

Words and photos by Fally Afani