Amidst studying for midterms and preparing for spring break, it’s easy to forget other important matters. Namely, the most important matter you should be remembering is the Flatfoot 56 show at the Strutt with special guests Ackley Kid and The Almanac Shouters.

Why is this important? Because it’ll be a good show! Having experienced all of these bands first hand at multiple shows, I can absolutely guarantee this fact.

Here’s what you need to know:

Flatfoot 56: Hailing from the great city of Chicago, these boys bring an energetic mix of Celtic punk (think Dropkick Murphys) and hardcore (in the vein of the Cro-Mags and Sham 69). They are known for their insane live shows which incorporate walls of death worthy of Braveheart, and the ever-popular meat grinder. It’s an experience not to be missed, if not for the pit, but for the ever-present community spirit that comes with the music these guys play.

The Almanac Shouters: Kzoo’s favorite folk-punk band, whose influences include Woody Guthrie and Shellac, will be joining Flatfoot on Friday night. They have quite a lot to shout about, and others are beginning to take note. Having just been nominated for WYCE’s Jammie Awards for best rock/pop album, the Almanac Shouters are seeing their hard work come to successful fruition. This show marks their week-long tour kick-off and more importantly, the release of their third album “Windmills.” They will be handing out the album for free, so be sure to pick up one of these little gems when you come out.

Ackley Kid: In my honest opinion, a punk rock show is not complete without at least one punk/hardcore band in the lineup, and thankfully, Kalamazoo’s own Ackley Kid stepped up to the job. These gnarly dudes will be shredding faster than a speeding bullet Friday night, leaving us with ringing ears and smiling faces. I’ve heard some talk from A.K’s front man Zach Smith that there MIGHT be a Distillers cover thrown into the mix and a very special lady doing guest vocals. Want to know who it is? I’ll never tell. You’ll just have to come to the show and find out.

The show starts at 8, is ALL AGES, and it’s $8 to get in. See you there!