Some of Kalamazoo’s most loved musical madmen are breaking out of Arkham to celebrate a most esteemed day, summarily better than Christmas, the 4th of July, and Talk-Like-a-Pirate Day combined. For we celebrate Batmanakkah, a very rare and unique holiday that commemorates the release of a Christopher Nolan directed Batman film (of which, there is sadly only ONE LEFT).

So after you’ve heard Christian Bale gargle gravel for the very last time, dressed in the nines in some elaborate Mr. Freeze costume you’ve spent months putting together, mosey on down to the Band Cave to celebrate with your fellow  Batfans the way only us Kalamazoo kids can.

Joshualien will be kicking things off with his delicious noisy blend of dance-able electronic jams. Seeing Josh kick his stuff is much like being abducted by aliens and taken to one of their space raves, and hits the rare sweet spot of being accessible enough for the rave kids yet out-there enough to get the avant-guardians to put a smile on that face.

Sista Mista will be there. They will rap about movies and socio-economic problems, and probably make complete fools of themselves because they are just that damned excited about Batman. If you haven’t heard them, combine Public Enemy, Doctor Who, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch into some kind of absurd gumbo and chase it with Newport cigarettes.

Arson Party are a team of musical professionals who are sick and tired of crappy redundant metal, and bring a deft and meticulous touch to their headband inducing tunes that conjure up the melodic catchiness of 80’s hair while keeping their bite and brutality intact.

Inflatable Best Friend are a bunch of talented hooligans who spread like fear toxin through the Narrows of the student ghetto, except instead of making everyone terrified and determined to kill Batman, they spread their infectious garage punk sounds into the ears of the young people to induce a torrential stream of one-two steps and an inescapable and terminal case of fun.

The Doctor’s Wives are an all girl punk-rock trio from Grand Rapids who play irresistibly catchy punk-pop in an early 90’s California sort of vein. They’re going to be opening for the excellent Shonen Knife later this month at the Pyramid Scheme, but first they’ll be coming down to Kalamazoo to fight off the superstitious and cowardly criminals in our midst.

Finally, WEARWOLF will give Batfest the music it deserves, making sure the Band Cave is reduced to a sweaty basement full of melted Joker makeup after he brings his electronic-dance cuts to the floor.

It’s a Batman themed show, and folks are absolutely encouraged to dress up in ridiculous Bat-related costumes. Just be creative (EVERYONE CAN’T DRESS UP AS CRAZY QUILT, OKAY?) If you come in something particularly stupendous you might even get something (!) Bring some money for the out-of-town band. Show starts at 7. DO IT.

If you’re wondering just where the Band Cave is at, contact the event host (BATFEST 2012 FACEBOOK PAGE).

P.S.: This is gonna be the last blast at the Band Cave before those hooligans move back to the warm cocoon of the student ghetto. As such, we’ll be organizing a car pool from Fourth Coast at 7:00PM for those who either cannot or wish not to drive to make it real special. If you’re interested, contact the host, or just show up there at 7 if you’re a spur of the moment sort of person.