From what I understand, you are a long-time resident of the Baltimore area and have participated in the area's DIY scene for a number of years. What is about DIY culture that keeps you so committed?
Everything about it is great. It is done for the love of hardcore/punk/music in general and nothing else. Me being involved in the DIY scene wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for spaces like CCAS, Sidebar or even Sonar. Those are people/places that deserve the praise and recognition; they have been doing it longer than I have and at such a more consistent pace.

Are there times when you feel too old to be involved anymore? I know that recently I am beginning to notice younger audiences at shows in DC and Baltimore.
Nope.

As for this upcoming free show in January, featuring notable hardcore heavyweights Trapped Under Ice and Rival Mob, what prompted your decision to put together this event?
A few months ago me and my friend Justice did a $5, and free for first timers, show. That show was awesome and did draw a few first timers, but I wanted to do something on a larger scale, something more memorable. So what better than a free show?

Next Step Up are Baltimore legends, but not very well known in the younger generation. How do you think the younger generation attending this show will react?
That is the reason I put them on. Next Step Up is such an important band to me, that I feel like people need to be exposed to them. You are genuinely missing out if you have not checked out this band. Reaction wise I'm sure it will be nuts.

What are you hoping will come out of this show?
My intentions with this show is to get new kids involved/interested into hardcore. Hardcore took over my life from the moment I got introduced to it. Every friend and fond memory I've had since I was about 16 somehow involves hardcore. It's not like any other kind of music, this is something that you are actually connected with, not just another face in the crowd and money in bands pockets. You feel like you are actually a part of something, and I want to keep that going.

A 15 year old kid comes up to and asks how to book a show, how do you respond?
This actually has happened before, and I love when it does. I just tell them to come help out at whatever I'm doing and hopefully that gets things started.

Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to book a show?
Yea, do it. Who has had the biggest influence on you as a promoter?
I would say the person who has helped me the most in every aspect with setting up and doing shows would be Rob Sullivan, much thanks to him. I also would like to thank Imam Saber as well, he has been a big influence on me doing shows. He has not actually done a show yet, but when he gets back to school, gets a job, stops playing Modern Warfare 3 and opens up his own venue, he will be on top of the Woodbridge hardcore scene.

What would Imam do?
Imam does a lot of things. Sometimes big, sometimes small. Sometimes he plays video games and stares out of the window dreaming of that perfect venue and perfect potbelly's sandwich. One day he will have them all.

Is there anything not covered above that you would like to share with readers?
Even if you can't make it out to the show, check out all the bands online!