Jax Punx

Words and photos by Amiyah Golden 

Music bridges the gap between language, experiences, culture and so many other contrasting entities that make up the individual human experience. And while we live in an extremely divisive climate today — the shared giddiness of blasting sublime tunes from your favorite artist or the pleasure of unearthing new talent — connects us in ways that we tend to neglect or not even realize.

I’m always reinvigorated when I get to rub shoulders in mosh pits with people who I may not have the privilege of encountering otherwise — and I have people like Ian and Winter to thank who have taken the reigns to curate these spaces with the ultimate desire to foster unity.

Ian and Winter are the faces behind Jax Punx and the inheritors of the Bridge Shows from local band Scum. The duo started out creating video projects each weekend which spawned from their own inclination. Their own regard for videography and love of punk music led them to a bridge show where they felt the pull to record.

“I just remember seeing a ton of people coming out to see local bands, and they were passionate, and joyous and were just going crazy to this music and I remember thinking, ‘We need to document this,’” said Ian.

The first video they posted archiving the show went viral on TikTok and “the rest is history.” According to the two.  

Their media impact has been evident as they have amassed over 18,400 followers on TikTok alone with their content showcasing music and moshing from the bridge shows and also featuring a segment called A Face in the Crowd where they interview attendees. This formatting of content was what initially familiarized me with Jax Punx and the Bridge Shows in the first place. I saw so many different faces and walks of life being welcomed and spotlighted in a community that can often be seen as intimidating — and while the rock scene is no stranger to me — many indications from others echo the uncertainty felt by those who want to engage in the scene.

Ian and Winter have stood firm on prioritizing inclusion and safety at their shows.

“In terms of inclusion, it’s just something we’re passionate about. We see how horrible the LGBTQ+ community and many other minority communities are treated by our legislature and our society,” they agreed. “So, we wanted to make a place for anyone to come and be accepted. The Bridge Shows have always been that place, which is another reason they needed to continue.”

And I can personally attest to this passion as I, as a Black woman, have continually felt safe and welcome in these spaces. I have seen personal expression not be limited but celebrated, and I have witnessed artists be embraced.

“It’s a place where you can dance like nobody’s watching. It’s a place where anyone is accepted, especially those who felt like the odd ones out,” they added.

Their local and global successes have allowed their vision to expand far beyond their own aspirations. While many Jacksonville bands are eager to grace the stage under the bridge — many groups around the United States have reached out to Ian and Winter to travel to Jacksonville to jam out as well and have worked with multiple South Florida bands multiple times.

And at the latest Bridge Show the band JVK descended all the way from Boston, to rock out – and rock out they did!

It was such a delight to see local and distant groups — all with varying sounds — encourage each other and stare in amazement at all of their own unique talents that they brought to the concrete stage.

“It’s been unreal seeing people who play the Bridge. They have their minds blown by the energy of the crowds and how good our sound guy is — shoutout to Daniel from Falling in Place!”

Punk music and the community that follows is often typecast by onlookers, but it is a genre that is medicinal and volitional. It’s often misunderstood and many of us who are absorbed into the faction typically feel the same way. The parallel amongst us all allows us to champion a safe space to be free.

“Punk music has always had a special place in my heart,” Ian said. “The first punk show I ever went to changed my life. I had never seen community like it before. If you fell, you’d be picked up even before you hit the ground, and people would throw their arms around each other and sing joyously, even to complete strangers. I really felt like I was part of something bigger.”

And a part of something bigger they were. Ian and Winter’s impact has strengthened the community and has produced recognized integration in Jacksonville with Bridge Shows becoming legal.

A bridge show is definitely something to experience. To learn more about Jax Punx and upcoming shows, follow them on Instagram at @jax_punx.