Posted January 26, 2019 by lexbackus Concert Reviews & Galleries

Pancho Villas Skull – Do Only Good Fundraiser – 1.18.19

Pancho Villas Skull, Allye Gaitto, EPCYA, Labour Day Weekend, Rafyele
The Pike Room – Pontiac, MI – 1.18.19
Photographer: Alexis Backus

Local mariachi-punk duo Pancho Villas Skull teamed up Friday night at The Pike Room in Pontiac, MI with Do Only Good (D.O.G.), a local volunteer based animal rescue.

D.O.G. works alongside Oakland County Pet Adoption Center to find rescue animals their forever homes. In 2018 they found over 200 dogs caring families to go home to.

Tino and Rolando Ybarra are the two brothers of Pancho Villas Skull and use their music and shows to educate and spread awareness of discrimination towards people and against dogs.

The show included local supporting talent such as Allye Gaitto, EPCYA, Labour Day Weekend, and Rafyele. Artist Angela Goodwin contributed personalized caricatures for people in attendance, and Jon Lynch offered a hilarious stand up comedy set.

Rap artist Rafyele, otherwise known as Artez Hadley opened the night up. He released his newest singles “D.A.Y.S” and “You Ain’t Me” in 2018 which you can listen to here. Rafyele is also putting out an EP titled D.A.Y.S which is set to release this spring.

From Allen Park, MI alternative rock band Labour Day Weekend kept up the pace of the night with lively music. The use of a saxophone really enhanced the music and added a unique touch. The band played new material which will be be released in the spring, so make sure to follow them on social media for updates.

EPCYA traveled to Pontiac from their westside hometown of Grand Rapids to play this benefit show. The band brought high energy to the stage and really intensified the crowd.

Direct support Allye Gaitto, singer- songwriter out of Detroit, MI started her set with a full band and beautifully crafted songs. Her music really showcases her impressive vocal range, and has a hint of jazz. You can listen to her EP titled Some Kind Of Heaven here.

Pancho Villas Skull took the stage after a speech from the president of D.O.G. The band surprised the crowd with adding another friend to the set, Carmel Liburdi. With Tino on guitar and vocals, Rolando harmonizing and playing percussion, and Carmel playing keys and harmonizing, this group of talented musicians put on a significant performance.

Carmel even conducted a solo song of her own for the set which everyone loved. Covers were also played including a song from Disney’s Coco, “Poco Loco” and a requested Selena cover, “Como La Flor”.

Over $500 was raised that night and all proceeds went directly to D.O.G.

To learn more about Do Only Good Animal Rescue, view adoptable dogs, and to send additional donations visit this website.

Rafyele