This Saturday, Mr. Smalls transformed into a haven for the punk, goth, and metal LGBTQ+ scene as PGH Pride in the Pit celebrated its second year. The genesis of Pride in the Pit came from a simple but vital idea of J.J. Ulizio: “I originally came up with the idea of having a pride event for the punk, metal, goth, and alternative [music] community, for those who feel out of place at mainstream pride events.”

Last year’s event proved there was a hunger for exactly this kind of space, generating over $1,300 for Allies for Health and Well-being and demonstrating that the concept works. The organizers described the aftermath as a moment of collective realization: “I immediately decided that I wanted to do it again,” explained Ulizo. Committee member Aaron Pepe added, “That was the moment for me too… sitting in the office looking at the number going, ‘Oh, damn. We did this. This is the start of something much, much bigger.”

This year’s proceeds will benefit the Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation, an organization founded in 2017 that focuses on improving the health of LGBTQ+ and HIV-impacted Pennsylvanians through services including youth mentoring, food and hygiene supplies, support groups, and mental health coordination.

Building a Movement, Not Just a Show: P3s, as it is affectionately called by insiders, ambitions extend far beyond a single annual event. The organizers are actively working on some smaller events to help generate income to fund the… big event next year.” They already have a Halloween party booked at Poetry Lounge. The organizer’s vision is long-term, as they hope to become a premier production company that touring queer and allied bands can trust when they come to the Pittsburgh area. “We want Pride in the Pit to be more than just the event,” said Ulizo. Community building remains at the heart of everything they do. Already, last year’s event created lasting connections: “There were bands that didn’t know each other, who have since played shows together. ” Dysphoric Void and Millie Dread, who met at Pride in the Pit, are now playing a show together the night before this year’s event.

The Lineup: A Guide to the Performers

Rory Watters – Solo death-core
Rory Watters brought a high-energy solo performance to Pride in the Pit. His deathcore screams filled the Funhouse at Mr. Smalls as he was accompanied on stage by only a laptop and microphone. His short set built the foundation of what the rest of the evening would hold.

Bad Spirits – Stoner/doom metal

Clad in all black, the four members of Bad Spirits took the stage with confidence, as they plowed through their brand of sludgy stoner metal. They oozed doom and Sabbath riffs all wrapped in blues. At one point the guitarist broke out a box guitar that he reportedly pulled from the dumpster behind the venue. His masterful playing brought out some southern swag as he caressed it with a slide on his fretting hand. It’s worth noting that three of the four members are part of the local Krampus band Sleigher.

LibCor – Punk/post-punk indie rock from Cleveland

Libcor performed a subdued set led by Olivia Lee on vocals and electric guitar while Corey Kurtz filled the sound with an acoustic guitar. The band had an interesting sound primarily due to the intentional mix/levels of their instruments. The lead electric guitar was buried low in the mix, leaving room for the bass lines and vocals to come to the forefront of the sound. I could hear hints of Sonic Youth, Hüsker Dü, and even Bob Mould

Disease of the Mind – Performance art/noisecore

Disease of the Mind is Mike Fischer, who defies an easy description or any description, for that matter. Rumor has it that the stage plot for this year’s performance was reportedly just a drawing reading “Mic, table, spaghetti, and a thousand wasps” followed by a question mark. With that glimpse into his mind, it was certain to be a spectacle

What transpired is quite difficult to capture with mere words. There was make-up, sheer stockings over one’s head, broken glass, bare feet, a bed of nails, a sledgehammer, candlelight, and Chef Boyardee spaghetti. All existing in the same space as a feedback-driven noise palette, and maybe there were bees; maybe not.

Psych Ward Grips – Queer, loud, dance punk

If there was a band that embodied the unapologetic, sweaty spirit of PGH Pride in the Pit, it was Psych Ward Grips. Describing themselves as “dance punk,” the Pittsburgh four-piece tore through of noisy punk rock set. Front and center was vocalist PINK, a blur of energy beneath a pink-colored mohawk that seemed to glow under the Funhouse lights. PINK commanded the stage with a presence that was equal parts punk rock preacher and underground club ringleader, channeling the raw, confrontational energy of queercore.

The band—rounded out by guitarist Jude, drummer Ashely, and keyboardist Cory—delivered a wall of noise that was as chaotic yet danceable. Their sound sits at the intersection of experimental rock and psych-infused punk, with jagged riffs and synth textures that refuse to stay in their lane . It’s the kind of music that makes you want to dance whether you know the steps or not.

Lyrically, Psych Ward Grips wear their identity proudly. Their songs are unapologetically LGBTQ-focused, tackling themes of queer resilience. This was band making a statement, and a reminder that punk has always been queer, and that the alternative scene belongs to everyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.

Sarah Halter – Solo metal artist Guitar & Vocals

Sarah was the second solo performer of the night. The sound blended progressive symphonic metal with vocals that transitioned from traditional metal to modern screams, reminiscent of Jinjer, and included screeches that briefly evoked Cradle of Filth. The ability to perform an entire set alone on stage, accompanied only by backing tracks, is a feat that only the bravest and most confident musicians can manage.

Terminal Intensity – Mathcore/grindcore

Terminal Intensity isn’t a band; they’re a sonic car crash at breakneck speed. One of the most intense bands to crawl out of the Pittsburgh area in many years. This four-piece are a lit fuse that wear their influences like battle scars—Dillinger Escape Plan’s chaos, Converge’s emotional brutality, and Napalm Death’s sheer velocity, but they twist it all into something uniquely unhinged.

Onstage, they don’t perform; they absolutely pillage. Their 20-minute set packs over a dozen songs, most barely surviving past the 60-second mark. Each song is a miniature apocalypse of squealing harmonics, guttural roars, and drum blasts that hit like artillery fire. The sole breather, a cover of a Weezer song. Yes, that Weezer.

Every song is a lesson in complete auditory destruction, bent on exploding your mind and heart at the same time. The guitar is bombastic, insane, jagged, and unhinged. The vocals: deep growls, piercing shrieks, and manic squeals that will make any death-metal fan smile. The bass lines drive the songs down your throat while the drums shatter what is left of your eardrums.

Keep your eyes on Terminal Intensity. This is only the beginning; when they turn up the heat, Pittsburgh might not survive.

Normal Creatures – Rock and metal with catchy hooks, dual vocalists, and hip-hop inspirations

Normal Creatures was the most polished act of the evening. Lead by vocalists Brian Sikes Howe the band performed a series of songs that transcended several genres. They tickled the audience with songs that touched on alt-rock and weirdness with an underlying hip-hop feel. Sike’s strained vocals were accompanied by the warm vocals of Mandy Montgomery who undoubtedly filled the gaps. Bassist Justin Campbell, lead guitarist Evan Thorsen, and drummer Leo Rogers produced a simple yet enigmatic sound that drove the energy of the performance upward. Most notable was Evan’s guitar tone.

Emcees and Special Guests

The hosting throne got a double dose of dazzle this year. Zelda Kollins was back for a second stint as co-host, and when the organizers came calling, her response landed like a mic drop: “Absolute fucking yes.” She was joined by fresh blood Bri Griffith, and together these two queens introduced bands and filled the spaces between them with multiple drag performances and banter that kept the energy crackling.

Beyond the stage, a vibrant bazaar buzzes with creativity and heart. Punk Rock Saves Lives returned with their signature mission-driven merch, while Octopus Designs tempted with their hand-stitched patches and keychains, and Dipped by Design lured folks with handcrafted sweets that are almost too pretty to eat. Over in the courtyard, Providence 12 sets up his easel for live painting sessions. Last year, he generously donated half his earnings to the cause, and this year he was back to create custom works on the spot as the music raged around him. Some luck raffle participants walked away with a gift certificate from Crayons Professional Custom Tattoos or some killer band merch.

Pride in the Pit is proof that there’s a place for everyone who’s ever felt too punk for a parade or too queer for a mosh pit. This is just the beginning—and the future sounds gloriously, defiantly loud. Until next year, keep your horns up and your flags high.

About Author

Josh Drespling

Josh is the Publisher and creator of Empire Extreme and it’s sister publication Kingdom Extreme Magazine. He is an accomplished writer, photographer and graphic designer. He is always conjuring up new ideas and has a amazing passion for the music industry and all the things that surround it.

See author's posts