Violent Femmes formed in 1981, an acoustic punk band playing on the streets of Milwaukee, WI. Their first album amplified teenage angst in the 1980’s with songs like “Kiss Off,” “Add It Up,” and “Gone Daddy Gone.” This became the Violent Femmes biggest selling album and eventually certified platinum.

The band was discovered after busking outside The Pretenders concert. The Pretenders lead singer Chrissie Hynde asked them to open for that nights’ show. The Violent Femmes consists of founding members Gordon Gano, vocalist and guitarist and Brian Ritchie, playing acoustic bass guitar, xylophone as well as other instruments, they’re joined by multi-instrumentalist Blaise Garza and drummer John Sparrow.

The band is accompanied by Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra conducted by Ryan Tani. Orchestral arrangements written by Tim Jones, originally developed for the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra within in the Mona Foma Festival.