Pow Magazine

Pow Magazine Pow magazine is a collective and brand committed to bringing the local and global music and art scenes to the attention of those unaware. powmagazine dot org

By meeting and celebrating up and coming acts, Pow aspires to help artists grow and expand their horizons via social media outlets, interviews, video documentation, and live events. Pow's team of photographers, videographers, writers and interviewers help make all this possible. Visit powmagazine dot org

With Magic Castles – Pow Magazine just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉
05/24/2026

With Magic Castles – Pow Magazine just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

Magic Castles New Album ‘Realized’ [Fuzz Club]"Magic Castles is back with a psychrock meets shoegaze sound on their refi...
05/23/2026

Magic Castles New Album ‘Realized’ [Fuzz Club]

"Magic Castles is back with a psychrock meets shoegaze sound on their refined new album, Realized. Realized takes a stroll through sun bleached dream-like melodies that give retro-paisley vibes that are wholly contemporary. Layers of lush guitars echo and reverberate while songwriter and band leader Jason Edmonds‘ hazy vocals resonate into the distant horizons. Realized is committed to a warm-analog feeling production throughout, drawing sounds from vintage organs, guitars run through tube amps and effects that are lush and always pleasing to the ear." By Nathan Rose, Pow Magazine

Visit our website to read more about Magic Castles: https://www.powmagazine.org/powmagazine/magic-castles-new-album-realized/

05/13/2026

Ah yes. The early origins of P💥W before we started the website in the 20-teens. Good memories!

04/20/2026

To continue the 15 years of music reviews this week of celebtcal Introspection, we visit one of Pow Magazine’s first political fund raisers which is important in the late 80s that effect free speech and art. Pow was ask to help raise Monet for the non-profit organization, The No More Censorship Defense Fund for The ongoing legal expenses in the case against Jello Biafra and members of the premier political-punk band, Dead Kennedys. Dirk Dirksen was a music promoter and emcee of the San Francisco punk rock clubs Mabuhay Gardens and On Broadway in the late 1970s and early 1980s. And contacted Dave Davies, the creator of the original Pow Magazine in 1987. We were already a growing fanzine covering the underground local rock scene and reviewing music from all over the world. It was our first live music political event in San Francisco and Santa Clara California. Without going into the details, you can read below the reason why we wanted to help find no censorship again art and music in California.

Dennis Gonzales
Founder of POW
powmagazine.org

-------------------------------

Our final movie segment about Pow Magazine's 30th Anniversary of No More Censorship Defense Fund Benefit Show Part 7 at One Step Beyond Santa Clara California. Interviews with musicians from the music event, the late Dirk Dirksen from NMCDF, KFJC / KSCU and the founders of the original POW when it was a real magazine.

In an era of fascism, censoring art and music is still very much a danger in our country. Keep the faith!

Dennis Gonzales
Founder of Pow Magazine
www.PowMagazine.org
2011 - 2017

NO MORE CENSORSHIP
DEFENSE FUND
30th Anniversary
October 28, 1987
Pow Magazine Benefit Show for
Jello Biafra and NMCDF

Social Club
London Down
The Frontier Wives
The Shockwaves
Dennis Gonzales
Dave Davis
Dave Shumacher
Phil Benjamin
and
Dirk Dirksen

Dennis Gonzales
Dave Davis
Pow Magazine

Video Photographer
Joy Engstrom

Visual Projections by
Richard Joiste
The Seeing Eye

04/20/2026

To continue the 15 years of music reviews during this week of celebration and introspection, we revisit one of Pow Magazine’s first significant political fundraisers. This event was a pivotal moment in the late 1980s, addressing issues that profoundly affected free speech and artistic expression. Pow was asked to help raise money for the non-profit organization, The No More Censorship Defense Fund. These funds were dedicated to covering the ongoing legal expenses incurred in the obscenity case against Jello Biafra and other members of the premier political-punk band, Dead Kennedys.

Dirk Dirksen, a renowned music promoter and emcee who dominated the San Francisco punk rock scene at clubs like Mabuhay Gardens and On Broadway during the late 1970s and early 1980s, reached out to Dave Davies in 1987. Davies, the creator of the original Pow Magazine, led what was then a rapidly growing fanzine that focused on the underground local rock scene while also reviewing diverse music from around the globe.

This collaboration resulted in our first live music political events, held in San Francisco and Santa Clara, California. Our involvement stemmed from a deep-seated desire to combat censorship and protect the integrity of art and music within the state. It was truly an honor to contribute to such a vital cause—an important voice that stood to impact creators and audiences across every genre of music, art, and film.

Dennis Gonzales
Founder of POW
powmagazine.org

_________________________

Pow Magazine No More Censorship Defense Fund Benefit Show – 30th Anniversary, October 28, 1987 Part Six
_________________________

The No More Censorship Defense Fund was Pow Magazine’s first political music event to help San Francisco promoter Dirk Dirksen to raise funds for the ongoing legal expenses in the case against Jello Biafra and members of the premier political-punk band, Dead Kennedys. Dirksen help raise funds for the defendants for the No More Censorship Defense Fund organization. Jello Biafra, vocalist and leader of The Dead Kennedys and his four band members had been charged on June 2, 1986 with violating California Penal Code Section 313.1, Distribution of harmful matter to Minors, a misdemeanor that carries a possible fine of $2000 and a maximum sentence of one year in jail.

The charge centered on the record album, “Frankenchrist” by Dead Kennedys, released on Alternative Tentacles Records. Enclosed, as part of the album was a poster reproduction of a painting by world-renowned Swiss surrealist master HR Giger.

One Step Beyond, host the event for Jello Biafra fundraiser event organized by Pow Magazine featuring one of the best South Bay bands of 1987; The Social Club The Shockwaves, The Frontier Wives, The Endmen, Grey Matter, London Down with special guest Dirk Dirksen of No More Censorship Defense Fund and psychedelic light show by The Seeing Eye.

For the full story, visit: https://www.powmagazine.org/powmagazine/no-more-censorship-defense-fund-benefit-show-ii/

MC, Dave Davis, Founder of Pow Magazine (End of Show)
MC, Dennis Gonzales, Co Founder of Pow (Announcing London Down and encore)

London Down:
Phil Benjamin
Steve Hartsoe
Kenny Hartsoe
Chris Carbone

Featuring
Jeff Ebbage​ and Marty Flanagan​
from Grey Matter

Thank you Stan Kent from One Step Beyond for making this happen and giving us life long memories.

04/19/2026

To continue the 15 years of music reviews during this week of celebration and introspection, we revisit one of Pow Magazine’s first significant political fundraisers. This event was a pivotal moment in the late 1980s, addressing issues that profoundly affected free speech and artistic expression. Pow was asked to help raise money for the non-profit organization, The No More Censorship Defense Fund. These funds were dedicated to covering the ongoing legal expenses incurred in the obscenity case against Jello Biafra and other members of the premier political-punk band, Dead Kennedys.

Dirk Dirksen, a renowned music promoter and emcee who dominated the San Francisco punk rock scene at clubs like Mabuhay Gardens and On Broadway during the late 1970s and early 1980s, reached out to Dave Davies in 1987. Davies, the creator of the original Pow Magazine, led what was then a rapidly growing fanzine that focused on the underground local rock scene while also reviewing diverse music from around the globe.

This collaboration resulted in our first live music political events, held in San Francisco and Santa Clara, California. Our involvement stemmed from a deep-seated desire to combat censorship and protect the integrity of art and music within the state. It was truly an honor to contribute to such a vital cause—an important voice that stood to impact creators and audiences across every genre of music, art, and film.

Pow Magazine
Founder of POW
powmagazine.org

_________________________

Pow Magazine No More Censorship Defense Fund Benefit Show – 30th Anniversary, October 28, 1987 Part Five
_________________________

The No More Censorship Defense Fund was Pow Magazine’s first political music event to help San Francisco promoter Dirk Dirksen to raise funds for the ongoing legal expenses in the case against Jello Biafra and members of the premier political-punk band, Dead Kennedys. Dirksen help raise funds for the defendants for the No More Censorship Defense Fund organization. Jello Biafra, vocalist and leader of The Dead Kennedys and his four band members had been charged on June 2, 1986 with violating California Penal Code Section 313.1, Distribution of harmful matter to Minors, a misdemeanor that carries a possible fine of $2000 and a maximum sentence of one year in jail.

The charge centered on the record album, “Frankenchrist” by Dead Kennedys, released on Alternative Tentacles Records. Enclosed, as part of the album was a poster reproduction of a painting by world-renowned Swiss surrealist master HR Giger.

One Step Beyond, host the event for Jello Biafra fundraiser event organized by Pow Magazine featuring one of the best South Bay bands of 1987; The Social Club The Shockwaves, The Frontier Wives, The Endmen, Grey Matter, London Down with special guest Dirk Dirksen of No More Censorship Defense Fund and psychedelic light show by The Seeing Eye.

For the full story, visit: https://www.powmagazine.org/powmagazine/no-more-censorship-defense-fund-benefit-show-ii/

MC, Dennis Gonzales, Co Founder of Pow Magazine 1987

Grey Matter:
Joe Simpson
Jeff Ebbage
Marty Flanagan
Sean Galvin

04/19/2026

To continue the 15 years of music reviews during this week of celebration and introspection, we revisit one of Pow Magazine’s first significant political fundraisers. This event was a pivotal moment in the late 1980s, addressing issues that profoundly affected free speech and artistic expression. Pow was asked to help raise money for the non-profit organization, The No More Censorship Defense Fund. These funds were dedicated to covering the ongoing legal expenses incurred in the obscenity case against Jello Biafra and other members of the premier political-punk band, Dead Kennedys.

Dirk Dirksen, a renowned music promoter and emcee who dominated the San Francisco punk rock scene at clubs like Mabuhay Gardens and On Broadway during the late 1970s and early 1980s, reached out to Dave Davies in 1987. Davies, the creator of the original Pow Magazine, led what was then a rapidly growing fanzine that focused on the underground local rock scene while also reviewing diverse music from around the globe.

This collaboration resulted in our first live music political events, held in San Francisco and Santa Clara, California. Our involvement stemmed from a deep-seated desire to combat censorship and protect the integrity of art and music within the state. It was truly an honor to contribute to such a vital cause—an important voice that stood to impact creators and audiences across every genre of music, art, and film.

Dennis Gonzales
Founder of POW
powmagazine.org

_________________________

Pow Magazine No More Censorship Defense Fund Benefit Show – 30th Anniversary, October 28, 1987 Part Four
_________________________

The No More Censorship Defense Fund was Pow Magazine’s first political music event to help San Francisco promoter Dirk Dirksen to raise funds for the ongoing legal expenses in the case against Jello Biafra and members of the premier political-punk band, Dead Kennedys. Dirksen help raise funds for the defendants for the No More Censorship Defense Fund organization. Jello Biafra, vocalist and leader of The Dead Kennedys and his four band members had been charged on June 2, 1986 with violating California Penal Code Section 313.1, Distribution of harmful matter to Minors, a misdemeanor that carries a possible fine of $2000 and a maximum sentence of one year in jail.

The charge centered on the record album, “Frankenchrist” by Dead Kennedys, released on Alternative Tentacles Records. Enclosed, as part of the album was a poster reproduction of a painting by world-renowned Swiss surrealist master HR Giger.

One Step Beyond, host the event for Jello Biafra fundraiser event organized by Pow Magazine featuring one of the best South Bay bands of 1987; The Social Club The Shockwaves, The Frontier Wives, The Endmen, Grey Matter, London Down with special guest Dirk Dirksen of No More Censorship Defense Fund and psychedelic light show by The Seeing Eye.

For the full story, visit: https://www.powmagazine.org/powmagazine/no-more-censorship-defense-fund-benefit-show-ii/

The Endmen:
Timothy Stroupe (Lead vocals)
Michael Sears
Chris Sharp
Ric Cascelli
Sheila Sargent

04/19/2026

To continue the 15 years of music reviews during this week of celebration and introspection, we revisit one of Pow Magazine’s first significant political fundraisers. This event was a pivotal moment in the late 1980s, addressing issues that profoundly affected free speech and artistic expression. Pow was asked to help raise money for the non-profit organization, The No More Censorship Defense Fund. These funds were dedicated to covering the ongoing legal expenses incurred in the obscenity case against Jello Biafra and other members of the premier political-punk band, Dead Kennedys.

Dirk Dirksen, a renowned music promoter and emcee who dominated the San Francisco punk rock scene at clubs like Mabuhay Gardens and On Broadway during the late 1970s and early 1980s, reached out to Dave Davies in 1987. Davies, the creator of the original Pow Magazine, led what was then a rapidly growing fanzine that focused on the underground local rock scene while also reviewing diverse music from around the globe.

This collaboration resulted in our first live music political events, held in San Francisco and Santa Clara, California. Our involvement stemmed from a deep-seated desire to combat censorship and protect the integrity of art and music within the state. It was truly an honor to contribute to such a vital cause—an important voice that stood to impact creators and audiences across every genre of music, art, and film.

Dennis Gonzales
Founder of POW
powmagazine.org

_________________________

Pow Magazine No More Censorship Defense Fund Benefit Show – 30th Anniversary, October 28, 1987 - Part 3
_________________________

The No More Censorship Defense Fund was Pow Magazine’s first political music event to help San Francisco promoter Dirk Dirksen to raise funds for the ongoing legal expenses in the case against Jello Biafra and members of the premier political-punk band, Dead Kennedys. Dirksen help raise funds for the defendants for the No More Censorship Defense Fund organization. Jello Biafra, vocalist and leader of The Dead Kennedys and his four band members had been charged on June 2, 1986 with violating California Penal Code Section 313.1, Distribution of harmful matter to Minors, a misdemeanor that carries a possible fine of $2000 and a maximum sentence of one year in jail.

The charge centered on the record album, “Frankenchrist” by Dead Kennedys, released on Alternative Tentacles Records. Enclosed, as part of the album was a poster reproduction of a painting by world-renowned Swiss surrealist master HR Giger.

One Step Beyond, host the event for Jello Biafra fundraiser event organized by Pow Magazine featuring one of the best South Bay bands of 1987; The Social Club The Shockwaves, The Frontier Wives, The Endmen, Grey Matter, London Down with special guest Dirk Dirksen of No More Censorship Defense Fund and psychedelic light show by The Seeing Eye.

For the full story, visit our Notes at http://www.powmagazine.org/powmagazine/no-more-censorship-defense-fund-benefit-show-ii/

MC, Dave Davis, Founder of Pow Magazine, 1987
The Frontier Wives:
Lex van den Berghe
Scott Long
Matthew Rook
Kelly Castro

04/19/2026

To continue the 15 years of music reviews during this week of celebration and introspection, we revisit one of Pow Magazine’s first significant political fundraisers. This event was a pivotal moment in the late 1980s, addressing issues that profoundly affected free speech and artistic expression. Pow was asked to help raise money for the non-profit organization, The No More Censorship Defense Fund. These funds were dedicated to covering the ongoing legal expenses incurred in the obscenity case against Jello Biafra and other members of the premier political-punk band, Dead Kennedys.

Dirk Dirksen, a renowned music promoter and emcee who dominated the San Francisco punk rock scene at clubs like Mabuhay Gardens and On Broadway during the late 1970s and early 1980s, reached out to Dave Davies in 1987. Davies, the creator of the original Pow Magazine, led what was then a rapidly growing fanzine that focused on the underground local rock scene while also reviewing diverse music from around the globe.

This collaboration resulted in our first live music political events, held in San Francisco and Santa Clara, California. Our involvement stemmed from a deep-seated desire to combat censorship and protect the integrity of art and music within the state. It was truly an honor to contribute to such a vital cause—an important voice that stood to impact creators and audiences across every genre of music, art, and film.

Dennis Gonzales
Founder of POW
powmagazine.org

-------------------------------

Pow Magazine No More Censorship Defense Fund Benefit Show 30th Anniversary, Oct 28, 1987 Part 2

-------------------------------

The No More Censorship Defense Fund was Pow Magazine’s first political music event to help San Francisco promoter Dirk Dirksen to raise funds for the ongoing legal expenses in the case against Jello Biafra and members of the premier political-punk band, Dead Kennedys. Dirksen help raise funds for the defendants for the No More Censorship Defense Fund organization. Jello Biafra, vocalist and leader of The Dead Kennedys and his four band members had been charged on June 2, 1986 with violating California Penal Code Section 313.1, Distribution of harmful matter to Minors, a misdemeanor that carries a possible fine of $2000 and a maximum sentence of one year in jail.

The charge centered on the record album, “Frankenchrist” by Dead Kennedys, released on Alternative Tentacles Records. Enclosed, as part of the album was a poster reproduction of a painting by world-renowned Swiss surrealist master HR Giger.

One Step Beyond, host the event for Jello Biafra fundraiser event organized by Pow Magazine featuring one of the best South Bay bands of 1987; The Social Club The Shockwaves, The Frontier Wives, The Endmen, Grey Matter, London Down with special guest Dirk Dirksen of No More Censorship Defense Fund and psychedelic light show by The Seeing Eye.

For the full story, visit at http://www.powmagazine.org/powmagazine/no-more-censorship-defense-fund-benefit-show-30-years-later/

MC, Dave Davis of Pow Magazine
The Shockwaves:
Frank Novicki
Stretch Riedle
Randy Hyden

04/19/2026

To continue the 15 years of music reviews during this week of celebration and introspection, we revisit one of Pow Magazine’s first significant political fundraisers. This event was a pivotal moment in the late 1980s, addressing issues that profoundly affected free speech and artistic expression. Pow was asked to help raise money for the non-profit organization, The No More Censorship Defense Fund. These funds were dedicated to covering the ongoing legal expenses incurred in the obscenity case against Jello Biafra and other members of the premier political-punk band, Dead Kennedys.

Dirk Dirksen, a renowned music promoter and emcee who dominated the San Francisco punk rock scene at clubs like Mabuhay Gardens and On Broadway during the late 1970s and early 1980s, reached out to Dave Davies in 1987. Davies, the creator of the original Pow Magazine, led what was then a rapidly growing fanzine that focused on the underground local rock scene while also reviewing diverse music from around the globe.

This collaboration resulted in our first live music political events, held in San Francisco and Santa Clara, California. Our involvement stemmed from a deep-seated desire to combat censorship and protect the integrity of art and music within the state. It was truly an honor to contribute to such a vital cause—an important voice that stood to impact creators and audiences across every genre of music, art, and film.

Dennis Gonzales
Founder of POW
powmagazine.org

-------------------------------

Pow Magazine No More Censorship Defense Fund Benefit Show 30th Anniversary, Oct 28, 1987 -Part 1

-------------------------------

The No More Censorship Defense Fund was Pow Magazine’s first political music event to help San Francisco promoter Dirk Dirksen to raise funds for the ongoing legal expenses in the case against Jello Biafra and members of the premier political-punk band, Dead Kennedys. Dirksen help raise funds for the defendants for the No More Censorship Defense Fund organization. Jello Biafra, vocalist and leader of The Dead Kennedys and his four band members had been charged on June 2, 1986 with violating California Penal Code Section 313.1, Distribution of harmful matter to Minors, a misdemeanor that carries a possible fine of $2000 and a maximum sentence of one year in jail.

The charge centered on the record album, “Frankenchrist” by Dead Kennedys, released on Alternative Tentacles Records. Enclosed, as part of the album was a poster reproduction of a painting by world-renowned Swiss surrealist master HR Giger.

The Kennel Club, now The Independent, host the event for Jello Biafra fundraiser event organized by Pow Magazine featuring one of the best San Francisco bands of 1987; Flying Color, The McGuires, The Ophelias, Jon Gon, The Catheads, with special guest Suzanne Stefanac of No More Censorship Defense Fund and psychedelic light show by The Seeing Eye.

For the full story, visit our Notes at http://www.powmagazine.org/powmagazine/no-more-censorship-defense-fund-benefit-show-30-years-later/

THE SOCIAL CLUB:
MC, Dave Davis of Pow Magazine
Mike Donio
Mo Herringer
John Barrett
Dave Schumacher

04/19/2026

To continue the 15 years of music reviews during this week of celebration and introspection, we revisit one of Pow Magazine’s first significant political fundraisers. This event was a pivotal moment in the late 1980s, addressing issues that profoundly affected free speech and artistic expression. Pow was asked to help raise money for the non-profit organization, The No More Censorship Defense Fund. These funds were dedicated to covering the ongoing legal expenses incurred in the obscenity case against Jello Biafra and other members of the premier political-punk band, Dead Kennedys.

Dirk Dirksen, a renowned music promoter and emcee who dominated the San Francisco punk rock scene at clubs like Mabuhay Gardens and On Broadway during the late 1970s and early 1980s, reached out to Dave Davies in 1987. Davies, the creator of the original Pow Magazine, led what was then a rapidly growing fanzine that focused on the underground local rock scene while also reviewing diverse music from around the globe.

This collaboration resulted in our first live music political events, held in San Francisco and Santa Clara, California. Our involvement stemmed from a deep-seated desire to combat censorship and protect the integrity of art and music within the state. It was truly an honor to contribute to such a vital cause—an important voice that stood to impact creators and audiences across every genre of music, art, and film.

Dennis Gonzales
Founder of POW
powmagazine.org
_________________________

Pow Magazine No More Censorship Defense Fund Benefit Show – 30th Anniversary, September 16, 1987 - Part Five
_________________________

The No More Censorship Defense Fund was Pow Magazine’s first political music event to help San Francisco promoter Dirk Dirksen to raise funds for the ongoing legal expenses in the case against Jello Biafra and members of the premier political-punk band, Dead Kennedys. Dirksen help raise funds for the defendants for the No More Censorship Defense Fund organization. Jello Biafra, vocalist and leader of The Dead Kennedys and his four band members had been charged on June 2, 1986 with violating California Penal Code Section 313.1, Distribution of harmful matter to Minors, a misdemeanor that carries a possible fine of $2000 and a maximum sentence of one year in jail.

The charge centered on the record album, “Frankenchrist” by Dead Kennedys, released on Alternative Tentacles Records. Enclosed, as part of the album was a poster reproduction of a painting by world-renowned Swiss surrealist master HR Giger.

The Kennel Club, now The Independent, host the event for Jello Biafra fundraiser event organized by Pow Magazine featuring one of the best San Francisco bands of 1987; Flying Color, The McGuires, The Ophelias, Jon Gon, The Catheads, with special guest Suzanne Stefanac of No More Censorship Defense Fund and psychedelic light show by The Seeing Eye.

For the full story, visit our Notes at http://www.powmagazine.org/powmagazine/no-more-censorship-defense-fund-benefit-show-30-years-later/

Special guest:

1. San Francisco Mayoral Candidate, Warren Hinckle
2. Suzanne Stefanac of No More Censorship Defense Fund

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Mountain View, CA

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