The History of August Assault!
August Assault is a show that 717 Entertainment wanted to become a staple in the scene. The idea was a metal show w/ an acoustic act or two and it would signify the end of summer.
The first event was held in 2007 and was the third Show we ever did. It featured Bob and Afreudianslip who were both out of town bands that Nick thought would catch on in our area. It marked Bob's first trip to Pennsylvania. This was the first of over 20 shows booked w/ the band bob who now goes by Super Bob. They impressed as Nick thought they would and became the biggest regional draw on 717 shows in history.
The show featured 3 local acts which included The Gorgonites, Deja Vudoo & Turning Point. The acoustic acts were major staples in the area as well. Ben Stewart of Hierosonic and Manian Van Hacker of Until We Rise, Jet Black Heart and Condition K fame. The event was Manian's first real acoustic gig.
The second August Assault was jam packed with talent. New York Based band As Summer Dies headlined the event along w/ their bassist Angel Dies (Who also had a "Hair by Angel" company that sponsored the show). The group was sold in Hot Topic stores which got the show a bit of promotion in the local Hot topic store.
Afreudianslip had just released their debut full length record called "The Accused". At this point the idea was to have AFS a permanent August Assault band and have them on each year. This year served as their PA CD release party. Sadly this would be the final time the band participated in the event.
The show also featured the only area appearance of Baltimore based Loving The Lie & first 717 Entertainment booking of Lancaster favorites Negative Space.
Brad Lee Ward & Mitch Hood were to be the acoustic acts but ended up playing w/ a band. Rhea Silvia & Drop of Grey were becoming local favorites very quickly.
The third year of August Assault became an odd one. Originally the show was to be headlined by Worlds End & Darlin ((a new band featuring Brandon Reece), however Nick got a call about a date w/ Former Stage Vocalist and recent Rock Star Supernova finalist Ryan Star. The decision was made to combine the show w/ a Ryan Star Headlining gig. The evening was a very unusual blend and considered a strange show however it was deemed a success based on attendance and reception.
The 4th August Assault got back to the pure metal evening it was meant to be. The show fell on Friday The 13th which was a date 717 Entertainment could not pass up even using the movie poster as the flyer for the event.
The show marked the fist time Bob performed in the area under their new name Super Bob. It was also the fist time they'd been on a August assault since the inaugural show. The band also headlined the gig.
The event also featured Absolution, Fireborn, Mindspine and The Taken. The acoustic idea was thrown out at this point as the show was simply an end of summer metal show.
For the 5th installment of the show the band Rome in a Day from Washington DC would be the headliner. Absolution returned and Flight Case Syndrome who was gaining steam in the area quickly would also be on the bill.
The idea was to bring back the acoustic portion of the show, however that was nHixed last minute due to time constraingts amongst other factors. Half Drawn & Lil T. rounded out the bill.
with this event getting away from the original feel of August Assault 717 Entertainment decided to shelve the show for a few years after this show. Nick felt that it had run its course and there was other avenues being explored the next year in august.
717 Entertainment was coming back into its own in 2017 and the show seemed to be a good fit again so it re emerged and debuted at The Depot in York w/ Canadian headliners Projekt F.
Nick felt the time was right to resurrect the event and the format returned to its pure metal roots. The Destruct Principle & Generation Empty (From Philly) also participated in the show. Terror Inc. would be the openers of the evening. Kan of worms was to play however dropped out last minute.
The show was a success in its return and also impressed the depot opening up new possibilities for that venue and 717 Entertainment in the future.
Projekt F. from Canada Headline August Assault
The Destruct Principle perform at the Depot for August Assault
Generation Empty from Philly perform at August Assault 2017
Terror Inc. open up August Assault
August Assault 2017 Photo's Courtesy Nick Meyers of 717 Entertainment
in 2018 717 Entertainment continued August Assault for a second straight year after the extended break it took earlier. With Gullifty's closing down and a new establishment opening up in the same building called Cliff's Tavern we decided it only fitting that we return to where it all began. We did just that w/ National Headliners September Mourning and Kaleido. Charcoal tongue from Texas were also along on the tour (and they were absolutely amazing). We added some local flavor w/ our favorites in Voidhidden and first time booking w/ Thousand Pound Destruction.
The Show also included the "Show us Your Tats" Bikini Contest hosted by Nick Meyers and sponsored by The Twisted Angels and 717 Tattoo. All the bands put on amazing performances and the crowd was out in abundance w/ well over 100+ in attendance w/ some stiff competition that night w/ other shows going on.
September Mourning Performs at Cliff's Tavern as part of August Assault. Photo Credit: 717 Entertainment
Christina Criss of Kaleido performs at cliffs tavern as part of August Assault. Photo Credit: 717 Entertainment.
Chris Mora of Charcoal tongue performs at Cliffs Tavern as part of August Assault. Photo Credit: 717 Entertainment
Voidhidden perform at Cliffs Tavern as part of August Assault. They played the final show 717 Entertainment did at Gullifty's and fittingly enough the first 717 Entertainment show at Cliff's. Photo Credit: 717 Entertainment.
Thousand Pound Destruction kick off August Assault at Cliffs Tavern. Photo Credit; 717 Entertainment.
The Girls (chrystal, Ashley, Tosha & Christianna) and guys (Justin and Richie) of the Show us Your Tats Bikini Contest. Photo Credit: 717 Entertainment