Naming a band is an act of concentrated creative expression. Since 2010, Square Pig in a Round Hole has been rewarding five favorite band names each week. Winners are (usually) listed alphabetically.

Selection is wholly unscientific and subject to whim, with a bias toward wordplay, humor, and local flavor. In most cases, I won’t know anything about the bands at the time of selection. Thanks to the Stranger’s Everout nightlife listings for abundant source material!

I decided not to sell books at Folklife this year, and the event I was going to play at was canceled, giving me a free Saturday to do whatever. I’m inclined to stay close to home, but don’t let that keep you in–there are lots of well named bands playing this weekend. I offer a few of my favorites below.

If you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch. Also, check out the Battle of the Bands my pal Chantel is doing at The Swamp, picking new competitors each week from Square Pig. And … hit the subscribe button at the lower right to never miss a post.

dreamcat
All the cats we’ve ever loved live on in our dreams, mostly going about their own business but coming over to purr at us when we need it.

Screeching Weasel
I love the internal rhyme, as well as the implication of a wildly annoying sound.

Summercoat
Tis the season: the pets are shedding like crazy and the people are putting away their parkas in favor of light jackets for the cool, lingering twilights.

Ugly Jug
Fun rhyme, and a reminder that a functional object doesn’t have to be pretty.

Ursawrath
Do not get between a mother bear and her cubs. It only makes her angry. You won’t like her when she’s angry.

Two last things before you go:

1. I run The Rage Brigade, a Facebook group for conversation about fantasy, science fiction, superheroes, and music (and the intersections thereof). If that sounds like fun, come join us here.
2. I share highlights from this blog in my monthly author newsletter, The Storypunk Report, as well as news of what I’m writing and reading, upcoming events, and other goodies, including “Wizard in the Mosh Pit,” an exclusive short story just for subscribers. Click the link to check out the archive and subscribe here for future issues. (Or just subscribe to the blog for your weekly dose of band names.)