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!

It has been a roller coaster of a month, but in spite of that, new book! Promise Stones and Granny’s Bones (Tales from Deep River Book 3) is now out from Not A Pipe Publishing. Having had their magical coming-of-age adventure in book 1, main characters Crane and Ketty now must discover how to be independent adults. If you like cozy fantasy adventure with low-spice romance, I hope you will check it out!

Also in spite of the ups and downs, I didn’t forget about the band names. 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 bottom to never miss a post.

Camp Crush
Like a summer romance, but that cute guy or gal on the other side of the fire circle or dining hall has no idea they are part of anything. But they’re super nice about it, and by the end of the week, have been replaced at least once.

Heirloom Monsters
Built to scare for generations.

One Ton Mayhem
More chaos for your money if you buy in bulk. Stock up now! (On a bill with Patient Millions and past honoree East of Friday.)

Patient Millions
Not the first to be infected; not by a long shot. Still a significant, if depressing, milestone.

Prog Frog
I am probably as likely to include any band with “frog” in their name as I am those with “pig”. And it rhymes!

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 below for future issues.