Skateboarding defies any one description. It's radical. It's dangerous. It's also usually illegal. It's a featured sport in mainstream events like the X Games, and it's as underground as an empty swimming pool behind a locked fence. New school, old school, street, vert, and pools: there are almost as many types of skateboarding as there are skaters. These days you'll find a skateboard tucked under the arm of anyone from a grimy street punk to a fresh-faced suburban youth.

Music has always been a big part of skateboard culture, and skaters have always been ahead of the curve when it comes to music. From the surf rock of the 1960s through the punk rock of the 1970s up to today's grab-bag of indie, punk, and hip-hop, skaters are always craving good tunes because music pumps them up and makes them even crazier - which is exactly where EMP comes in.

August 2000 found EMP swarming with skaters and punks of all ages for a weekend of non-stop punk-rock and skateboard action to augment EMP's skate-punk display in the Milestones gallery. The weekend's activities fell under the charming banner Hey Punk! And what a scene it was. Legends of both skateboarding and punk rock's past showed up to take s all on a trip back to the Old School. EMP supplied the outdoor stage. Sea Skate skatepark supplied the terrain (which was conveniently located across the street from EMP). Original skate punks Steve Olson, Duane Peters, Steve Alba, and Tony Alva - along with a gaggle of local skaters - supplied the sweet lines and rough-and-tumble feats of daring-do. JFA, TSOL, Agent Orange, and a bunch of local bands supplied the loud-and-fast grooves. Slide shows, a screening of the Fruit of the Vine skateboard documentary, and several wild panel discussions occupied the remaining hours, offering enough education and knowledge to keep EMP's non-profit status alive.

But none of that admittedly great stuff fooled anybody. Put this many skaters and musicians together, add EMP's Liquid Lounge, and you've got yourself a party! People are still talking about it.

Those who missed it the first time around will be happy to hear that the second annual Hey Punk! jubilee is coming up in July. Tons of bands will be playing outside at Sea Skate just like last year, but with the added bonus of an improved terrain for skating. EMP is setting up ramps and expanding the street skating area to allow more skaters to ride while the bands are playing. (Just ask any skater and they'll tell you straight up: skating to live music can't be beat.) Along with the music, you can expect to see plenty of famous skateboarders risking their lives to thrill and amaze. Some surprises are yet to come - look for details to arrive shortly, or just go to emplive.com for the latest updates. Bring your board, and I'll see you in the pit.

When not involved in his musical projects Mudhoney and Monkeywrench, Steve Turner does other things.