Would you get a tattoo if it were free?

Because this weekend, they're gonna be.

As part of some crazy promotion/out of the goodness of their ink-crazed hearts, Sailor Jerry (116-118 S. 13th St., 215-531-6380‎) is holding two free events this Friday and Sunday: a show by the A.K.A.s before they leave for the Vans Warped Tour, and a free-of-charge tattoo day at Philadelphia Eddie's Tattoo (904 Arch St., 215-440-9997).

I don't have any tattoos, and the reason being is that every time I look back on who I was a year ago, I think, "What a fool … I definitely wouldn't trust that person to get a tattoo I'd like for the rest of my life." But this free business is pretty tempting. Are any of you tattoo virgins going to do the deed this weekend?

UPDATE: There is a catch — the tattoo has to be of the band's logo. That's kinda lame … but still, it's free, so kinda cool. More info the band's MySpace.

Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry Trailer

Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry is a feature length documentary exploring the roots of American tattooing through the life of its most iconoclastic figure, Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins. Considered by many the foremost tattoo artist of all time, Collins is the father of modern day tattooing, whose uncompromising lifestyle and larger than life persona made him an American legend. Through rare interviews, photographs and hours of archival footage, Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry: The Life and Times of Norman Keith Collins, explores the past, present and future of the global tattooing phenomenon.
http://horismokumovie.com

"Hori Smoku is a well developed and beautifully filmed documentary that won several awards over the past two years for it’s coverage of America’s most notorious deviant. Director Erich Weiss spent two years traveling, doing interviews, and gathering information on the life of Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins. Considered the pioneer of modern day tattooing Sailor Jerry is its most recognizable face. Not only is Weiss able to give us a glimpse into Sailor Jerry’s life and character but also shows us a clear picture of how World War II influenced him and how, in return, he’s influenced every tattoo artist since."

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Screening for the first time in Canada is the deeply researched and in-depth Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry documentary that explores the roots of American tattooing by chronicling the life of the now iconic Norman ‘Sailor Jerry’ Collins. Jammed with rare interviews, archival footage and tons of photographs, the feature length documentary tells a no-holds barred account of one of the most famous and respected artists in tattoo history. A must see for anyone who may even be slightly interested in the individual or the artform, Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry runs from June 17th - 21st 2009 in Toronto, Canada. The official NXNE web site has all the show details.

Seafarers’ Memoirs, Written on Skin

PHILADELPHIA — Cain was branded on his forehead. The town of Bethlehem was once renowned for its tattoos, applied by pilgrims as if to commemorate Jesus’ stigmata. During the Renaissance, tattoos of astrological signs were thought to confer cosmological powers.

Art-fused garage punks and issue-oriented rockers The A.K.A.s (Are Everywhere!) are turning their sights onto their homebase of Philadelphia to offer a break from the economic recession by offering a free concert and a free tattoos (lead singer Mike Ski is a very well-respected and well-known tattoo artist).

"One of the things we look forward to most is creative and fun opportunities to combine the visual aesthetics we love with our music," says Ski. "These two events combine so many of our overlapping passions that we are super stoked and anxious!"

As the only area performance before they hit the road all summer long on Vans Warped Tour, The A.K.A.s will be rocking a free outside performance in Philadelphia. The all ages event is the first in a series of performances presented by Sailor Jerry Clothing. Details below:
The A.K.A.s Live Outdoor Performance
Friday, June 12th at 7PM
116-118 S. 13th Street @ Sansom St.
(Outside the Sailor Jerry Store.)
Philadelphia, PA 19107
*FREE, ALL AGES!

A longtime tattoo artist, Ski has inked members of Bayside, Less Than Jake, Silverstein, Bleeding Through, Bring Me The Horizon, Hawthorne Heights, Fall Out Boy, Set Your Goals, Emery, among many others. On June 14th, he will be tattooing the band's logo for free all day.

Sunday, June 14th
Philadelphia Eddie's Tattoo (Chinatown)
904 Arch Street.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
11AM - 6PM
*Must be over 18 with proper ID *
First come first serve!

The A.K.A.s are currently wrapping up production on their follow-up to the acclaimed Everybody Make Some Noise! with Jamie Woolford (of Let Go/The Stereo fame) in the producer's chair.

"We know our strengths well and have always strived to capture it on our recordings," explains Ski. "Jamie's unique ear and personality have managed to successfully showcase the energy and attitude of our live show, while managing to bring out the melody in our madness."

The as-yet-untitled new album will be released Summer 2009.