Rockin in the rocks

By MARTIN J. KIDSTON - IR Staff Writer - 08/29/04
original posting: Helena Independent Record online

Rockers put their mouth where there metal is Saturday at the End of Summer Ear Infection Music Festival, a three-day bash drawing fans and bands from across Montana.

The festival, which started Friday night, packed the house at Jester's Bar before moving to the quarry Saturday.

There, amid towering stone walls, Jason Sampson of "Pooped My Pants" opened the show. The easy-going rocker didn't mind being the lead-off hitter.

"I just like to say ‘Pooped my pants,' " Sampson grinned, sipping his Heineken. "I think people need to say that as much as possible."

On a serious note, Sampson's homespun acoustic style, tainted with metal and punk, proved something different. Mixing a few obscure covers with original work, his one-man act was all the Ear Infection needed to get cranking.

Aaron Tekulve, the drummer from "Divine Tragedy," watched the four members of "Gunner" rock the quarry. Tekulve liked Gunner's smash-mouth sound. His own band was slated for later in the day.

"We just got an inside tip on the show," Tekulve said. "I haven't played in Helena yet. It's a good opportunity to spread out."

The quarry proved to be a rock 'n' roll epicenter throughout the day, harboring fans from Billings to Butte. The outdoor amphitheater soaked up the sounds — a perfect venue for deep-seated entertainment.

Event organizer Chad McLean of Tribal Earth Productions, said the festival has run smoothly so far. The fans have followed the music and expectations have been met.

That's not to say that McLean didn't have to jump through some last-minute hoops with the city before the festival began. That done, the talent came together, performing a series of high-voltage acts in what's shaping up as Montana's hip new scene.

It's the alternative unity that impressed Mitt Vicious the most. The singer with "Smash Division" out of Bozeman sported his blonde Mohawk with pride and said talk is under way about taking the Ear Infection into its second season.

"We played in Helena a couple of years ago, and we never wanted to play here again," Vicious said. "But this is awesome. Next summer is going to be off the hook. It's already been dubbed an annual event."

While the bands were hot, no concert is complete without a sound guy. That duty went to Justin Lawrence of Hell House Sound.

Lawrence fit right in with his rock 'n' roll cronies, working their sound like a pro. Sure, he said, he was a little nervous, but so far the technology has clicked.

"I'm a little underpowered," he said. "I need more juice to do an outdoor show. But I love it. This is what it's all about."

There were plenty of amps flowing from the tower speakers on stage. "Gunner" jammed long and hard, bringing the fans to their feet.

The metal maniacs weren't alone in their aggressive style. With more than 30 acts slated for the weekend, the lineup proved razor sharp, and Montana's alternative music scene took a big step forward.

"This gives you an idea of what the new generation in Montana is doing musically," McLean said. "These are all Montana bands, and it's a blend of alternative sound from this generation."

Mike Walters of the Billings-based band, "Endeavor," added, "Montana has a good scene, good diversity. This is an opportunity for us to show it."