Thursday, July 30, 2009

Concert for a Cause raises money to benefit local charities

This year’s Concert for a Cause, an annual benefit festival featuring local and regional bands, raised a little more than $2,000 in ticket sales and donated bar proceeds, according to event organizer Eric Grider. Bands from Billings, Missoula, and Rapid City, S.D. came together to raise money for two local organizations, the Meadowlark House and Art Without Boundaries. See Photos...

(Source: Pen and Paige)

Stimulate this Tour, Good but...

We went to the Stimulate This Tour at MetraPark last night. The tour features bands Staind, Shinedown, Chevelle, and Halestorm. And to our surprise Lo Pro opened up the show early.

Because Lo Pro played before the official showtime, they had a small crowd but they definitely played as if they were playing to thousands. Halestorm and Chevelle were high energy and interacted with the crowd. And Shinedown stole the show. They had the entire room on their feet rocking out to every song. They said, "Are you ready for Staind?" and the crowd responded in cheers of "YEAH!"

So then Staind comes out, begins with a pretty good hard rock song and next they go into one of their ballads. Lead Singer, Aaron Lewis sounded great but he either stood at his mic playing guitar and singing or slowly paced the stage. My younger brother put it best when he said "this has turned into a cuddling concert" and sure enough the couples around us were snuggling during the ballads and the rest of the crowd was just somber.

So the crowd that came to rock quickly began leaving. You could see 100s of people at a time filtering out of the arena. So then, Staind starts leaving really big spaces between songs. Eventually, Aaron Lewis asks how we're all doing and then he says "I apologize" and walks off. After a few seconds he comes back and says "Alright, Billings, I'm going to give you all I've got for one more song". Plays and is gone. The show was over at 10:30 or so and I would guess they were supposed to play until 11pm.

To the crowd, I think it felt like Staind just really didn't care to play for us. Billings has great rock fans and whatever the band gives, the crowd gives back. So a somber lead singer, gets a somber crowd. I think something must have been wrong. Maybe Aaron wasn't feeling his best... I don't really know for sure. But I'm certain that last night's show was not the norm for a Staind concert.

Regardless, the other acts definitely made up for it. I think I could see Shinedown over and over and not get bored with them.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Bane sticks underground

Bane (noun): That which causes ruin or woe. Also, an underground hardcore band based in Worcester, Mass. Created in 1995, Bane is a project of guitarist Aaron Dalbec (former member of Converge). Bane has sporadically released albums, including 1999’s It All Comes Down to This and 2001’s Give Blood, an album touted for revitalizing the east coast’s stagnant hardcore scene. Read Full Story...

(Source: Pen and Paige)

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

So much Entertainment headed our Way

In the next few months, Billings has a whole lot of National touring acts headed our way. Here's a quick run down:

Headliners Staind with Shinedown, Chevelle and Halestorm come to MetraPark next Wednesday, July 29th in the Stimulate this Tour.

Magic City Blues Festival is on August 7th and 8th. 2 Stages and 6 acts each night. Friday Night's Main Stage includes Shannon Curfman, The Tommy Castro Band, and Little Feat. The Main Stage on Saturday Night includes Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, and Los' Lonely Boys.

MontanaFair is August 7th-15th. The concert lineup includes The Gaither Vocal Band, August 7th; Nat & Alex Wolff from Nickelodeon's Naked Brothers Band on the afternoon of August 8th, Trace Adkins the evening of August 8th, Peter Frampton on August 9th, and Kelly Clarkson on August 10th.

Senses Fail and Bayside will be playing Shrine Auditorium on August 10th as well.

Then at the end of August, the 26th, MetraPark will host SlipKnot and Anthrax.

On September 1st, you can see another Idol, David Cook at the Shrine Auditorium.

September 3rd, Modest Mouse plays the Alberta Bair Theater.

Whew! We are going to have a jam packed month or so of entertainment. Which shows are you going to?

Friday, July 17, 2009

Concert for a Cause Lineup Announced

Concert For A Cause, a benefit music festival founded by local music lover Eric Grider, is back. After taking a year off, Grider regrouped and put together his sixth concert, taking place July 25 at Yellowstone Valley Brewing Co., to raise money for two local organizations, the Meadowlark House and Art Without Boundaries. Read Full Story...

(Source: Pen and Paige)

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Bones Brewing Hosts Chamber After Hours

BILLINGS CHAMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS AT BONES BREWERY-Each month (2nd Wednesday of every month) the Billings Chamber puts on an event called Business After Hours. It's a chance to do some networking in a casual atmosphere. It's hosted at a different business location each month.

Tomorrow Night (7/8), it's at Bones Brewery. It starts at 5pm and ends at 7pm. Drop your business card and you might even win a prize.

Business After Hours is just $5 and anyone can attend. I'd have to say, it truly is a good networking opportunity. I've made professional contacts at this event as well as some good friends!

Maybe, I'll see some of you there tomorrow night.