On Friday night, the whole thing kicked off with the start of Battle of the Bands (sponsored by Avante Records). Somehow the lineup times got misconscrewed, so that one of the bands, the Peacemakers, ended up not performing at all. At the end of the short sets, Alpacas for Sale won out over Nagoya, and were then guaranteed a Sunday performance. No Reason, Sardis, I Witness, and Just also performed on Friday night. Sardis, the on again/off again rockers, were supposed to switch the bill with the Ripperz, however ended up showing up, with the Ripperz being bumped to Saturday night. All of the bands got a hearty welcome from the crowd that actually did show up, perhaps that is why Just will be returning with new friends I Witness on September the 6th for a show.

The next afternoon kicked off with a three hour Avante Records show, featuring Malynda, Fresh I.E. and Be-Ka. After that I Witness again took to the stage. During one of I Witness’s hard rocking shows, lead singer Rob fell off the stage. Don’t worry folks! The band kept playing and Rob kept on screaming from the ground, after realizing he fell on his once dislocated shoulder. It was all good though, Rob got back on stage and told the crew that they could call an ambulance and he’d be right over after they finished the set. 5 songs later, he jumped in the ambulance and went to the hospital to get checked out. Keep your ear to the ground for these guys, who have a CD to be released quite soon. Newcomers Isaiah’s Answer was next and consisted of all age range members. Reminiscient of Caedmon’s Call and other folk/rock CCM bands, this band does have the potential to go farther, they just need to find their niche and get a little more experience.

Finally came one of the bands I had waited for, 38th Parallel. This band never ceases to impress me, due to the fact that the vocals are always entertaining. Mark on lead vocals, is not only the screamer, but the singer of the band, with a background in musical theatre. With him posing on the stage in his ‘Kiss Me I’m a Pirate’ t-shirt, you could instantly tell this dude could have had another life as an actor, easily. This is the only band I’ve seen who has two dual lead singers, the other being Nate. I heartily reocmmend any band to have a lead singer (the more the better) that is not attached to a guitar and then hence needs a mike stand. These guys were introduced as having a new album “Turn the Tides”, however this album had been released almost exactly a year ago. Hopefully they will go into the studio very soon, since their two new singles that they sang had excellent crowd response, and would not get out of my head. They seemed very at home on the large stage, and infront of the small but intense crowd. They welcomed any form of crowd response and a good vibe was felt throughout the crowd. Both the mosh side and the folding chair side of the audience. Surprise #1 about this weekend was that the crowd area was entirely a combination of sand and rocks, which when moshing, made a huge dust storm and turned everyone’s sneakers a greyish-brown.. cough-cough.

Starfield was next. Hailing from North Kildonan, they were recognized quite well and although I expected to see rockstars, or perhaps at least something close to it since they finally had label status, there was nothing of the sorts. They are just finalizing their record contract with Nashville-based Sparrow Records, and perhaps this could have been their last Manitoban concert for a long time. I could have compared this Starfield show to any of their shows I had seen in the past while, whether it be in Steinbach, Winnipeg, or Calgary, these guys are solid. They played all of the fan favourites off of their recent “Tumbling After” CD, as well as a few of the worship favourites (what a nice change for Christian bands). Winnipeg is certainly going to have a large hole once these guys leave, as there are few and far between bands in the city who are this talented and have the ability to minister to others God’s heart so well.

The Harlem Gospel Choir was up next, and wow what a show stopper. I don’t know if anyone was prepared for a show like this, since the percentage of Black Gospel music is at a low in Manitoba. But at the end, they certainly had all ages jumping to their feet, dancing away, and clapping their hands to every song they sung. It was like the entire crowd was down south for a huge revival meeting. Hopefully this amazingly talented group of people will be back next year, or else one like them, like the Toronto Mass Choir.

Sky Harbour fka Anthem, which are one of Inpop’s newest band, did have amazing stage presence and were also recognized and respected for their hair-dos. This band could fit right in with the college-rock scene, and what they lacked in vocals, they made up with running and jumping all around the stage. Personally, their bassist, who had such dry wit, would have won best stage character In response to the constant banter or heckling, who kept saying to the crowd ‘I don’t know how you guys do it in Canada, but in America we have the mics, we are the ones that talk’.

Finally at the stroke of midnight, the headliners of the evening, Jars of Clay, came onto the stage. I don’t think the crowd was at all surprised to the fact that they were wearing hoodies and touques, in fact I was seriously debating going to the Starfield merch table and borrowing a hoodie and touque for the night as well. Surprise #2 was that the nights away from the city are COLD! I’m sure some people might have thought that Jars lacked stage presence, but seriously they aren’t a rock band, they are generally known for their accoustic folk/rock sound. What some thought they lacked in stage presence, they totally made up for in their sound and talent. They played some stuff off of their newer albums and of course did the fan favourites, like ‘Worlds Apart’ (a wow moment), and ‘Flood’, but also did many from their ‘Eleventh Hour’ album, one which I can never get enough of. One of my favourite parts, was when they went on to explain their ‘Valley Song’, which they wrote when a friend of theirs died. A song about suffering, this song can only truly be enjoyed in the midst of suffering. The band showed its true talents with only a couple of guitars and perfect vocals. They could be placed in any coffee house, infront of any group of people, and you would know that they would enjoy it just as much. Jars are a band of story tellers, who can strip a song down to its basics and still have an awesome performance. After a nice long set, the Ripperz, who at one point supposed to show up, did not. So the crowd of about 1500-2000 people found their beds and for the lucky ones, they were in heated homes.

On the second morning, Alpacas For Sale, the Battle of the Bands winner, tried to wake everyone up, although the heat itself was quite draining, and most took shelter in what few shady spots could be found. On arriving at the top of the amphitheatre for Threadline’s show, the sound hurt my ears. so much so, that we were wondering what we had done with our earplugs. I left my friend at the top, while I ventured warrily down to the front of the stage for pictures, only to find out that the sound was fine. So if you thought some bands were loud and had annoying guitars, try changing your position. The afternoon crowd was around 500-700 for Threadline’s show, with Jeff from Alpacas doing double duty on bass guitar. We had also just missed another entertaining accident on stage, with Derek slipping and falling on the stage, but still continuing to play guitar. These guys have just released their first album, Undefined, since signing with Bloodbought Records. This certainly was a rocking show, with lead singer Blair, roaming around the stage, standing on the speakers whenever he could. Their first single, Too Far, got the most reaction for the crowd, which left everyone dusty again.

Surprise #3 of the weekend, there was absolutely no drinking water on the site that was free. I don’t know what was more of a surprise, that you had to buy drinkable water for $2, something that is needed to live on especially on a hot day. Or the fact that perhaps someone thought it was ok to not have a drinkable source tap turned on somewhere. Although yes there was showers available to the campers quickly on site, I didn’t really want to take my water bottle over there. However, one mom finally had to get water from the little sinks in the port-o-potties. Even the concessions on site had to bring in their own water. Now from both experience and asking around, I know that festivals like Cornerstone and Sonshine have large industrial sized containers of water for the campers and concert goers, as well as bathrooms where you can get tap water that is drinkable. I’m not sure if this was some new money idea with selling water, but if someone were to get heat stroke from lack of water, I’m sure suing someone could be an option.

Amanda Stott was next. I’m sure her performance was one of the most enjoyed for the locals, since she hails from Brandon. This young singer/songwriter is exceptionally talented and had a beautiful songbird voice. She sang favourites like the grammy award artist Marc Cohen’s “Walking on Memphis”, or the ever popular Avalon’s “Testify to Love”. This sweet country girl was a complete switch from the heavy rockers of Threadline. I do wonder if the fans stayed to hear her, or happened to find solace somewhere in the shade or in the showers.

The next act slated was Tree 63. They somehow were not there, but still on the bill as of Friday nights posted online schedule. This ensued a very LONG break with which I’m sure the vendors were extremely happy with. I took solace under the tent with the World Vision crew who were slated to go on stage in place of Tree 63. World Vision which had been already touted by Starfiled, and a rather interesting monologue by Dan Haseltine, of Jars of Clay. They are holding a fund raising benefit concert and a 30 hour famine at the end of this month (August 29th) for the kids of the war torn Iraq. While the crowd of people, who were already stuffed of fast food, were told of the thousands of kiddies that die a die (27,000, like 9-11 5 times a day), World Vision workers walked around the crowd with pictures of kids willing to be sponsored. They also promoted the FREE concert which will feature, Bucky Driedger of Alpacas for Sale Battle of the Bands winner, Nagoya (BoB runner up), Hundred Mile Day, All Rights Reserved, and A Place Tommorow. This will be at the old Southdale Baptist/Gateway South church on 230 Lakewood Blvd on Friday August 29th.

Finally at around 6pm came Go Fish. From the first sounds, they sounded like Plus One, the ‘first’ Christian boy band. Surprisingly, these guys were one of the bands who won over almost the entire audience. They are a 3 piece acappella group, with amazing harmonies and have funny, easy going stage personalities, which I’m sure carry off stage as well. Old and young by the end where following their actions and clapping along, though for me, it was the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle tshirt that Jamie was wearing. The guys kept the crowd laughing especially when it was found out that Andy is from Canada, and Jason grew up on a hog farm in the South… this entailed a rowdy songs featuring lots of ‘YEE-haws’.

Finally, the band I had been waiting to see for a very long time came onto the stage, Pillar. I was blown away by their talent at entertaining the crowd. However I think it really didn’t matter if the crowd was there or if they had been on a different stage or city or ahem, state. The official rockstars of the weekend seemed to be so into their stage presence and just plain looking good, that I don’t think they really cared what the crowd did. This was a totally different band then what I remember from first seeing them two years ago at the third stage at Sonshine. Perhaps it was because I had just finished up looking at many many bands over a period of three weeks for the battle of the bands, that now a band had to have more than eye popping stage tricks to impress me. Although yes I was impressed when for their last song, Kalel (bassist) did a guitar toss at the same time that Noah (guitarist) did a cartwheel, and Rob (lead singer) took a flying leap and shot water out of his mouth. I was so wowed out, that I didn’t notice if Lester (drummer) did anything. Although shortly before this he was pounding so hard on the drums that he was bouncing up and down off his chair and twirling his drum sticks at the same time. These new rock stars have just been signed by MCA, aka Geffen Records after the merge between the two sister labels, all owned by Universal Music Group. Kalel is quoted as saying that “Geffen has made Pillar their #1 rock priority right now”. You can sure tell that, since when Rob finally did speak to the crowd at the beginning of the 5th song, he did mention now playing secular shows. And maybe that’s why suddenly they launched into a riff that one fan mentioned was from an Audio Slave song. This band has energy and tons of it, but from both a fan and media persepective I was given the aloof, untrusting vibe more than once. I don’t know how many bands realize this, but if a person comes up to you wearing your tshirt/pin/hoodie etc and then perhaps starts talking media/radio lingo, they do not want to bash or trash you, nor want to stalk you. Part of a job being media is to promote and hopefully get to know a band, by being able to go places and talk to bands that the average fan cannot. However on this weekend, I think someone should have let certain bands know this. Yes, I realize everyone is tired and has had a long way of getting here, yes so have we as well. I really don’t care who a band is signed with, what big name they are touring with, or if they are the ones headlining, all I care about is where their hearts are at… entertaining or worshiping.

What a nice surprise it was to see the last two bands. Watching Skillet on stage was something like having your friends over to your basement or garage who had been drinking Jolt cola all day. These guys were totally at home, and had abandoned their neo goth/punk look. Their new look was straight out of the collage band scene, complete with retro tshirts and trucker hats. They totally rocked the crowd, including John who kept breaking his bass strap. Finally one of the stage guys brought out some electrical tape, with John profusely apologizing, however the crowd loved it. It was finally nice to see a band who was ready to do anything for the fans. This show was most certainly for the fans and no one else. You would have never known that Korey, John’s wife, is the mother of their baby girl. She was pounding on the keyboards as hard as everyone was playing, at the same time singing and when her hands weren’t busy on the keys, she was mashing on the guitar. Lori, the drummer, banged away, while Ben, the lead guitarist, amazed the crowd by playing the guitar behind his head. However long their set felt to some, for most it was not long enough. I’m sure the crowd and band would have been blessed to have Skillet come back for a worship set. Hmmm… idea for next year?

The closer band of the weekend was Audio Adrenaline, who were happily seen mingling around the VIP deck and behind the stage throughout the night. They launched onto the stage with bright lights, big smoke, and loud music and enough energy to send all those snap happy bands home packing. They were the first and only band to which I thought after only one song, I would have easily paid more than half the full ticket price to see just them (at the doors, they raised the weekend ticket price to $100). Surprise #4 both I’m sure to myself and the audience, that the little fenced off area between the mosh area and lawn chair area, could be used for the lead singers! Immediately into one of their first songs, Mark launched himself off the stage and into the fenced up part which (duh) could be used for singers who want to come bounce and rock with the crowd. (Why did it have to take the last band to figure this out?) Tyler (lead guitarist) then launched himself off the stage and into the crowd, so others could play on his guitar… and he was still connected to a patch cord. They had an amazing lighting set up and if they had been anywhere else, say Sonshine, the crowd would have gotten the same set/lighting quality type of show. The guys were absolutely amazing (including Will’s HUGE mohawk), inviting up a slew of fans onto the stage and still joking around with everyone. It was like one big backyard party and I finally was dressed for it. Under multiple layers of clothing I jumped around with everyone else, and then at the end of the show around midnight, knowing I had to drive 2 hours home, I wanted Audio to keep on playing! This show truly could have been called Spectacular Spectacular.

This little group of fans of 2,000, compared to say 15,000, certainly got their money worth in this weekend. They got a show which was quite tiny in attendance, compared with heavies Cornerstone that has around 10 stages, but still had awesome sound, lighting AND quality bands for the most part. This first annual crowd was also lucky, because I’m sure next year it will be quite a bit harder to get third row for the headlining band. If LRFF attendance doubles next year, I wouldn’t be surprised. Hopefully however, I hope they get the water situation sorted out. In comparison to Sonshine, for ticket prices (with conversion) it is the same. Everything else was in Canadian funds (food/camping), and it is a closer drive, but Sonshine does have 5 stages versus just 1. Personally I’d rather go to the smaller venue since I know I can get quite close to the stage, then share everything with thousands of other fans. One of the hilarious highlights was security, who I’m sure were imagining something along the lines of Little River Rock Fest. As soon as Jars of Clay came on stage, there was 6 security guys up at the front, arms crossed, ready to move into action. I’m sure all the fans were all wondering what they were for. Then when one security guy tried to get the audience to clap for a slower Jars of Clay song, even the guitarist at one point looked a bit perturbed. Maybe someone should have told them that most fans at a festival like this, aren’t about to go as crazy as the Rock Fest. If it were say a crowd of 2,000 for Pillar, all moshing about, ok then yes.

The bands were treated to cute little construction like trailers which were outfitted in the lastest 70’s decor. They even had that retro cute cottage musty smell to them and were well stocked with food and water… ahhhh free water. They and the other VIP members were also treated to a VIP deck, which had scheduled meals (I’m not sure exactly when since I never heard of a certain schedule myself). And, praise God, this facility had normal washrooms, one of the only perks at being media. I’m too used to Sonshine where there had been a media tent with scheduled interviews, so we didn’t have to politely stand with all the other hundred fans and then ask the band to tell security that yes we weren’t psycho and yes we could be trusted, so please let us behind the gates so we could get a radio splitter/liner that would take 1 minute. One of my band friends looked at me quizzically when I asked him to tell security to let me in, and the security guard ‘joked’, are you sure she’s ok? This little dj from the little radio station certainly didn’t have the pull that other outlets did, when I saw a large vehicle plastered with the other media logo pull up behind the stage… and I thought media wasn’t allowed backstage access. Next time, I’ll go as a girlfriend or photographer.

Many comments I heard were perhaps more of a variety, not of bands, but of stuff to do. Perhaps a second stage facing another direction with a heavy or lighter line up of bands (instead of random), or a bunch of speakers you could go check out, or even a stage for worship bands only. And one thing I did miss was to have someone on stage perhaps prayer every so often, or to have more of a ‘faith’ presence. Don’t get me wrong, Tom Jackson was cool and witty as MC. But I guess at a Christian festival, I too want the Christian presence being more than just the bands. Although I wasn’t there the whole time, for me, the only time when I heard anything mentioned that had to do with being a Christian, was in the end when organizer Mo Karouse, said have a good trip home and God Bless. Tickets for this event, will go on sale online next January.

http://www.littleriverfaithfest.com.

Editor’s Note: Since then the Little River Rockfest which operated Little River Faithfest has filed for Bankruptcy and the 2004 edition is in limbo.