Groups ready to rock the river

Ken Johnston
Editor

Get ready to Rock the River for the 2nd year in a row!
Organizers of the 2nd Annual Rockin the River music festival are gearing up for what they hope will be another successful weekend of rock and roll musical fun in Rainy River on August 10 & 11, 2001. Both nights will be at the Rainy River arena.
Last year the event was a one evening, this year it will be two. Kristine Brown, one of the organizers, said that they hope to expand the appeal of the festival to all ages. The first night will be for adults only (19 and up) and will feature three bands and a full bar.
On Saturday there will be three bands but no alcohol will be served and kids will be allowed to attend. There will be a Mocktail Bar (alcohol free drinks).
Brown said that they felt that the music is well liked by 12-16 year olds and that they wanted to give them a chance to enjoy it as well. Last year only 16 and up was allowed in.
Unlike last year, this year there will be no heavy metal music. Instead the music will be more main stream rock and roll.
Brown’s brother, Curtis Paull played with one of the bands here last year and also hosts Battle of the Bands in Winnipeg. He approached three of the top bands at that competition and asked them to play at Rockin the River this year. They are Saving Isacc, Hot Apple Pie and Slow Jam.
Saving Isacc will headline the two nights and will feature guest musicians from last year’s crowd favourites Pushing Daisies and Coppermouth. They feature a high energy rock and roll show and can be visited at www.savingisacc.com.
Hot Apple Pie were finalists in the Next Big Thing contest in Winnipeg this year. According to Paull they bring a fun filled energy and enjoyment to this year’s Rockin the River. They are currently in the studio recording their debut album. They can be visited at www.hotapplepie.8m.com.
Slow Jam’s first album, “Mullet” has been very successful this year. Paull said they are veterans of the Winnipeg rock scene, having played many clubs there. They can be visited at www.slowjam.8m.com.
Rockin the River began last year when Kristine’s son Jamie Brown, envisioned hosting a rock festival here. With help from Paull and Kristine it happened and was a resounding success. However, this year Jamie joined the Canadian Forces and could not be here for Rockin the River. Although he said before leaving that he will be here in spirit and hopes to be here next year.