Rainy River kids do well at Baudette skateboard and music jam

By Joyce Palm
Contributor

The 2008 Timber Mill Jam in Baudette showcased skills from both sides of the border again this year. Pictured are winners Jeff Dyck, 12 and Under Skateboard, Darren Nichols, 13 and Up Skateboard, and Brock Jonassen, Trick Bike. This event was organized by the Youth and Recreation Action Team, part of the Healthier Communities Initiative.
Millstock not only enabled one area band to broaden its fan base and receive feedback from experienced musicians, they were also awarded the opportunity to record with Green House Productions Recording Studio, a prize they very enthusiastically accepted. According to band member Josh Wilson, “The demo CD will be a huge boost to helping us get our music out there.”
“Embassy” provided a concert in the park on the pavilion at Timber Mill Park in Baudette on the 4th of July. Band members include Johnny Ans on drums and back-up vocals, Brandon Olsen on rhythm and acoustic guitar and lead vocals, Josh Wilson on bass guitar, and Mark Barron on lead guitar. Johnny and Brandon are from Devlin, Mark is from Barwick, and Josh is from Rainy River, Ontario. Josh, Brandon, and Johnny have been playing together for two and a half years, and Mark joined the band one and a half years ago. “Embassy” plays a wide variety of musical genres, including metal, progressive, rock, and pop rock, “due to the very diverse member preference in music.”
Judges Gerry Jolicoeur and Liz Tange gave feedback on typical competition judging criteria: musicianship, visual presentation, originality, audience response, song writing, professionalism, and overall entertainment value. The band received both high marks and constructive criticism in all categories. Along with looking forward to working with Pat Neumiller of Green House Productions on their demo CD, the band is also preparing for several upcoming events. They will be playing at Smokey Bear Park in International Falls on July 16th and they will be competing in the Battle of the Bands at the Canadian Bass Championship in Fort Frances. “We really appreciate the encouragement and support we received at this event,” said Josh. “We all had a crazy good time and the feedback was awesome.”