THE NORTH WOODS

A really big show

By Sam Pfeifle

Twenty six bands, two days, one organizer in the person of Chris Capponi. Welcome to Rumford’s “I Hate Your Band Fest,” to be held at Hosmer Field this Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and 27.

Billed as the “the biggest local rock show that the state has ever seen” by Capponi , it’s hard to think of anything that compares. Bumstock is usually pretty damn big, but populated often with national and regional acts. Maine Festival is certainly a big musical deal, but hardly a rock event. So we’re willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Regardless, it’s a great idea.

“For the past year or so, I’ve made friendships with other bands throughout the state,” says Capponi, who plays bass for Chaos Control. “I talked back and forth with each individual band about hooking up to do a show, but the time was never right; either no one took the initiative to rent a space, or it was just a bad weekend. So, after the [Reindeer] rock-off this year, I talked to even more bands. Then one night I was listening to my Warped Tour CD, and it hit me. There’s Woodstock, there’s Bumstock, there was Lollapalooza, and there’s Warped Tour. What do you think of when you hear these names? You think of kick-ass shows. Why? Because it’s one huge show with tons of bands to listen to. Then I thought to myself, ‘What venue do young local bands have to play together, that isn’t a competition?’ Nothing. So, that’s where it all began.”

Capponi proceeded to send out an email to 30 bands, and was able to confirm 13 of them within 12 hours; the Bottle Rocket Kings, Pawn Shop Caddies, Barium, and Ransom among them. Every booking agent should have it so easy. “I figured that we’d get a show some Saturday afternoon with 5 or 6 bands,” he admits.

In all, it should be a wild weekend — with music running form 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. both days for $10 — but nothing the recent high-school grad shouldn’t be able to handle. “I’m hoping that what this will do is have all the bands get to know each other, exchange contacts, and set up the summer for a great number of shows. It would be awesome for the local rock scene.”