Your Rock Fest: A Festival of Our Own

By Travis Dvoracek
Contributing Writer

We, the punk rockers, metal heads, indie kids, and all people in between, are getting new things to be proud of in Fargo.

We have a new radio station that is trying to give us what we’ve wanted for a long time. We have more and better shows coming to the area more often than ever before. We have plenty of places that will hook us up with the music we’re looking for. We have more spots to hang out at and appreciate what we love, music.

And now we’ve got one more thing to be proud of, and it’s all thanks to our friends at Dive 95.9. They’ve made a list of most-requested bands, local and national, and are bringing them to Fargo-Moorhead for one big day of rocking out. For the first time in many years we have a rock fest to call our own, hence the name Your Rock Fest.

For those who may not know, Fargo does have a good music scene and has had one for a long time. There just haven’t been many festivals around this area besides the Blues Fest and WE Fest.

We really haven’t had something like this since 2002 when the Warped Tour came through and played at the Dome.

I am really excited. This is something I’ve wanted in the area for a long time. If all goes well we could have more of this later, and it could be even bigger and better than it already is.

The show is happening at Gio’s Grill and Bar, 123 21st St S, Moorhead, at their Event Center, on Saturday the 11th, and will have two stages.

On one stage, the indoor stage, we will be getting our punk on with all the heavier sets being played exclusively on it, and on the other, outdoor stage, the more toned-down indie sets will play to cool us down.

As Ben Larson of Dive 95.9 said when I talked to him, there will be a separation between the stages, “Not people-wise, that’s not what I’m looking for separation on, but actual sound. So that if you go to the indie stage you’re not going to hear overlap.”

People cross genres a lot, so there will be people visiting both stages, but this way everyone can enjoy their show without interruption. So when you’re tired, you can step outside and have a nice calm experience, then head back in to go crazy.

And how does a 24-bands show sound to you? The Dive took the time and made the effort to bring in a massive list of bands, with many local, regional, and even some nationally known. For all of you who want to rock the pit, the show will have heavy bands like Spoken from Fayetteville, Arkansas; In the Midst of Lions from St. Louis; and local favorites The Suit belting out what we want to hear.

But if that’s not for you and you want the more calm sounds of the indie scene then why not go to the second stage to hear the likes of Skies Alive, from Minneapolis; Bradley Hathaway from Goshen, Arkansas; or the local artist Michael Pink.

With all the bands coming, there’s bound to be something that will catch your interest. And who knows, you might find something new to love.

The Dive, besides giving us the best music they can find and taking requests, is also trying to help the little guy out there in the world. By that I mean the non-profits that are trying to help the less fortunate among us. If you listen to Dive 95.9, then you already know, but each month they try to give a non-profit some air time so that they can get their message out. Well, the Dive is giving them some face time with us at the show.

The show will have around 20 booths from local non-profits and businesses from around the area.

There will also be comedians between sets. Ben told me that they had talked to JJ Gordon from the The Linebenders, and he was going to bring a bunch of comedians to the show to keep the party going during setups.

“We’re trying to promote more local entertainment. We have a lot of local comedic talent in the area so we are in for a treat, even when the bands aren’t playing.” Ben also hinted at there being some other secret stuff going on at the show as well. So keep an eye out for surprises.

And hey if it’s a nice day out, why not bring a Frisbee or a football. Bring a chair, kickback and relax, try Gio’s excellent food (have you tried their salad bar?).
And for those who are worried about rain ruining the day, don’t, Gio’s has a big tent. We’ll stay dry and the electronics will be safe.

Ben had one more thing to add. “If there’s anybody reading this and they feel that they want to be involved, maybe they’re an artist or they do painting or make beads and they want to be a part of this, then please contact us. ‘Cause we want them to be a part of it. We would love to have more artists.”

So to all those who want to share their work with people, get ahold of Ben Larson or anyone at Dive 95.9 to show off your stuff.

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If You Go

What: Your Rock Fest
Where: Gio’s Event Center
When: Sat. Sep. 11, 1 pm
Info: 612.363.4444