Newpalooza ii ~ ~ ~ After the last band finished up on the night of day one at Newpalooza, the crowd gathered their senses and favoride beverages for the early morning activities. Music wise, that would include a open mic jam session brought together by Matt Haddon with the Area 52 Musicians Cooperative based in the Twin Cities. With rather clear night skies, a mix of musicians from a number of bands joined in which included members from Pasty White, 3 Pill Morning, Thought Cloud, RightAway, Shift and perhaps one or two from most of the bands that played the event. The after midnight jam session could be heard around much of the camping area.

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With my ticket in hand, I drove out to Black River Falls to check out the second year of Newpalooza. This being my first time to going to this event, I had no idea what to expect. When I arrived on Saturday the skies above, dark with clouds, threatened to unload a serious rainfall. As I walked through the campsite I was impressed to see so many people hanging out, having fun and paying little mind to the impending bad weather which included tornado warnings in the area.

The first band I got to see perform was Thought Cloud (appropriate name for a band in these circumstances.) I have seen them before, but never like this. They were in their element, on a great stage, outdoors and with threatening skies. Their set was amaziing, Leah's voice was so powerful and yes the rain fell and fell hard. During their final song the skies unloaded and it poured with a vengence. The hardcore music fans held their positions in front of the stage in total defience of Mother Nature. As the sound and light guy scrambled to cover the electrical components, Thoughtcloud kept giving us their best as if the rain was just part of their stage show. It was very impressive, and thankfully the rain let up soon after they finished.

The rest of the afternoon and into the evening we had very little rain and the sun actually made an appearance. I was able to see several great acts including Murge, Swampp Gass, Eddie Mac and finally 3 Pill Morning. During the set changes, Newpalooza had a second stage going. I cannot recall the names of the bands that played that stage although it featured some musicians from Area 52 in Minneapolis.

As a promoter and a booking agent in the Twin Cities, I was very impressed with how organized and professional this event was. I know how much time and effort an event like this takes and if I wore a hat I would gladly take it off in a show of respect and appreciation to the organizers, bands and especially the hardcore music fans that braved the elements and the drove to Black River Falls to support this show. The campground and the staging areas are very condusive to an outdoor show and of course the steady flow of beer along with the food vendors (great pizza) and the energy from the bands on stage, sold me on this event. I expect to be back next year lending my support and watching this event continue to grow.

I am a fan. Peace! Bill Berry - BBM&E