Pantera Tribue Concert - August 23rd, 2013 - High Noon Saloon - Madison, WI

It's been nearly nine years since Dimebag Darrell was killed and it is still a fresh wound for many people. Friday's 2nd Annual Dimebag Darrell birthday celebration and tribute show was a benefit for DryHootch Madison, a vets-helping-vets group. Hopefully they were able to raise a lot of money and awareness for PTSD and their organization.

It was a great show with a 50/50 raffle, raffle tickets to win great prizes including a lot of band memorabilia and Scorpion Shots stuff (We went home with a limited edition Pantera concert poster and Lamb of God signed drum stick). Check out the organization here.

There was a good mix of bands. Some that I enjoyed, some that I didn't enjoy as much. Lying Still from Milwaukee, WI started the night on a good note. Vocalist Justin Netzel rocked the rough vocals and screams and just came out swinging. I will admit his polished look threw me off a little bit, but he did not disappoint. I'm glad I got the chance to see them.

The next two bands didn't quite do it for me. Look, I'm Burning used a lot of really bright lights that honestly just annoyed me. The vocals and instrumentals were good but didn't always seem to mesh together. They are a young up-and-coming band with a refined sound that many people seemed to enjoy.  Wake and Prevail was just not my taste. I'm very much in support of all local bands, whether I enjoy them or not and try not to bash anyone. They all work very hard for what they do and hopefully the passion drives them.

Up next was Cast in Fire. They have a great sound, so much energy and fit every possible stereotype of a metal band. Maybe I'm a little biased since I stalk every band Chris Fox is in, but there's a reason for that. I have never been disappointed and neither will you. The next time there's a show, get your ass out there and enjoy the face-melty goodness that is a Madison-based pure metal band. And while you're at it, check out photos below taken by KNS Photography (my own personal photographer) at the show.

The last band up was Northern Trendkill, a Pantera tribute band. I've seen them before and definitely liked them but unfortunately we had an all day music festival to get to Saturday morning, so we were unable to stay to see them. I'm sorry I couldn't see them that night, but I guarantee if you check them out you won't be disappointed (unless of course they started sucking since I last saw them). 

All in all, had a great show and it was an important cause. Please remember that our vets took care of us and we should take care of them. There are an alarming number of homeless vets and many have untreated or undertreated mental illness, specifically PTSD. Next time you see any member of the military - active duty or not, thank them. And if you're able, find a cause like DryHootch that you can support either financially or by donating your time. 

WJJO Band Camp 10 Year Anniversary - Willow Island, Madison - August 17, 2013

Yesterday was the day JJO listeners have been waiting for all year - Band Camp! It was a great time as usual despite the sun that didn't want to go away, the sudden "rule change" regarding purses/small bag (that apparently only existed for the people who were already standing in line but was amended as the day continued), and the lineup that caused a lot of stir.

I won't say much about the lineup. There were bands I loved (Nonpoint, Dope and Mindset Evolution) and some that I didn't care for. I know that the people at JJO put a lot of effort and time into creating this event and for that I'm grateful, but looking back at old lineups, I can see why people weren't as impressed. They have set the bar really high with great bands like Korn, Black Label Society, Damageplan, Five Finger Death Punch and  Godsmack.

Now I'm sitting here exhausted, sore and sunburnt but I would do it all over again. And I will - next year, and every year after that. There is nothing that can keep me from Band Camp. In 2010, I was on a trip to Florida with my mom and best friend, staying at Disney World and I left 2 days early to ensure I would be back in time for Band Camp.

 I am one of the few who can brag that I have been to every single Band Camp,  starting with the first one in 2004.  There weren't nearly as many people or booths, but the lineup was great and the "second stage" was basically a stage that popped out of a trailer and featured some awesome local bands. If there is anything I would suggest, it would be to bring back more local bands. WJJO is great at exposing many local bands to the public. Putting them in lineups with these awesome bands at this great show would be beneficial to the station, the attendees and the bands.

Featured Video: Screaming for Silence - Separate

Check out the official video for "Separate" from Screaming for Silence. We saw these guys last Saturday and definitely thought they were worth a second look.