Ridgefest Rockin’ Revival at Park Saturday

This Saturday, March 6, Park Community Centre is going to be filled with the sounds of rock 'n' roll, reggae funk, groovy tunes, and hard-hitting danceable beats. It is the Ridgefest Rockin' Revival, an event usually associated with summer, now they are heating up the winter months as well. The social begins at 8 p.m. and goes until 1 a.m., featuring four fabulous local bands and a D J spinning it promises to be an entertaining evening. To get the inside scoop on the upcoming event I sat down with one of the two original creators of Ridgefest, Lyall McDermid.

Jeri: I can tell the days are getting longer and spring is arriving with another addition of a Ridgefest event. What sparked the original idea of Ridgefest?

Well as the story goes, Ridgefest began with a tiny idea born at a jam session at my little band house. I owned a small cabin style place in Brandon that many of my musical friends would crash and jam till the wee hours. Jason (guitar player for The Invisible Men) and I thought “what if we got all our friends' bands together, built a stage and rocked the great outdoors?” Yes! Wayne's World certainly comes to mind. Truly, all of the musicians and bands of the time were hanging out and in need of gigs and events. Keep in mind this was pre Clancy's, Lady of the Lake, and the Ginger Cat Cafe. One of my oldest friends, Frank (McGwire), played in several bands at the time and loved the idea. He and I began the journey that has spawned six going on seven Ridgefests!

Jeri: It used to be just a one time a year jam and now it seems to be a merging of the Brandon Bands throughout the year. When did the social aspect begin?

Our goal from year one was to give back to charity and to just have the summer main event didn't feel like enough. The winter in Manitoba gets long and much too quiet for wild and crazy band guys. We all get cabin fever and the winter social was an excellent way to continue the giving and the fun.

The social is simple. It is much like the big gig, a combination of great local talent up on a stage with a huge sound system, add some tasty libations, let the good times rock and roll!

Jeri: What bands are in store for us on Saturday night?

The great lineup for this social includes The Invisible Men, Janksta, Groove Kitchen and Nuthin but Trouble. My greatest reward when putting on these gigs has been the generous support that all the bands contribute. They donate time, sweat and love to Ridgefest and what Frank and I are trying to do.

Jeri: Ridgefest just keeps growing and growing. What makes this event so special?

Ridgefest 7, WOW ! What can we say? The event has had lots of ups and downs. I have learned a lot about what not to do when putting on a large outdoor concert. It still manages to impress me the wonderful support Brandon has shown us. It is nothing short of amazing to get hundreds of musicians, friends and Brandonites together to raise money for Westman Dreams for Kids. To date we have raised almost $6,000. The little Rock and Roll engine that could. Great bands Like 18 Rabbit, FUGR, Makin Gravy, Steppin on Mars, Groove Kitchen, Nuthin but Trouble, Janksta and The Invisible Men to name a very few, continue to want to help. These guys and gals show up and rock us out year after year. Frank and I are blushing with pride as hot new bands approach us eager to lend a hand. The myriad of local talent that Brandon has to offer is incredible.

Rigefest Rockin' Revival is sure to please all audiences with the wide variety of talent showcased Saturday night. The social is licensed so unfortunately only those 18 years of age or old are allowed to attend and ID will be required at the door. Cost is $5 with proceeds once again helping out Westman Dreams for Kids.

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