Wakarusa looking for local bands
By now you should already know that Northwest Arkansas scored big time last month with the news that a giant music festival is moving here from Lawrence, Kansas.
That’s right, The Wakarusa Music & Camping Festival is taking place at Mulberry Mountain near Ozark on June 4th – 7th, 2009.
Wakarusa is not small potatoes, y’all. The festival usually pulls in huge-name talent like The Flaming Lips, Emmylou Harris, Leftover Salmon, Ben Harper, Bela Fleck, Guided By Voices, Spoon, Son Volt and hundreds upon hundreds of others.
Naturally, the biggest question around here has been “Who’s playing this year?”
The list is expected to be released sometime this month but there’s some pretty exciting news being announced today in terms of local talent that might make the cut.
Besides bringing in gigantic bands from all over, Wakarusa also takes care of the smaller up-and-comers in the music scene. This year is no exception.
The Waka Winter Classic is a touring talent showcase that is traveling to 15 cities this winter to find bands to play alongside the music legends it’s known for attracting. Besides playing in front of thousands of people at this year’s festival, the winners in each city will have their music featured on the Wakarusa website and will compete in an online talent show for a chance to play the main stage. Yes, you heard right. THE MAIN STAGE.
The tour is coming to George’s Majestic Lounge here in Fayetteville on Thursday February 26th. But listen up local bands: You have to submit your entry to the Waka Classic website before February 12th.
Even cooler is the fact that the winner of each showcase will be decided by the fans in attendance so even if you’re not in a band, you can come out to support your local favorites.
We’re still waiting to hear exactly how many entries they’ll be accepting for each city. As soon as we find out, we’ll let y’all know.
Comments
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sg
January 8, 2009
You forgot Wilco! I hear they played for three straight hours a few years ago.
Beebs
January 8, 2009
I hope Bob Barley enters the contest. That guy write one heck of a song.
Scott Stapp of Creed
January 8, 2009
Off-topic here and not trying to be a dick, but “y’all” in print form, much more so than in spoken language, is totally irritating to me. Tough, because I got much love and respect for the Flyer and enjoying reading it on a daily basis. Yet “y’all” is now featured in nearly every single article posted, so I’m having trouble turning the other cheek, as would Jesus Christ in this situation. Is reading the ubiquitous “y’all” a buzzkill for anyone besides myself? If not I will slink back to my corner and continue lurking as an outsider. Woot.
Todd Gill
January 8, 2009
Scott Stapp: I just took a look back and you’re right. The use of “y’all”, although probably originally started as a joke, has seemingly become a daily standard here at the Flyer. I offer a full apology and can only assume that there are more like you. Consider it banished from my writings. As always, suggestions like that aren’t considered rude. At least not to me. As soon as we start to beat something into the ground, just let us have it. Seriously.
Lankford
January 8, 2009
Seeing the name Scott Stapp in print form, much more so than in spoken language is a buzzkill for me, y’all. I understand it takes all kinds though.
Can anyone describe what this festival was like when it was in Lawrence? I’m curious if it compares at all to other camping type festivals. I’ve never been to any, but heard plenty of stories.
Johnathan
January 8, 2009
Lankford, I’d much rather see Scott Stapp in print form than live!
Lankford
January 8, 2009
I wonder how many hits the Flyer gets from folks googling “Scott Stapp” now.
Scott Stapp of Creed
January 9, 2009
Lankford, I’d wager to say about exactly as many hits as I’ve penned, that is to say, eight: “My Own Prison,” “What’s This Life For,” “Torn,” “One,” “Higher,” “With Arms Wide Open,” “My Sacrifice,” “One Last Breath,” and depending on how you define a “hit,” maybe also “Don’t Stop Dancing.”
the Steve
January 9, 2009
@Scott Stapp of Creed- maybe you could enter the Waka Winter Classic?
George
January 9, 2009
We all have our pet peeves Scotty. Mine is currently blue tooth phones strapped to people’s heads while they walk around the mall yammering like total doucheshnozzles with that look of smug, contrived indifference (aka not indifferent at all). Ooooh! Why does it irk me so? I really don’t mind y’all though. And Jesus didn’t mind y’all either. In fact, it was one of his favorite words. I know it’s not listed in the New Testament translations you normally see, but that’s just because King James didn’t want him to sound like a hick. Do a little research.
How ’bout some Good Fear at Waka? Maybe the style is a little outside of the Waka norm, but they seem to be some pretty open-minded, progressive folks. Plus they might want to branch farther away from bluegrass/alt-country since the Harvest Fest is held at the same place.
sofresh-n-sogay
January 9, 2009
I’m annoyed with the Waka line-up so far and would rather see the flyer’s Scott Stapp of Creed perform his hits on stage!
Lankford
January 9, 2009
Ok, I’ll be totally honest with you now, Scott. I’m pretty sure I’d have more fun at Waka if you were there. Do it!
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