Keep on Rockin'

Kristy Nicolich / senior photographer MACRoCK concluded last Saturday after over 100 bands played at various venues on campus and around Harrisonburg. Included in these bands was Hopesfall.

From all across the nation, indie, hardcore and punk rock music fans swarmed JMU Friday afternoon for the two-day, eighth annual Mid-Atlantic college Radio Conference — MACRoCK.

Many of the tattooed, spike-haired, fish-netted crowd attended performances from over 100 bands who were showcased at different locations throughout campus and Harrisonburg.

The locations were determined by the genre and style of music played by each of the bands.

Bands such as Hopesfall, Between the Buried and Me and The Red Chord were heard in Godwin Hall at the hard-core show. The PC Ballroom played host to indie bands such as Pedro the Lion and Mates of State. Hip-hop bands such as Doujah Raze and Indigenous Womb were found in Dave’s Taverna while other, smaller venues displayed other styles of music, such as singer/songwriters at Court Square Theater.

What sets MACRoCk apart from most other festivals is the chance for concert-goers to go from one venue to the next and hear up-and-coming bands for a ticket price of $20 for the weekend.

“I came to MACRoCk because I wanted to experience new bands,” junior Sean Nyhan said. “I also like the fact that there are multiple venues.”

Seven different locations were made available to performers this year, stretching from as far as The Little Grill to the College Center Grand Ballroom on campus.

The total attendance for the entire weekend, including concertgoers, bands and staff, was well over 4,000, according to MACRoCk manager Justin Bridgewater. MACRoCk’s attendance was about 2,000 higher in 2002, according to the April 3rd, 2003 issue of The Breeze. The smaller turnout displeased some of the attendees, including Harrison Christy, a high school graduate from Fredericksburg.

“It’s just smaller than I expected it to be,” Christy said.

Despite the smaller turnout, those who attended still found the $20 weekend pass to be well worth the money. Many fans said the 20 green ones was a small price to pay because of the large number of bands. Hard-core band Glass Casket, from Winston-Salem, N. C., provided ample energy on Friday night in the Sinclair Gymnasium. To counteract the craziness at Godwin Hall, Pedro the Lion, an indie-rock band, wrapped things up Friday night in the PC Ballroom. The band Pedro combined a lighter sound and David Bazan’s signature vocals with unique question and answer periods between songs.

Bands that perform at MACRoCk seem to enjoy the festival just as much as those who attend. “It’s really nice playing here a JMU,” said Adam Cody, the lead singer of Glass Casket. “We will definitely come back if we are given the chance next year.”

Hopesfall lead singer Ryan Parrish also was satisfied with the experience. Despite the long trip from North Carolina, Parrish said, “It’s always really cool playing here at JMU and having such a great turnout. It really surprised me how well we were received.”

But, MACRoCk was not just about the bands. Panel discussions also were held Saturday in Taylor Hall to inform individuals who are interested in the music industry. The panels included discussions about labels and record promotions, hints on how to promote bands, booking and promoting shows.

Some people came to mackrock to listen and other people came to learn, but at least one person came with another incentive.

“I come to see the new bands that I haven’t had a chance to see yet,” Senior Chris Stathis said. “But I also like to see all the hot indie chicks.”