August 8, 2006 > A beautiful thing BandFest 2006

by Lance Dwyer

On Saturday, August 12, greater Tri-City residents will be treated to a rocking festival that promises good times for the entire family.

BandFest, in its 7th year, will feature 12 bands covering a wide-range of genres from pop to R&B and even heavy metal. Though the event is certainly music-oriented, organizer Pete Schaaphok ensured that there will be something for everyone.

Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy things like food vendors, a kids zone, a massage therapist and a balloon artist. In addition to the bands, there will also be transition acts such as belly dancers, hip-hop rappers, comedians and an air guitar contest for the children.

All performing bands belong to Bands4Bands, a coalition of Bay Area artists intent on supporting each other in their musical endeavors. Among the bands are Thread, The Wade Love Band and Mastema.

Schaaphok says the event design is such that a diverse audience of all different ages and music interests can still be entertained. Each set is only 20-minutes; so if one band doesn't suit your fancy, another will be coming up soon.

A silent auction will take place throughout BandFest, the proceeds of which will go toward Musicares, an organization that has been providing musicians all over the country with personal, medical and financial assistance. Among the items being auctioned off are a custom-built guitar and items sponsored by Jagermeister liquor.

With so many reasons to attend the event, Schaaphok believes the most important aspect of BandFest is still the original music playing all day long. "These bands made their songs in their own studios, with their own blood, sweat and tears," he says. "They just want to bring their art out to share with the masses. They're not looking for a paycheck, they're just looking to share their music and that in itself is a beautiful thing."

BandFest 2006
Saturday, August 12
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Charles F. Kennedy Community Park Amphitheater
1333 Decoto Rd., Union City
Admission: Free
www.bands4bands.com