The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
With the entertainment supplied by local bands, a lively heavy metal show was a hit Friday at the Creighton Sportex. John Bettger, a drummer in two bands, was expecting about 40 youth to show up. With a $5 cover charge, the event raised around $200. "We're not sure what we're doing with the money yet," says the 18-year-old Bettger. The show wasn't about the money, he says, it was to "let kids know they (the bands) can play in front of people." And he says "it lets people know we are doing something with our music." The bands aren't just playing in a garage or in a basement, they are getting out and playing in front of an audience, which Bettger says is a big step. "We want kids to have a place to play," he says. The show was an opportunity for people to come out and listen to some music, and play along if they wanted to. "It's just a fun place for those who like playing and watching live bands play," he adds. The average age Bettger was expecting to see at the show was between 16 and 19. "Some of the stuff we're playing might be inappropriate, so I don't think we'll let kids under the age of 13 in," he says. This show, dubbed "The Price Is Metal," was the fourth of its kind to be held at the Sportex by these groups. Three were held last year, and this one kick-started this year. "I guess there was a lack of bands and not enough organization," says Bettger about having the first show so late in the year. "We just wanted people to be able to come out and have fun," he says. Most importantly, Bettger says, "support your local bands - we always need help with that."
