We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
Attention, Hi-Line musicians! The signup sheet for KNMC Rock Lotto is live! Deadline to sign up for the event is noon on Friday, August 6, followed by the band drawing and song draft at 6:00 p.m. at the Tip-It Bar.
On Saturday, September 18, KNMC-the radio station broadcasting from MSU-Northern in Havre and dialed in at 90.1 FM on the airwaves-will be celebrating 20 years back on the air by hosting an event during Havre Festival Days that brings together musicians from all around the Hi-Line.
KNMC Rock Lotto is an event in which local musicians put their names in a drawing to be randomly placed into bands for a one-time only performance as part of Havre's Festival Days celebration. Musicians sign up to play their primary instrument: vocals, guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, horns, or whatever instrument they prefer. If participants can play more than one instrument, they are encouraged to list their backup talent in case too many sign up to play a particular instrument. Those with such versatility may be asked to play a secondary instrument if there is a need in that area. Participants of all abilities are encouraged to participate.
According to one of the event's organizers, Dave Martens, in 2019, 35 musicians signed up to create seven unique lotto bands. "This event is a great way to meet and collaborate with other musicians in our area," said Martens.
Once the bands have been assembled, songs will be assigned for the bands to learn. Bands typically have five-six weeks to learn their songs and rehearse for their performances.
Prior to Havre's annual Festival Days celebration, a music festival was held every May from the 1930s through the 1960s. This festival brought regional bands to town to perform. KNMC seeks to honor that tradition by inviting musicians around the Hi-Line to join the fun by creating bands to perform at the Rock Lotto.
"If a band in a smaller community like Chinook or Harlem would like to participate, but not be in the band lotto, they can contact me directly," Martens invited.
Additional information is available on the KNMC 90.1 FM College Radio Facebook page. Interested individuals will find a link to a Google Doc in the Comments section that will enable them to register. Any questions can be directed to Martens at 406-390-1238.
