Calling all rock stars

WALLACE — The Wallace Elks Lodge No. 331 is looking for bands to compete during Depot Days weekend as part of a special Rock the Mic event.

So take the stage and show the town of Wallace what you’ve got.

“The cost to the bands is zero,” said Elks Lodge member Marcy Hayman. “They just bring whatever equipment they feel will help sell their performance to the public.”

The bands will play for a 45-minute set, showing off their musical styles and talents, and giving their all over the fun-filled weekend.

“They will play for 45 minutes, and then the top four bands from Friday’s voting will advance to Saturday night,” Hayman said.

The public will cast the votes, with $1 a vote and a $5 cover charge at the door, to listen to the seven total bands on Friday, with six hours of music and the chance to listen to the final four bands on Saturday.

Four local bands are already looking forward to competing, including Black Ice, Farmacy, Sverwood, and Bumble and Honeybee.

“The proceeds will go to the charity of the Elks choice, and the best band will win the current sponsorship dollars, which is currently sitting at $800,” Hayman said. “The winning band will also play at the Elks Roundup in September for their going rate, and will be able to come back the following spring to defend their title.”

Not only will the winning band receive a cash prize, but the top two bands will also receive trophies that Mike’s Specialty Welding is currently making.

The event will be held the weekend of Depot Days, which celebrates the anniversary of the relocation of the Northern Pacific Railroad Depot with the Depot Day Classic Car Show. The streets of the Center of the Universe close and are filled with classic cars, unique booths and vendors. The event also includes live music, kids’ activities, and more in the downtown commercial district of Wallace.

The Elks Lodge has a network of nearly 2,000 lodges in communities all over the county, with a generous charitable foundation that gives millions in scholarships each year. In the past year, the Wallace Elks have been able to donate to the Children’s Rec Center in Wallace, the Feed the Need Program, Feed the Veterans and the Wallace Food Bank.

The Rock the Mic event will be held May 12 and 13, with the first band playing at 6 p.m.

If your band is interested in competing in the event, contact Billie Jo Kauffman at 208-682-5893.