Artists who Rock the Cause
We thank the following artists who have donated their time and hearts to Rock the Cause!
Click on their photos to visit their web sites and rock out with the best of the best!
So It Goes — Rock the Cause is very proud of the friendship we have with So it Goes. They have played countless shows for RTC, outdoing themselves each time. Front man Adam Gislason serves on the RTC Board of Directors as Chair of Risk Management. So it Goes is a high energy rocket ride of Punk Rock and New Wave. Their live shows are an all-night dance party that looks like a cross between a “Rave” and “Live Aid”. Their debut record, "Histrionics," is a must own, must listen CD! If these guys don’t get you slam dancing for freedom, equality, and peace, then nothing will.
The Alarmists — Rock the Cause has a soft spot for the The Alarmists. They were the very first band asked to play a concert for Rock the Cause, back when we were just a collective of volunteers. The Alarmists performance of David Bowie's entire “Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars” album at our first Glitter Ball is legendary. The band headlined Glitter Ball 2.0 in 2008. Their first full length album, "The Ghost and the Hired Gun," was an RTC top 10 pick for 2007.
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White Light Riot - Joe Christianson and Mark Schwandt serve on the RTC Board of Directors in the role of Artist Advisory. Their advice and knowledge on all things Rock and Roll is a great asset to RTC. White Light Riot was one of the very first bands to answer the call to join Rock the Cause; in some regards we have grown up together. Their debut CD Atomism is one of the best written rock and roll albums to come out of the Twin Cities in over a decade. All you need to do is see these guys live and experience the animal magnetism that Rock and Roll is lacking! Viva White Light Riot!
The Debut – The best power pop band in the Midwest — period! They are some of the most genuine people you will ever hope to meet. The Debut seems to be everywhere Rock the Cause is. It is wonderful to see a band who remembers what Rock and Roll was meant to be. The Debut’s rebellious, wild sense of teenage fun warms up even the toughest audiences. Their debut CD, “This Record is about Cars,” is one of the best written records by a local band since the Replacements “Pleased to Meet Me”. We anxiously await the bands next release.
The Crash Street Kids – This band lives in Phoenix, AZ, but that doesn't stop them from supporting Rock the Cause. They promote Rock the Cause on their Myspace page, at their concerts, in their press kits, and on their records. They made their first Twin Cities appearance at Glitter Ball 2.0 in 2008.
CSK brought home the "Breakthrough Album of the Year" (11-28-07) at the 17th Annual Hollywood F.A.M.E. Awards at the Whiskey A Go-Go. Their release, "Chemical Dogs," brought the accolades, while The Kids brought down the house with a blistering performance.
A.D. Adams was also awarded "Independent Rock Drummer of the Year", and presented bass player Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy/Whitesnake/Quiet Riot) with a lifetime achievement award!
This star-studded, world renowned event, created and hosted by Al Bowman of Peoria, founder of the LA Music Awards, recognizes independent achievement and distinction in film, art, music and entertainment from across the United States and the world.
The Melismatics – We are not worthy, O Gods of Thunder and Rock and Roll! Words do not describe the claps of thunder and lightening that come from this band. We would love them to play more shows but they are always on the road! When in town, though, they never miss a Rock the Cause show. Band member Mark Wade and his wife, Jenna, often volunteer as part of our tech crew to help emerging bands set up and making sure RTC shows run smoothly.
Renowned producer John Fields (Jimmy Eat World, Rooney, The Jonas Brothers, Switchfoot, Clay Aiken, etc.) caught the band performing at 2007 SXSW in Austin, Texas and signed on to produce the album. "The Acid Test" takes The Melismatics in a stunning new musical direction The Melismatics have found a sound all their own that is familiar yet unique, euphoric and adventurous. As students of rock history, they have taken the best elements of the past and mixed them with their own modern vision.
Maudlin – This band embodies the urgent, in your face, get with it, and rocking spirit that is Rock the Cause. All three band members, Priscilla, Dave, and Jason, serve on the Rock the Cause Board and Committees. Priscilla is chairing our CD compilation team, Dave was just chosen out of 238 applicants to receive US Banks 5 star volunteer award for his work with RTC. The band is a blitz of post punk, guitar smashing, wreck the train Rock and Roll that has not been seen since the glory days of CBGB. Behind all the Rock and Roll stance is a band with big brains and big hearts. Their debut CD, "The Penitent Never Regret," is for fans of The Pixies, The Run Aways, and Sham 69.
All The Pretty Horses – Not only does the band support Rock the Cause but they have their fans immersed in to the RTC “engine that could” It seems if there is an RTC event, ATPH fans show up in droves. The bands performance at Glitter Ball was jaw dropping. They came back again for Glitter Ball 2.0 and electrified the audience with their unique blend of "Dark Glam" music and rock spectacle stage show. The band is a fierce individual comprised of the sum of its parts. Bassist Jay Le Freak serves on the selection committee for the upcoming Rock the Cause CD “Do you believe in Rock and Roll Volume One”.
Badfinger featuring Joey Molland
Cadillac Kolstad and The Flats
Papa John Kolstad & Clint Hoover
The Cast and Crew of Rocky Horror Picture Show