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Chico rockers came out in their best skinny jeans and slip-on Vans on Thursday to watch nine bands perform at the Chico Rock Fest presented by Wild Oak Records at the Chico Women's Club.
With a large lineup of mostly local bands, the rock 'n' roll sound varied throughout the night. There was hard rock, punk, country and even some instrumental rock.
The music seemed as if it was never-ending with bands playing on a floor stage and the main stage. When one band finished the crowd did a 180-degree turn, and the next band was ready to go.
Those who stuck around through the 4-hour-and-45- minute festival were lucky to catch the headlining act from Santa Rosa, The New Trust. The festival was running about 20 minutes behind schedule, so The New Trust's set was shorter than expected, but it still pleased the small crowd.
The band played its doomy-rock as a few people in the crowd danced on the open floor.
Starting the night out was RoseVelt, a high school rock band. The band experienced some technical difficulties during its first song. The audience could barely hear it singing.
Those who occupied the venue stood around listening as the band played on. The keyboardist danced stiffly in his black leather pants and sparkly belt while softly singing into the microphone.
After RoseVelt's set, The Shimmies grabbed the crowd's attention with sharp beats.
As the crowd danced to the music, another artist, Jon Wesley, began to set up for his performance on the floor stage.
Wesley began his set with the loud, fast paced song "Revolution." With a harmonica around his neck, Wesley played his guitar, sang and danced to the music.
Throughout his set people moved in and outside, but by his last song, "You Don't Care," the outside crowd made its way back inside.
When it came time for Lysistrata to take the stage, the room was packed and a half circle formed next to the stage for some moshing madness. The heavy metal band started its set with a screaming cover of Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar on Me."
Lysistrata's set was one of the more entertaining for the audience because of the band's intensity. A group of 10 people moshed throughout the entire set. The moshers would kick their way into the half circle and continue to swing their fists as they collided with each other and the surrounding crowd.
Next up was punk-rock band, The Secret Stolen. As soon as the crowd saw it on stage there was a tight group at the band's feet. The crowd moved and sang along with the upbeat music.
As the lead singer quickly moved with the music, beads of sweat flew off into the crowd. Toward the end of the set the majority of the crowd had either stepped outside for a break or left completely.
With three bands left, the crowd slowly disappeared during the 20-minute break.
The Polar Bears brought more hard rock to the festival. They kept the energy high and the music loud even with the small crowd.
Then the Brilliant Red Lights hit the stage. Its upbeat music was easy to listen and dance to. At first the crowd stood back and listened, but that was unacceptable to the band. They told everyone to get as close as they could to the floor stage, which was practically right next to the band.
For those who stayed for all nine bands or left half way through, Chico Rock Fest provided a night of eclectic rock that was sure to please anyone.
Cari Radford can be reached at cradford@theorion.com
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