Sparklefest To Rock Local 506

Regardless of the term used, fans of the independent pop scene will have their hands full beginning Wednesday at the third annual Sparklefest.

Hosted by Local 506, Sparklefest will feature 32 bands over the course of four nights. Nearly all the bands, including The Shazam, The Grip Weeds and The Mockers, showcase the kind of raw, energetic rock that has been -- more than ever before -- garnering countless fans.

There are always a few bands that sway the norm, said Sparklefest organizer Mike Nicholson, including surf and garage bands that have played in the past.

"Nothing's written in stone," Nicholson said with a laugh. "But the bottom line is, I have to like it."

When the festival started solely as a labor of love in 2000, Nicholson originally named it The Shindig. After realizing the conflict with a local radio station's own festival named The Big Shindig, Nicholson decided to rename.

"I didn't know -- I just don't listen to the radio that much!" Nicholson said.

As with the name, the Sparklefest's home also changed. Moving from King's in Raleigh to Chapel Hill's Local 506 simply saved Nicholson travel time, though both have served as equally cordial hosts, Nicholson said.

Each year the festival has grown -- in 2001, more than 70 bands inquired about playing, though only about half made the bill. Nicholson now has a five-person staff who has helped him organize the festival since April.

This year's Sparklefest, though intended to be downsized from 2001, has 32 bands slated and is speculated to have a considerable number of music industry representatives in attendance.

"I guess you have to shoot big to be big," Nicholson said.

In attendance since 2000, The Shazam is considered by many to be the headlining act, which was emphasized in 2001 when the band arrived in a borrowed tour bus.

The Shazam frontman Hans Rotenberry spoke fondly of Sparklefest, complimenting the festival's unique feel.

"It just seems that a lot of like-minded fans seem to be there," Rotenberry said.

Playing together for the last nine years, The Shazam has obtained a huge fan base through events like Sparklefest and Chicago's International Pop Overthrow.

"Somehow Sparklefest seems to be the international convergence of The Shazam fans," Rotenberry said.

The festival, funded by sponsors including Colorado's Not Lame recording company and local stores CD Alley, Nice Price Books and Schoolkids Records, has little to offer traveling bands in the way of monetary compensation.

Though the bands are paid, Nicholson admits the money can hardly offset the costs for bands traveling from as far as California, Massachusetts and Texas.

The festival is kept at a low cost for the sake of the fans and to allow many acts to play. Certainly, though, no profit is made at Sparklefest.

"My goal is to walk out of there on Saturday night with no money," Nicholson said. "I just do it for the love of the music."

Sparklefest runs Wednesday through Saturday at Local 506. Passes for the entire festival are $30. Nightly tickets range from $5 to $12.

The Arts & Entertainment Editor can be reached at artsdesk@unc.edu.