Local Bands Bring Music

By Laura DiBetta
Parkersburg does not seem like a “happening” place for young adults. The majority of them either work or go to school. Their free time is spent at home bored or at some bar that has a karaoke night, and karaoke nights can get old fast.

Now, there is something to do. Parkersburg’s local music scene is growing more and more. More bands are being formed and more local concerts are happening.

A big reason for the rock shows in town is an organization called Project Active Media. Project Active Media is an independent record label based out of Marietta. Many shows are put on by this organization. At least twenty bands are signed to this indie label. The local concerts let the public know of these bands such as Privates, To Kill or Cure, and Homes.

Not only local bands play at these shows. Bands on tour make stops in Parkersburg because of Project Active Media being able to bring bands into the area. Many bands from both Pennsylvania and Ohio have been in Parkersburg.

There are a couple local shows coming up. Feb.4 in Belpre, Ohio featuring the bands Mental Pain, Riot of Words, The Privates, The Slackers, Young Hollywood, and Tainted Progeny. The show is at a new venue in the area at 214 Stone Road behind Food n’ More. The show starts at 6 p.m. and it is five dollars at the door.

Don’t Break Anything Fest started last summer, bringing local bands together for music fans. The fest was an immediate success. The next Don’t Break Anything Fest in on March 5. It will feature bands Privates (Marietta, OH), The Red Oranges (Shephardstown, WV), Leonardo Leonardo (Vienna, WV), Homes (Marietta, OH), Kid Gib (Ontario, Canada), The Colour Scheme (Columbus, OH.) Other bands may be introduced before the show.

Information on more local shows can be found on www.projectactivemedia.com and www.myspace.com.