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By KRYS GRANDMOND
Staff Writer

It called for rain all week. And that is the first disastrous thing that can happen to an outdoor festival like EarthStock. But the day looked like it would be alright as I glanced out the window Saturday afternoon.

Then the rain started. That's the second disaster. Even though it didn't last long and was more of just a quick shower, I think it made a lot of people decide against going to the park for the day. But I've been through my share of standing in the rain for outdoor concerts, and it didn't stop me.

The chances of the rain holding off for the entire day were slim, but luck seemed to be on the side of Shawn Bell, the coordinator of the festival and part of the Independent Earth Movement.

IEM (as it's known to be called for short) is a not-for-profit organization striving to increase awareness of environmental concerns by presenting public education within a creative format.

"The IEM exists to expose new population demographics to environmental, social, and political concerns; to focus intensely but not exclusively on the youth; and to work within the perspective that 'exposure brings change'." (official statement)

The festival, which has been tagged EarthStock, is an official Earth Day Canada festival. With exhibitors from all over the region, as well as 7 local (and not so local) bands on stage, I knew the day was going to rock.

Combined with spoken word, native drums, art, food and creative workshops, there was a diverse music lineup for the day that went something like this:

The Marantz Project
Creek Road Crossing
Hymnalaya
By Divine Right
Palooka
Sound The Alarm
Afflatus
While By Divine Right was labelled as the "special guest", the real stars of the show (based on audience satisfaction) was definitely Creek Road Crossing, a band I have seen once before and couldn't wait to see again. The energetic, original rock band delivers a solid show and music that satisfies even the hardest critic's musical tastebuds every time. (I think they may have even sold out of CD's!!)

The rest of the day's lineup went on without any delays. I enjoyed many of the groups, as did much of the crowd, moving with the music of Hymnalaya, the smooth eccentric rock sounds of By Divine Right, and the comical and entertaining show that was Palooka.

Right around 9:30, when Sound the Alarm was getting set to take the stage, the luck ran out and the skies opened up to dump another light shower on the outdoor crowd and stage. Many took cover under the pavillion to wait it out, but after half an hour, even though the rain stopped, too much of the crowd had left to go on and the last two bands were scratched off the bill. To the disappointment of many, including myself, the message was passed around that Sound the Alarm and Afflatus would not be performing.

It's really too bad, because I'm positive that Afflatus could have been another great addition to the EarthStock festival. Maybe next time, right guys?