Dog days of rock 'n roll

"Islanders of all ages can wag their tails at the first-ever Dog Days Music Festival in Battle Point Park this weekend.The festival, sponsored by Island Music, features seven local bands, and runs today from noon to 8 p.m. The non-profit event will include a raffle for prizes, refreshments and a wide variety of rock n' roll music. I wanted to put something together that would have a positive effect on the community, both by giving exposure to local talent and by making it worthwhile for a charity foundation, said Jillian Bateman, director of the event.Bateman, who plays bass in the local band 50/Fifty, initially wanted to organize a small concert that would take place at a private residence. After talking to friends and community members, she decided to make the performance into a festival, and have the proceeds benefit Helpline House. The festival includes a plethora of local bands, including the folk group Common Ancestor, melodic rock/pop band 50/Fifty, funk flavored artists the Dipps, pop/punk group Emeraude, rock-inflected band Lumberjack, and acoustic jazz band Triptych. Each band will play a 30-45 minute set, and will have merchandise stands set up to sell music and miscellaneous items.Island Music, a new Winslow music store, has donated an acoustic guitar for a $1 raffle, which will raise additional funds for Helpline. Bateman has made it her goal to generate a few hundred dollars from the event. The proceeds will most likely go towards Helpline's Project of the Month program, which currently provides school fees for kids who cannot afford sports equipment or musical activities, said Joanne Tews, director of the Helpline House. Although admission to the show is free, a jar will be passed through the audience to collect donations. Patrons are asked to participate in a canned-food drive that will be set up in the Helpline booth near the stage. I do not think that there are enough activities for kids on the island, Bateman said. I would like to make this an annual music festival that would give kids a chance to play for the community, and eventually draw bigger bands to the island. "

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