Story by Josh Hammerstedt, Photography by Dana Schwer

Another Backyard BBQ has come and gone, marking the stunning ninth
anniversary of NUGSS’ annual bandfest. Held in the Prince George Multiplex to
avoid noise complaints, as well as to increase possible crowd capacity, the BBQ
was chock-full of music lovers from numerous areas of interest. From artsy rock
to hip-hop, an interesting mix of bands came together to make this another mem-
orable year for NUGSS and the students of UNBC. Just in case you missed it,
here’s a summary of the show, divided into the four main acts of the evening, and
how they were handled by the show’s crew. So put.on your Time-Looker-
Backwards-Goggles, and let’s revisit the 2003 Backyard Barbecue!

>> Opus Dei:

The winners of last year’s Battle of the Bands, Opus Dei have been hard at work
since their debut performance last year. An artsy rock band that incorporates
many different instruments and techniques into their music, they have really
pulled their sound together. Their act revealed a band with a tightly knit style,
and a newly-discovered stage presence that cannot be denied. The greatest
in€tovement was shown by their lead singer, who displayed none of the shyness
she had at the Battle of the Bands. This was certainly helped by the excited, cheer-
ing throng crowded tightly against the fence in front of the stage, many of whom
cheered on individual members of the band by name. The only major pitfall of
this set was a blight of technical problems. The lead vocals were often lost under
the rest of the music, and sound techs spent an inordinate amount of time fiddling
with equipment on stage. All in all, Opus Dei proved once again that they were
a truly worthy opening act for the Backyard BBQ. Those who skipped this part
of the show just to show up for Rascalz and Bif Naked definitely missed out. Not
to mention the half a ticket they must have wasted. Goofballs.

>> Downstroke:

In Dana Schwehr’s pre-BBQ article, she noted with dismay that she could not
find any information on Downstroke from any readily available sources. Even
now, very little is known about this band, other than the identity of its lead singer,
who was the former vocalist of Kings Inc., a Prince George-based band that per-
formed at the 2000 Backyard BBQ. In his new effort, he abandons the stylings of
Kings Inc. in favour of hard, power-driven rock, featuring screaming vocals
loaded with naughty words, like “@&#$%%" and “#@A&%#S$.” One of
Downstroke’s more notable songs was their version of “Don’t Stand So Close To
Me,” which was almost unrecognisable when played in their power-rock style.

For those
some, ho
vocal anti
“T haven’
the crowc
Vancouve
gettable, |

>> Rascz

Third u
BBQ; DJ |
year they
brand of |
front of t
the act, R
set. Apa
from the
dancing,
disappoit
name like
great tim

>> Bif Nz

At last,
third tim:
which all
launched
from the!
filthy ricl
manship.
of which
set, espe
Myself T
welcome
consider
year’s Ba