Northern celebrates school year with tribute bands

Montana Actors’ Theatre and KNMC, Montana State University-Northern’s campus radio station, are holding Tribute!, a multi-performer concert, Saturday at the amphitheater behind Northern’s Pershing Hall.

Dave Martens, manager of KNMC, said the collaborative effort between MAT and KNMC was an idea that came about at a meeting of station volunteers months ago as a way to increase their visibility within the community.

The radio station and MAT decided it would be an effective, inexpensive way to celebrate and to promote the programs, Martens said.

He added that the radio station’s staff hopes that they can host such an event on campus each spring.

The event is free and open to the public

Acts will consist of either existing local bands or Havre-area musicians who have formed a band specifically to take part in the concert, Martens said. Musicians are not required to dress like the artists they are paying homage to but are encouraged to do so. MAT will supply costumes and props.  

Musical acts will include tributes to Dwight Yoakam, 3 Doors Down, Carol King, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Led, Black Sabbath, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

A Prince tribute band had initially been scheduled, but they most likely will not be able to make the event, Martens said.

In the event of rain, the concert will take place in the Northern Student Union Ballroom.

Martens said Vic’s Place will have a cash bar at the concert and Northern’s Inter Organizational Council will be selling food from 5 to 7 p.m.

The concert will start at 3 p.m. Saturday.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and beach balls, Martens said.