Northern California Heavy Metal Fan Giving Back To Local Metalheads

July 31, 2003

Steve Echeverria Jr. of Recordnet.com is reporting that Turlock, California native Mike Vanek created 209metalnews.com four years ago to cover Central Valley-area rock bands and shows.

"There's not a distinctive sound coming out of Central California. It's very diverse," Vanek said. "There's death metal, progressive rock, rap-rock. And they pretty much play together."

The 24-year-old's web site features concert reviews, news and other features about
bands performing as far south as Merced.

"The most important thing we try to do is make people aware of local bands, go to local shows, and get people aware of local venues," he said. "Every day, the scene gets bigger. Industry A&Rs are starting to take notice. But the problem is that most of the people who go to shows are under 21. There's a lack of all-ages venues."

Now, Vanek plans to throw his hat into the ring by giving a free live show.

"Two-O-Nineopalooza" is Vanek's first show, and it takes place at 7 p.m. Saturday at The Daily Grind, 2321 W. Main St., Turlock.

The all-ages show features DIFERENTIAL, BETTER LEFT UNSAID, THREEFOLD and COUNTERBORE.

The concert is a reminder to local "metalheads," he said.

"Every weekend, there's something going on in our immediate area. So if boredom strikes and you don't have something to do, you can always go out and find local music," Vanek said. "It's important to support local music. It gives local youth something to do instead of getting stoned or drunk or going out doing negative things." Read more.

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