Bands and boards: Skate or Die Music Festival comes to Flanders in April

BY ELLEN S. WILKOWE
DAILY RECORD

More than 20 bands. Professional skateboard demonstrations. Goodies and gadgets for sale.
Welcome to the Skate or Die music and skateboarding festival.

The rockin' and rollin' kicks off April 21 at noon at the indoor Small Empire Skate Park in Flanders.

These were some of the reactions posted by area youths on the festival's Web site, www.myspace.com/skateordiefest:

n"Finally something to do besides hang out at Dunkin' Donuts."

n"I can't wait for the Skate or Die fest. "

n"Seems like a great festival. I'll see if I can talk my friends into checking it out."

This is the first festival produced by Payphone Productions, said owner and organizer Susanne Collins of Bedminster.

"I wanted a new venue and checked out the skate park and asked (the owner) if he did shows there," she said. "He said yes and I approached him about the festival."

Small Empire Skate Park opened in March 2006, owner David Yun said. Professional skateboard demonstrations and music concerts are all part of the park experience, he said.

Event coordinator Peter Kakourioti, also a guitarist with the band Reflective Insight, said he expects 600 to 800 attendees.

The lineup boasts national, regional and local acts, including Bed Light for Blue Eyes, Kiss Kiss, The Pilot, Crash Romeo, No Hollywood Ending and Mount Olive's own P.R.Y.D.E.
A battle of the bands landed some of musicians a spot at the festival, Collins said.