By Mark Richmond
Staff Writer

A sampler of local musical talent would be the best way to describe Sunday's "Hoot Night" show. Blues, folk and even '80s-style rock were just a few genres touched upon by the six bands performing at the event.

The Boiler Room hosted the event, which was presented by Friends of Bob. The group itself aims at promoting local music talent by giving bands a venue to express themselves on a given theme. This year's theme — "body parts."

Band members of all ages and music of all genres were intermixed into a virtual melting pot of music about any part of the human anatomy. Students, seasoned band veterans and even a Purdue professor performed on the Boiler Room's quaint band stage.

Bands performing at the show included Disaster Action Team, Victims of Circumstance, M.T. Rhoades and his Lonesome Woods Band, Red Almighty Mars, Dr. Scerri's Smokin' Sunset Band and Mike Kelsey with Tevi Tyler.

The packed dance floor was crowded with 30-somethings interspersed with a few students. But members of both generations expressed their appreciation for the event, which provided them with a rare look at Lafayette's music talent.

Casey Carter, a junior in the School of Liberal Arts, said, "I think Lafayette needs more live music. It's something a little bit different at a campus bar." Lafayette local Erin Frick said, "A lot of times, these bands will play in Lafayette. It's good when they come over so students can check it out."

Bands appreciated the chance to express themselves also. Bradley Balcerak, a junior in the School of Technology and vocalist for Dr. Scerri's Smokin' Sunset Band, said, "I think it's a great idea; it's just about the music — that's key. We need more of it because there really is no scene in Lafayette."

In a local venue that some consider a weak supporter of local music, "Hoot Night" was definitely a step in the right direction for the Lafayette music scene.