The thunder is coming to the prairies of North Dakota. Thunder Mountain Rockfest arrives July 8, 9, and 10 to Sawyer, ND, and promises to be an unforgettable rock package. Melodic Rock Concerts recently spoke with Corey Hanson, the festival’s organizer, to get a better insight into what’s going on as the Rockfest draws near. Bands taking the stage are divided into three eras, which are split among its three days. Night Ranger, Hinder, Cavo, Survivor, Sweet, KIX, and Default are just a few of the bands signed. Our conversation with Corey is available below.
Question 1: Tell us about how the idea of thunder mountain rockfest was conceived. is it something you’ve always wanted to do?
The dream began when I was young listening to music and going to concerts. I happened to catch an incredible thunderstorm with lightning that lit up the entire sky and when it did you could catch a glimpse of what looked like mountains in the distance. For many years I thought of how amazing that storm was and how I was listening to one of my favorite rock groups at the time when the name Thunder Mountain Rockfest came to mind and just stuck. It was something that I always kept in the back of my mind hoping for the opportunity that someday I would have my own festival for everyone to enjoy. A few years later I worked for a country festival driving limousine and during that time I started making contacts while keeping my eye on the “dream” of having my own rockfest. It has been my goal my whole life to have a festival and now it is a reality. All the information for the Thunder Mountain Rockfest can be found at rockdakota.com.
Question 2: Where did the idea of hosting bands from a different era of rock each night come from? It’s not something that’s done very often.
I researched a lot of different markets over the years. I was going to do just classic rock when I first started out. I found myself visiting with my nephew who was 18; he gave me the idea of having something for the younger crowd. Rather than mixing old with new on the same day I decided to separate them.
Question 3: Well, let’s talk a bit about those bands. The lineup is really diverse and impressive. What can you tell me about Thursday’s 1970s assortment?
The first day I mentioned to somebody about doing a rockfest in North Dakota they said you HAVE to get The Guess Who. So they were the first band I booked. Then I researched numbers of what other bands brought in the crowd for that era and began to build around it.
Question 4: It looks like the ‘80s take over on Friday. I see Night Ranger and Survivor among the bands scheduled. What went into the selection process for this night?
This is my favorite era of music. So it was an easy choice going with the bands everybody loves. I tried to get bands that have not been played a lot in the Dakotas. But sometime there is no way to get around it.
Question 5: Saturday is unquestionably the modern rock night. I imagine that you’re bracing for an influx of younger fans pouring in to see Hinder?
We are expecting our largest crowd on Saturday night. A lot of the calls have been for Cavo compared to Hinder. The younger crowd will not be let down as it’s a strong lineup Saturday, top to bottom.
Question 6: Where exactly is the festival taking place? Could you describe the setting?
Thunder Mountain Rockfest is a man made bowl with room for 17,000 rockers one half of a mile north of Sawyer ND. It has all the amenities you could ask for like Maui showers, clean toilets, hand washing stations, over 20 vendors and 24 hour security. There is something for everyone, check it out at Rockdakota.com.
Question 7: I’ve heard that there will be a “Green Team” at Thunder Mountain Rockfest. What is this all about?
We want to help save mother earth. So everything will be recycled from TMRF. The campsite with the greatest amount of empty beer cans put in the recycle bags that we will give them, will get free sites for next year.
Question 8: Well thanks so much for granting this interview to us, Corey. Where can fans buy tickets for the festival?
701-757-7625
Question 9: Is there anything else you’d like to add before we close?
Thank you Matt for your help from the beginning getting the word out about TMRF. Free party with Rock Sugar on Wednesday July 7 gates open at 7. Camping opens at 9am that day get there early to beat the traffic jam. Oh yeah, one more thing. GET READY TO GET YOUR ASS KICKED NORTH DAKOTA, THUNDER MOUNTAIN IS READY TO ERUPT.
