Sno-Core 2000 Comes For Spokanes Wildness

The best thing about music festivals is, that for one price, the audience can hear a diverse bunch of cutting-edge bands.

The worst thing about music festivals is that they are few and far between.

System Of A Down, Incubus, Mr. Bungle and Puya will play at Sno-Core 2000, Wednesday at the Spokane Convention Center.

“We heard Spokane is a great place to play,” said Incubus lead singer Brandon Boyd during a recent interview. “We talked to some bands during Ozzfest who played there and said it was one of their wilder venues. How could we not stop there?”

Headlining is System Of A Down, a band that pilots the audience through a carnival of music for headbangers.

“We don’t just concentrate on an aggressive emotion, though we have that,” said lead singer Serj Tankian. “If you’re into surprises, being taken for a ride, I think you’ll like the music, no matter what type of music you’re used to listening to.”

A band with a conscience, System Of A Down promotes peace with action.

“We have a call to action,” said Tankian.

Incubus brings its soulful sound to Spokane in support of its critically acclaimed “Make Yourself” release.

“It’s about getting out into the world and finding who you are and what you’re about,” Boyd said, explaining the title track.

“Make Yourself” is getting airplay on college radio stations and is also creating a buzz in the industry. Incubus has risen to near-headline status on the concert circuit and now bands they idolized are opening their concerts.

At Sno-Core, “we go on after Mr. Bungle,” said Boyd. “I can’t believe they are on the lineup before us. They are at a level we hope to be one day. (Lead singer) Mike Patton is just an incredible talent.”

Mr. Bungle is the kitchen sink of bands. Patton and crew pour as many instruments and influences as possible into every song.

When Mr. Bungle started 15 years ago, the death metal quartet called themselves a band for young geeks and nerds who were already sick of rock music. Mr. Bungle’s music explored faux-jazz, fake tango, pseudo-surf and aimless soul searching.

Puya opens Sno-Core 2000 and adds salsa to the music mix.

“It ain’t no `Livin’ La Vida Loca,’ ” laughed lead singer Sergio Curbelo. “The thing about our band is that at shows like Ozzfest, you see a lot of young dudes. It’s a male-oriented sound. But when the ladies hear there is some Latin music so they can dance, they start showing up, too.”

Puya’s roots reach to Puerto Rico. “Music is so universal,” said Curbelo. “The effect it has is the same world-wide. We have had shows where you there is a giant mosh pit going, but out on the perimeter there are ladies who are dancing to the salsa parts. This is where the sound of the future is born.”

Sno-Core 2000 When: 8 p.m. Wednesday Where: Spokane Convention Center Tickets: General admission tickets are $19.50, available through G&B.