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All-day PlankFest will rock Pasco High School

It started as a schooltime battle of the bands last year; now it is an all-day public event on the practice field.

DADE CITY - It's like Livestock, but on a much smaller scale and without the disorderly conduct arrests.

Saturday, folks can rock out to some head-bangin' tunes at Pasco High School. Eleven local bands will come together for the school's PlankFest.

Last year, the school hosted a battle of the bands during class time. It was such a big hit, organizers decided to kick it up a notch.

This year, they rounded up a handful of bands. And earlier this week, volunteers transformed the school's practice football field into a 36-foot stage for PlankFest.

The event is open to the community. Folks can spread out a blanket or bring along a lawn chair for the all-day show.

"(PlankFest is) for people who love music," said organizer Brad Ash, 36, an exceptional student education teacher at Pasco High School. "A lot of kids in our community don't have the means to go to Tampa or Orlando to see a show. Why not bring something to them?"

Besides, the event is a great way for some talented youngsters to gain exposure, Ash said. Some of the groups are made up of high school kids. Four of them are college bands, including the alternative rock group Stalling Down.

Headlining the show will be D.C. North, a power pop group that has performed all over the state.

Folks can sample a variety of tunes from ear-splitting heavy metal to sugary pop punk. One band, Send Out Scuds, will feature ska, rock music with a reggae flavor.

Even Ash's own alternative rock band, Ash and the Holes, will hit the stage.

Years before he became a teacher, Ash dreamed of rock stardom. Over the years, Ash has played in several bands, some of them with students because "kids have more energy," he said. "I love to have fun with my students."

Ash is a teacher who happens to love rock 'n' roll. And kids think that's pretty cool, he said.

"The first time I ever sat down at a drum kit, I knew that's what I wanted to do," Ash recalled.

The event's name, PlankFest, was inspired by the school's Pirate mascot. But it almost didn't get off the ground. Organizers had to find a good spot on campus to hold it. The football field was off limits. The gymnasium was already booked. So they decided on the practice field.

Everything else sort of fell into place. Businesses made donations. Volunteers stepped up.

Organizers hope the event will help them raise money for the school's Performing Arts Council. They want to repair the old stage in the school's gym so they can hold more events like this one.

And, Ash says, it's all about helping kids grow as musicians.

PlankFest will be from 9:30 a.m. until the last band wraps up about 9 p.m. Saturday at Pasco High School, 36850 State Road 52 in Dade City. Admission is $10 per person, and proceeds will benefit the school's Performing Arts Council. No coolers or readmission are allowed. For information, call the school at (352) 524-5500.