On the weekend of September 6 and 7, Ojata Records & Dogmahal hosted their 12th annual Dogma-Fest music festival. This all-ages event featured 22 local, regional, national, and international live music acts from all different genres with a goal of selling over 250 hot dogs. Along with the music, local art vendors were set up outside with pieces that were available for purchase and a 50/50 raffle took place throughout the night. The weekend was full of incredible music that showcased all kinds of talent and is an event that is highly anticipated every year by the local live music community.
The event kicked off on Friday night, beginning with a local band called Frengs. Next, a group by the name of OWL, a rock group consisting of three brothers under eighteen. After them was The Contrafaction from Grand Forks, ND and then The Sunflower Burial from Fargo, ND. The Emptys also came from Fargo, ND and were followed by Canadian band, Autopilot who began their North American tour. After them, the Bismark, ND band Helko Spillovey took the stage, and local band Your Earholes closed out the night. The audience was then told that the halfway point was reached for the hotdog goal, and they were on track to reach it by the end of the second day and then the 50/50 raffle winner was awarded.
The second day of the festival set off early on Saturday starting with DJ Mike Robinson who was then followed by three solo acts including Samuel The Fool, Nora Lee, and Zoe Serna. Local band KAAL took the stage next and were followed by Syncopation Station who were then followed by touring artist Jantzonia. Wisconsin artist, Taiyamo Denku took the stage and was followed by two separate Fargo, ND artists Crary Method and LOUM. The night was closed out by the last three bands Avantide from Bismarck, ND, Work of Wolves from Sioux Falls, SD, and Goodmorning Guilty from Stanley, ND. By the end of the night, another 50/50 raffle winner was announced and another update on the hotdog goal was given.
Each night displayed the unique talents of local and non-local artists. This event is not only a great community builder, but also a wonderful opportunity for artists in all stages of their careers to showcase their talents and connect with one another. It creates a fun and safe environment for people of all ages to come together and experience the joys that come with live music. Along with this, it is an event that typically has a large turnout to support the local small business that is Ojata Records and Dogmahal.
Aside from this annual event, Ojata Records and Dogmahal hosts many different events similar to this throughout the year. They will often host charity and fundraiser events near the holidays, Halloween shows, and even have waffle buffets with live music on select weekends. So, if you are interested in getting involved with the local music scene as a musician or as a listener, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future.
Nora Lee is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].
