Tuesday, April 23

Sound and the Fury

Press Release

For the fifth consecutive year, the Northwest's skateboarding season kicks off with the "Sound and the Fury" amateur skateboarding competition. Drawing competitors from around the globe and thousands of spectators from across the region, this contest has gained a reputation as one of the most popular events of its kind. Two days of hardcore street skating competition will be accompanied by live music from Seattle's top hip-hop, punk rock and electronic artists. The amateur competitors will be joined by some of the world's most accomplished professional skateboarders demonstrating their skills throughout the weekend. Door prizes, skate videos, product booths and a street course for spectators make the festive atmosphere of the "Sound and the Fury" an exciting event for the entire family. Once again, the City of Seattle has provided a giant indoor facility at Sand Point's retired naval air station (7400 Sand Point Way N.E.) to host this event on Saturday and Sunday May 11-12 from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM.

The "Sound and the Fury" gets under way on Friday, May 10 at noon with elimination rounds (contestants only). The top 25 in each category (factory, shop, unsponsored, and women's) move on to the finals held over the weekend. Historically, many of the top finishers in the "Sound and the Fury" have quickly achieved the status of highly regarded professionals. Recent winners Colt Cannon, Forrest Kirby, Mark Appleyard, and female Jaime Reyes all turned pro following their "Sound and the Fury" feats. With this level of notoriety on the line, the competition is fierce. A custom street style course, including the perennially popular car jump, will be erected on site specifically for this contest.

The "Sound and the Fury" will feature musical performances by Gas Huffer, Youth at Risk, Himsa and a very special guest on Saturday. Pharcyde, Dynomite-D, Verse Omega, Oldominion, and Mic Makers play on Sunday. Professional skate demonstrations will include Forrest Kirby, Brian Anderson, Brad Staba, Neil Heddings, Scott Yamamura and Spencer Fujimoto as well as many others.

The "Sound and the Fury" is an all ages, indoor event for the whole family. Advanced tickets are available at the Showbox and all Fastixx locations. Admission for both days is only $20, and single day admission is $12. On Mothers Day, May 12, moms accompanied by their minor children will be admitted FREE of charge. A portion of the proceeds from the "Sound and the Fury" will benefit the JamPac music advocacy group.

This event is made possible with the generous support of Etnies Shoes, Lib Tech Skateboards, Jones Soda, Alphanumeric Clothing, The End 107.7FM and contributions from countless members of the skateboarding, art and music communities of the Pacific Northwest and beyond.