From Grangeville Border Days to Genesee Community Day, it seems that every community has their own celebration.
Roberson, Flores and BZ, headlining band members for Lapwai Days, pose in a photo booth.
So in 2011, for Lapwai’s 100-year birthday, Lapwai Days began.
This year, they’ve got food, movies, tournaments, games, a parade, a powwow and music from the rock-a-blues, Americana band Roberson, BZ and Flores.
Ray Roberson, who plays guitar, sings and writes, said, “When we do a show, it’s a three-hour show. It’s 90 percent original. You’ll hear original music and some covers thrown in that we’ve put our little twist on.”
RBF members include Roberson, Neil Beese on stand-up bass and Miah Flores on drums.
Working for Idaho’s Department of Labor, Roberson said he is busy outside of the band. Flores works out of town as an electrician and come time for winter, Beese becomes a snowbird and travels south for the sunshine.
“He comes back in the spring, we rehearse and off we go,” said Roberson, who counted about six summer performances. “I live three hours from the bass player and an hour and half from the drummer.”
Despite being far apart for rehearsal time, Roberson said they must be doing well.
“Somebody’s liking what we’re doing it and recognizing it,” Roberson said. “God help me, and I don’t know why.”
Roberson joked that he gauges the band’s musical success by the attitude of his dogs, too. If the dogs lie down and act mellow while he plays, the music is good. If the dogs want outside, Roberson said the music just isn’t working.
While Roberson plans to spend August relaxing, he said he will get back into the swing of things and hopes to write for another RBF album soon.
“We’re trying to make something a little different,” Roberson said. “We are acoustic and powerful at the same time.”
Other Lapwai Days bands include the Big Newtons and Supaman.
“Supaman is known in the Indian community,” Smith said of the hip hop artist, dancer and comedian. “He’s an all-around performer.”
Big Newtons, who play 7 p.m. Friday, are a Lewiston band that formed back in 1995 with a focus on vocal harmony and classic rock hits.
Smith said other Lapwai Days highlights include a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a crossfit warrior fitness challenge, a horseshoe tournament and a softball tournament, all of which require same-day registration at the site. The Lapwai Days parade offers cultural, business, youth, family and Rez Ride categories, for which people can register online beforehand to win $50. The “Somethin’ Fishy” cook-off will be judged by four locals, a bounce carnival will be on-site and the Lapwai community yard sale will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday.
For more information on Lapwai Days and a full schedule of events and locations, visit cityoflapwai.com/lapwai-days/.
Treffry can be contacted at (208) 883-4640 or ltreffry@inland360.com. Follow her on Twitter at: @LindseyTreffry.
Lapwai Days schedule
Thursday
5 p.m. Community potluck in the park
8 p.m. Movie in the park: “Dream Keeper”
Friday
5 p.m. Jail and Bail fundraiser
7 p.m. Concert: Big Newtons
9 p.m. Concert: The RBF
Saturday
8 a.m. Community yard sale (set-up 6-8 a.m.)
8 a.m. Fun run/walk (registration 7:00-7:45 a.m. at the track)
9 a.m. 3-on-3 basketball tournament, Horseshoe tournament, Fitness challenge
2 p.m. Stick game demonstration
4 p.m. “Somethin’ Fishy” cook-off
5 p.m. Presentation of awards
6 p.m. Parade (5:30 p.m. line-up)
7 p.m. Friendship powwow
9 p.m. Concert: Supaman
Sunday
10 a.m. Church in the park
12 p.m. Co-ed softball tournament
For specific event location information, visit cityoflapwai.com/lapwai-days/.
