Lily / The Mad Scientists / Phalanx / MauvEd

Almost thirteen years ago three boys were sentenced to prison for the murder of three young boys. Only, the boys sentenced were not the ones guilty of the crimes. This is the story of the West Memphis Three (WM3). The evidence used to convict these three included, a coerced, error-filled "confession" as well as black hair and clothing, heavy metal T-shirts, and Stephen King novels as proof of involvement in a satanic cult that lead to the death of the three boys. In addition the prosecution never presented motive, physical evidence, or a murder weapon. Their unfair imprisonment has struck a chord in the rock community and has created much interest in their case (artists as diverse as Henry Rollins to Tom Waits). Denton's underground rock community will do their part in supporting the West Memphis Three and bringing awareness to the case.

June 3 is West Memphis Three Worldwide Awareness Day, and there is currently an organized letter writing campaign to the governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee, that is trying to record the actual number of letters sent on the behalf of the WM3. "We want to get the word out about this campaign as well as the WM3 in general to those who may not already know about it," states Kim Fry, principle event organizer and bass player for The Mad Scientists. Event organizers are asking a $3 donation all of which will go to the West Memphis Three's legal defense fund. The lineup is a diverse mixture of Denton's finest underground band which shows the diversity of the bands and people that feel strongly about this case. The night begins with an 8:30 pm short set by MauvEd, (mysterious underground Denton legend returns) followed by Phalanx (hardcore jazz), then The Mad Scientists (experimental dark psychedelic jazz metal) and Lily (rock - yep it still exists). Brannon Barr (guitar/vocals for The Mad Scientists) thinks, "It's great when musicians can get together and raise awareness about important issues such as this. Its really brings to light the problems of the current judicial system and how what happened to them could happen to any outsiders in this society whether is be because of money, social status, or personal beliefs."

By Kim Fry