Lewiston is set to play host to local music from around the state. The Androscoggin Bank Colisée and WCYY have teamed up to bring rock fans an evening of homegrown, original, alternative rock with "Rave 'n Rage."

Global Spectrum, the management firm for the Colisée, came up with the idea and enlisted Mark Curdo, DJ for the radio station and owner of Labor Day Records recording label, to recruit the bands best suited to draw a crowd in the Lewiston-Auburn area, due to his extensive knowledge on local music offerings. "They came to us and said 'we want to do a show with the station,'" said Curdo, who hosts a Thursday night show called Spin Out that showcases local music. "The local scene in Maine is one of my priorities with the station. If the Colisée is willing to open the doors to let us bring in local bands, why not? That opportunity is never there."

"Lewiston is a great area for this. We've had lots of smaller artists who have played at our building over the years who have become big acts. You might come see these bands here before they get huge," said Kellie Morris, event and marketing manager for the Colisée.

The bill includes local favorites Dead Season, Twisted Roots, and the reunited 6gig, as well as The Killing Moon, Cambiata, Covered in Bees, Sparks to Rescue and Radiation Year.

"In terms of the bands, we obviously wanted some of the heavy hitters. For me, Dead Season and Cambiata were two bands that had to be in it. I knew that 6gig was doing some reunion shows, and I thought that this would be the perfect way to get them back on the big stage," said Curdo.

From that point, bands known in various regions around Maine were added to round out the show, which Curdo described as being predominantly "rock."

"As far as the all-ages shows, they're one of the top dogs," said Curdo of The Killing Moon.

Covered in Bees "have that underground, local, passionate music following crowd. Every time I see them, the room is packed, and everyone knows their songs," said Curdo.

Walt Craven of the recently reunited 6gig, and also Lost on Liftoff, graduated from Lewiston High School in 1989 and in the early years of 6gig played small venues in town. This will be the second band Craven has played with in the Colisée building; the first was Goud's Thumb nearly a decade ago.

"We said 'yeah, we're into it,' and we just feel lucky that he wanted to include us. The bands that are playing are all really good. They're all relevant, promoting their own music and have a lot more going on than 6gig does," said Craven.

"They're one of the few bands that have been able to leave the state and play on the big stage," said Curdo of 6gig.

The anticipation, appreciation and excitement from all the bands is evident. Playing "the big room" is the pinnacle of most local musicians' careers, though a lucky few might eventually play similar venues should they become national acts.

"I think it says a lot that they are stepping up for the local scene, both CYY and the Colisée," said Matt Truman, guitarist for Dead Season.

Two of the band members of Dead Season live in the Lewiston-Auburn area, guitarist Steve Church and drummer Andy Hackett, while brothers Matt and Ian Truman live in Oxford and South Paris. Their proximity to the L-A area has made them a local favorite at places like Club Texas and Warden's.

"I'd like to see this sell-out with local bands, have everyone come out, get excited and support us," said Matt.

The night of the show, Dead Season is kicking off their CD release for "When Everything's Lost," adding more excitement to being part of Rave 'n Rage.

A contest, "The first to rage" was created to determine the final band, and had been narrowed to five finalists, Don't Tell Coach, The Pubcrawlers, Fastburn, Civil Disturbance and Absence of the Sun. In the end Absence of the Sun garnered the magic number of votes and landed that much coveted spot on the bill.

Global Spectrum and WCYY hope to make this event an annual one, bringing focus to local music and providing affordable entertainment with variety.

"We of course love the national acts that come in, but people will always be devoted and loyal to their hometown people," said Morris.

"The local scene is pretty diverse, and I think this lineup is reflective of that," said Craven. "Come out and stay the whole night. Its not one of those shows where the first bands aren't very good. Every single band is doing their own thing; every band is really original and really great."

"It's a great show. You know, you just want to see people come out to prove to the scene that even in a big room like this, the support for local is here," said Curdo. "Not necessarily just to support their one band, but to support the whole idea of the local scene and to support all the bands involved. Coming out to see the show, I think, will speak to how well-received this is. It's a big statement show. Hopefully the first of many."

Visit www.thecolisee.com for tickets and more information. Tickets can also be purchased at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée box office or by calling 1-877-GO-TIX-GO.

Go and do

WHAT: Rave 'n Rage all ages show

WHERE: Androscoggin Bank Colisee, Lewiston

WHEN: Saturday, May 24, 6 p.m.

COST: $15 for general admission

FYI: www.thecolisee.com