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Tommiea P. Jackson
January 30, 2004

Ruston band raises funds for Parkinson's foundation

Squint, a Ruston-based alternative rock band, does more than travel the country making music. Members party with a cause.

The group has raised more than $5,000 for The National Parkinson's Foundation from squintfest 2002 and 2003, the group's annual charity festival held at Rabb's Steakhouse in Grambling. The band recently announced that squintfest 2003 raised $3,084.43.

It was natural for the band to choose NPF when searching for a charitable cause to support, said guitarist Matt Frederickson. Frederickson's mother lost her 20-year battle to Parkinson's disease in 1997.

Parkinson's is neurological disorder that causes uncontrollable trembling and shaking, muscle rigidity and a loss of balance. The NPF raises money to fund research and support people suffering from the disease.

The idea to host squintfest quickly drew support from sponsors and bands anxious to help, convincing band members that the event should not end.

Working on their latest album "Tinsel Life" last spring, members almost did not choose to host squintfest 2003, but fans of the two-day event would not let squintfest die, Frederickson said.

"As long as it continues to build and do well, we will continue to do it," Frederickson said during a telephone interview. "Bands are calling wanting to donate their time and be part of it."

Thirteen regional rock bands including Maroon, Pinkard, Zack the Rookie, Only a Few, November's End, Tyler Read, Rapunzel, Fallstaff, Capt. Pimp An 'Em, I-20 Takes Over the World, Making Monsters and Glass Pipe performed.

Plans are underway to hold squintfest 2004 in mid-May.

Fans have followed faithfully, Frederickson said. Many of the "sqroupies" associate the band with the fight against Parkinson's.

Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of the venture is talking with others who have had similar experiences with the disease.
"That has been what has really struck me," he said.

"Tinsel Life" has been well accepted, Frederickson said, having just completed a radio interview in Starkville, Miss.

"It has started getting airplay on some larger stations," he said. "It has had a lot of success with college radio stations, but we are tying to move to major radio."

"Tinsel Life" is available online at and at local record stores.

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