A Surprising Rock Experience in Umatilla

As I made the familiar drive from Washington State University  forty years ago, I found myself passing through Umatilla Oregon, a quiet town I’d driven so many  times before. To my surprise this week, I noticed facebook posts for a rock festival called Rock the Locks. I had to double-check the location—I never would have guessed that Umatilla would host a heavy metal and rock festival, let alone for three days. For a small town known more for its peaceful surroundings, this seemed like an unlikely setting for such an event.

Sponsored by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and other local businesses, Rock the Locks turned Umatilla into the center of rock and heavy metal, with bands and fans flocking in from all over. The festival’s atmosphere was electric, with large crowds, great energy, and top-tier performances that took everyone by surprise. From well-known headliners to upcoming acts, the lineup had something for every rock fan, and the town seemed to transform into a music hub overnight.

The results were impressive. Not only did the festival draw great attendance, but the entire event felt electric equal to the electricity needed for the Amazon data centers. Umatilla may have been an unexpected choice for a major rock festival, but it proved to be a fantastic one, offering an unforgettable weekend of music in an unlikely location. It was a testament to the town’s ability to host something big.

Growth of Amazon Data Centers

The growth of Amazon’s data centers in Umatilla has transformed the small town into a key hub for tech infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest. As Amazon continues to expand its cloud computing operations, the local economy has seen significant benefits, from job creation to increased investment in infrastructure. This growth has allowed Amazon to become an integral part of the Umatilla community, further demonstrated by their sponsorship of the Rock the Locks festival. Through their support, Amazon not only enhances local cultural events but also strengthens ties with the community, showcasing their commitment to fostering both economic and social vitality in the region. Well done Amazon!!

Friday, October 4th: Kicking Off with High-Energy Performances

The festival opened its gates at 1:00 pm on Friday, welcoming an eager crowd ready for a weekend of headbanging and rock anthems.  Fans were then treated to a dynamic performance by Jeff Scott Soto and Jason Bieler, blending power and stories  in their collaborative set. The energy only intensified as the day progressed, with ’90s alternative rock legends Sponge delivering a nostalgic set.

By 6:45 pm, the excitement was at a fever pitch when Hell’s Belles, the world-famous all-female AC/DC tribute band, took the stage, thrilling the crowd with spot-on renditions of classic hits. Following them, Cory Marks brought a unique blend of country rock that transitioned the crowd toward the evening’s headliner. As night fell, Halestorm took over with their electrifying energy and Liz iszy Hale’s commanding vocals, closing the first day with a performance that left the crowd buzzing.

Saturday, October 5th: Legends and Newcomers Rock the Stage

Saturday began bright and early, with gates opening at 11:00 am. The local band Colorblind got things started with a solid set, followed by Fine Winos and Canadian rockers Chase the Bear, who brought an exciting flair to the afternoon. As the day wore on, the performances ramped up with Bombshell Molly energizing the audience just before classic ’80s rockers Winger took the stage. Their performance was a highlight for fans of glam metal, with hit songs that took the crowd back in time.

The evening’s headliners were a massive draw. First, Josey Scott, the original voice of Saliva, delivered a hard-hitting set with his signature growls and charisma, followed by the always gritty Puddle of Mudd. The night continued to build momentum as Hoobastank brought their well-known hits to the stage, before the legendary Stone Temple Pilots capped off the night with a show that rocked Umatilla to its core.

Sunday, October 6th: A Grand Finale

The final day of Rock the Docks kicked off at 11:45 am with Dallin Puzey, warming up the crowd for a day filled with both rock classics and modern tunes. Fans were excited for Steelheart, who took the stage at 1:00 pm and delivered a performance that reminded everyone why they were icons of the metal scene. The afternoon continued with the Sarah Moon Band, adding a unique sound to the lineup, before ’80s hard rock legends Warrant stormed the stage with their big hits and anthemic choruses.

As the day drew to a close, the festival took a slight detour with the soulful rock of Phillip Phillips, offering a heartfelt performance that resonated deeply with the audience. The final act, the iconic Barenaked Ladies, brought their infectious energy and humor to the stage, closing out the festival with a fun and memorable set.

A Small Town with a Rockin Festival

Umatilla, Oregon, may be a small town, but Rock the Locks has proven it can host a festival with big sound, world-class performances, and a welcoming atmosphere that hopefully has fans coming back. Whether you were there for the heavy metal hits or the more eclectic acts, this festival had something for every rock fan. With large crowds filling the venue each night, it’s clear that Rock the Locks is becoming a must see event for rock lovers in the Pacific Northwest.