Polarpalooza 2006 was a music extravaganza, with bands from all over Fairbanks converging at the Wood Center to rock the students and give them a high-energy afternoon.

From ska to jazz to straight rock, the variety of music gave a little something for everyone to enjoy.

The first band was the Top Heavy Filthies. The seven-piece group plays third-generation ska covers of popular bands such as Save Ferris, Reel Big Fish, Littlefinger, and The Mad Caddies. Many of the songs seemed familiar to audience members, with the band giving them a chance to sing along with their favorite ska songs live.

The band had a great horn section, and the quality of the music high for a band that only formed in March of this year.

The second band was Cold Fusion. The group had the same bass player, drummer, and saxophone player from the Top Heavy Filthies, but a different guitarist and a keyboardist. The band played jazz standards such as "Billie's Blues," with solo sections allowing the chance for the band members to show their stuff.

An audience member made the remark that the guys in Cold Fusion sound like pros, because, ironically, they are. They play for the Army, and are stationed out at Ft. Wainwright. This was their first show on campus, and many hoped that they would return soon.

The third band was the Artic Noise Symphony. The musical style was reminiscent of mid-Nineties alternative rock. The group would trade instruments every few songs, and at one point even brought out a ukulele. Rick Schadt is a recent addition in the band, lending his cello and bass prowess wherever needed. For you that missed them, you may redeem yourself by coming to their gig this Friday at the Pub.

Fourth up was Paper Scissors, together again after a recent six-month hiatus. The mix of synth and guitar got people dancing and brought a strong response from the audience. The band was likely the most original of the bands that played, with various indie-rock influences from groups such as Modest Mouse and Stereolab.

People had been steadily trickling in since the start of the event, and the crowd by this time was about 50 people. This was good for Lester, who came up from Anchorage to play a few songs after the Paper Scissors' set. Lester played songs that are usually performed with rest of his band, the Moon Knights, who will hopefully come up to Fairbanks someday to give us their full set.

Finishing up the event was the high-volume punk group, the Scurvies. The audience gave an energetic response in the form of pushing and plowing into each other, which was almost as entertaining to watch as was listening to the band. The Scruvies made a fitting ending to a fine Saturday evening.