SHOCK AND AWE

PALMER — Colony High School had its Old Hollywood-themed prom at the William A. Egan Center in Anchorage on Saturday.

Along with the many exciting elements of the dance, prom-goers had the once in a lifetime opportunity of meeting a formerly local rock star when 36 Crazyfists frontman Brock Lindow made an appearance at the event.

This visit was due to the dedication of the prom committee and junior class officers. Co-Vice President Eddie Lee presented the idea of having Lindow at prom.

“I brought the idea up and everyone liked it, so I just made it happen,” said Lee.

Making contact with Lindow was not an easy task, despite Lee’s connections through his job at Valley radio station Q 99.7. This contact required the baking of a cake with the logo of the National Hockey League’s Boston Bruins for Colony varsity boys soccer coach Jeremy Johnson, who DJs for KWHL 106.5. Lee then helped broadcast Johnson interviewing Lindow and was ab le to speak with the vocalist during the breaks, which is when he agreed to attend Colony’s prom.

Lindow was a great special guest for the teen dance because not only is he incredibly successful with his band, but all of its members — current and former — are from Alaska. The band is also very popular with teens today.

36 Crazyfists made its big splash in 1995 in Anchorage when the four original members, including Lindow, released their first recording. After this success the band underwent many changes, with the death of their bassist J.D. Stuart and retirement of guitarist Ryan Brownell. Fifteen years later, however, the band has seen four full albums recorded and much of the world from its tours.

Although the band’s fan base is global, it is evident its devotion is to the 907 area code through its many local concerts, Alaska lyrics, meet and greets, and special events such as Colony’s prom.

At the Knights’ prom, Lindow announced the dance’s royalty — king and queen Kyle Kramer and Sable Irwin — as well as talked, signed autographs and took photos with attendees.

“Brock was really cool about it; he deserves a medal for coming,” Lee said.

Prom is a great experience for students and the surprise visit from this artist was only one addition to the excitement of the evening.

Kayla Anderson is a sophomore at Colony High School.