Rock

Saul Rocks Another Sutherslam

Written by Kelly Music Critic

Sep 5, 2022 • 4 years ago • 2 min read • 111 views

An American hard rock band, Saul [guitarist Zach Bedsaul in the background; and frontman Blake Bedsaul], performing at the Sutherslam 2022 in their hometown Sutherland, Iowa on Saturday, September 3, 2022. (Photo credit: Pam Whisenhunt)

REVIEW AND PHOTOS BY PAM WHISENHUNT | Go Venue Magazine

Sutherslam 2022 was more than a concert, it was a gathering of family, friends, and fans (affectionately known as Equals). The show Saturday, September 3rd in Sutherland, Iowa was Saul’s third event. Sutherslam was originally a benefit for Blake (vocals) and Zach (guitar) Bedsaul’s mother, who in 2019 had been living with cancer. Bedsaul’s mother has since passed, but they continue to hold the event in their hometown of Sutherland as a celebration of life.

Sutherland, population 530, doubled in size. Sutherslam held downtown on Main Street was a small, relaxed, intimate event that included food trucks, food truck cooking competition, a corn hole tournament, raffle and meet and greet. People came from across the Midwest. For Equals, it was like a family reunion. For some, the last time they’d seen each other was at Sutherslam 2020. Saul skipped putting the event in 2021 due to family events; Blake Bedsaul and William McIlravy (Bassist) had babies around this time last year.

Till Hell (Lincoln, Nebraska) and Etched In Embers (Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri) opened the show. Saul performed their Rise as Equals album in it’s entirely. Many of the songs had never been performed live. Regardless of the intimate size, there was big energy.

There are two upcoming opportunities to catch Saul; Sep 23rd in Wichita, Kansas and Sep 24th in McIlravy’s hometown York, Nebraska.