Wild Truth

Wild Truth drummer Bill Ray says Artwalk organizers gave his band some unwanted "special treatment" while they performed -- for free -- at the Little Italy street festival on April 23. According to a posting on Ray's website, "[Artwalk] staff came up to us in the middle of a song and started yelling at us that we were too loud. Obligingly, we turned down a notch. However, she and another one, obviously higher up the food chain, came back and proceeded to insist for us to reduce the volume. I found her very condescending, as we were told that our band was supposed to be 'background music.' "

Ray later sent a letter to Artwalk organizers, reading in part, "Your staff sent a clear message to us that what we as a group donated (our time & talent) to your cause (your wallets) wasn't appreciated and clearly reflects the oftentimes apathetic view that this city takes on its artists. What you guys did is buy a cow and complain about the milk. Only you didn't buy the cow -- the cow and milk were free and yet you still complained about the milk." The Wild Truth will release their CD The Golden Era this month.