ProgPower USA is a
progressive and
power metal
Power metal is a subgenre of heavy metal combining characteristics of traditional heavy metal with speed metal, often within symphonic context. Generally, power metal is characterized by a faster, lighter, and more uplifting sound, in contra ...
festival
A festival is an event ordinarily celebrated by a community and centering on some characteristic aspect or aspects of that community and its religion or cultures. It is often marked as a local or national holiday, mela, or eid. A festival c ...
held annually in the United States since 2001. Its upcoming edition, ProgPower USA XXI is scheduled to take place on June 1–4, 2022. The festival's band selection process focuses on quality over quantity. In addition to the emphasis on the power and progressive metal genres, the festival has branched out into other genres with the inclusion of the "oddball" slot that doesn't fit the normal motif. ProgPower USA gives bands that have never performed in the States a chance to perform in the country. The festival has been described as a cultural experience for fans with autograph signing sessions, guest appearances, reunions, and meet-and-greets. The festival ha
hosted over 70 bands' USA debutsincluding
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian is a German power metal band formed in 1984 in Krefeld, West Germany. They are often credited as one of the seminal and most influential bands in the power metal and speed metal subgenres.[Gamma Ray
A gamma ray, also known as gamma radiation (symbol γ or \gamma), is a penetrating form of electromagnetic radiation arising from the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei. It consists of the shortest wavelength electromagnetic waves, typically ...]
,
Nightwish
Nightwish is a Finnish symphonic metal band from Kitee. The band was formed in 1996 by lead songwriter and keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, guitarist Emppu Vuorinen, and former lead singer Tarja Turunen. The band soon picked up drummer Jukka Neva ...
, and
Stratovarius
Stratovarius is a Finnish power metal band that formed in 1985. Since their formation, they have released sixteen studio albums, five DVDs and six live albums. In its history, the band has gone through many chaotic lineup changes, and after fo ...
.
History
ProgPower USA began i
2001 The very first festival was February 23–24, 2001, in
Lansing, Illinois
Lansing is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States. Lansing is a south suburb of Chicago. The population was 29,076 at the 2020 census.
Geography
Lansing is located at (41.565785, -87.545791). It is south of the Chicago city limits a ...
, just outside
Chicago
(''City in a Garden''); I Will
, image_map =
, map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago
, coordinates =
, coordinates_footnotes =
, subdivision_type = Country
, subdivision_name ...
, a
J.J. Kelley's The subsequent events have been held in
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta ( ) is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Georgia. It is the seat of Fulton County, the most populous county in Georgia, but its territory falls in both Fulton and DeKalb counties. With a population of 498,715 ...
, at
Center Stage Atlanta
Center Stage is a mid-sized concert complex comprising three separate venues located in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally known as Theatre Atlanta, the concert hall was built in memorial to a young theater enthusiast. Upon its opening in the fall o ...
(formerly Earthlink Live).
Festival founder and promoter, Glenn Harveston's notion of ProgPower USA began over dinner among friends after attending th
Powermad festivalin Baltimore, Maryland. As the festival progressed, the roster scope diversified with the intent of reaching a larger fan base. The brand's international success is based upon an unofficial partnership with
ProgPower Europe
ProgPower Europe (formerly ProgPower) is a progressive metal festival held annually in the Netherlands since 1999. Notable headliners have included Sons of Apollo, Evergrey, and Caligula's Horse.
History
The beginnings of ProgPower Europe ...
. The festival overcame early hardship from an attendance perspective due to the tragic events of September 11 at ProgPower II and flourished with multiple sell-outs over the next 13 years.
In the program for ProgPower XIX (as well as repeated posts on social media), Glenn announced ProgPower XXV (in 2025) will be his final year of the festival.
ProgPower XXI is notorious for being delayed twice by the
COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The novel virus was first identif ...
and being the first edition to be held in June.
Lineups
February 2001 ProgPower USA I
was held at J.J. Kelley's in
Lansing, Illinois
Lansing is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States. Lansing is a south suburb of Chicago. The population was 29,076 at the 2020 census.
Geography
Lansing is located at (41.565785, -87.545791). It is south of the Chicago city limits a ...
on February 23–24, 2001.
November 2001 ProgPower USA II
was held at Center Stage (then called Earthlink Live) in
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta ( ) is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Georgia. It is the seat of Fulton County, the most populous county in Georgia, but its territory falls in both Fulton and DeKalb counties. With a population of 498,715 ...
on November 9 & 10, 2001.
2002 ProgPower USA III
was held at Center Stage (then called Earthlink Live) in Atlanta, GA on November 15–16, 2002
;Pre-Show Party
The ProgPower USA III Pre-Show Party was held Thursday November 14, 2002, at The Riviera Club in Atlanta, GA.
2003 ProgPower USA IV
was held on September 5–6, 2003 at Center Stage (then called Earthlink Live) in Atlanta, GA.
;Pre-Show Party
The ProgPower USA IV Pre-Show Party was held September 4, 2003, at The Riviera Club in Atlanta, GA
2004
ProgPower USA V took place on September 17–18, 2004 at
Center Stage Atlanta
Center Stage is a mid-sized concert complex comprising three separate venues located in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally known as Theatre Atlanta, the concert hall was built in memorial to a young theater enthusiast. Upon its opening in the fall o ...
(then called Earthlink Live) in Atlanta, GA.
;Showcase
The Showcase took place on Thursday September 16, 2004, at The Eleven50 Club.
2005
ProgPower USA VI took place on September 16–17, 2005 at
Center Stage Atlanta
Center Stage is a mid-sized concert complex comprising three separate venues located in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally known as Theatre Atlanta, the concert hall was built in memorial to a young theater enthusiast. Upon its opening in the fall o ...
(then called Earthlink Live) in Atlanta, GA.
;Showcase
The Showcase took place on Thursday September 15, 2005, at The Loft (above
Center Stage) in Atlanta, GA.
2006
ProgPower USA VII took place on September 15–16, 2006 at
Center Stage in Atlanta, GA.
;Showcase
The Showcase took place on Thursday September 14, 2006, at The Loft (above
Center Stage) in Atlanta, GA.
2007 ProgPower USA VIII
took place on October 5–6, 2007 at
Center Stage Atlanta
Center Stage is a mid-sized concert complex comprising three separate venues located in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally known as Theatre Atlanta, the concert hall was built in memorial to a young theater enthusiast. Upon its opening in the fall o ...
in Atlanta, GA.
The All Star Jam was a collaboration of members of various bands who performed throughout the weekend playing familiar classic metal songs.
;Showcase
The Showcase took place on Thursday October 4, 2007, at
Center Stage in Atlanta, GA.
From 2007 forward all Showcases (now called the Kick-Off) take place at the main Center Stage theater.
2008
ProgPower USA IX took place on September 26–27, 2008 at
Center Stage Atlanta
Center Stage is a mid-sized concert complex comprising three separate venues located in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally known as Theatre Atlanta, the concert hall was built in memorial to a young theater enthusiast. Upon its opening in the fall o ...
in Atlanta, GA.
;Kick-Off
This Kick-Off for this year was billed as the Hellish Rock World Tour as Manticora, Gamma Ray and Helloween were on tour at the time and used the Showcase date as a regular tour stop. This event took place in the main
Center Stage theater on Thursday September 25, 2008.
;Mid-Week Mayhem
The first Mid-Week Mayhem at ProgPower USA was held at The Loft (above
Center Stage on Wednesday September 24, 2008, in Atlanta, GA.
2009
ProgPower USA X took place on September 11–12, 2009 at
Center Stage Atlanta
Center Stage is a mid-sized concert complex comprising three separate venues located in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally known as Theatre Atlanta, the concert hall was built in memorial to a young theater enthusiast. Upon its opening in the fall o ...
in Atlanta, GA.
;Kick-Off
The Kick-Off took place on Thursday September 10, 2009, at
Center Stage in Atlanta, GA.
2010
ProgPower USA XI took place on September 10–11, 2010 at
Center Stage Atlanta
Center Stage is a mid-sized concert complex comprising three separate venues located in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally known as Theatre Atlanta, the concert hall was built in memorial to a young theater enthusiast. Upon its opening in the fall o ...
in Atlanta, GA.
;Kick-Off
The Kick-Off took place on Thursday September 9, 2010, at
Center Stage in Atlanta, GA.
;Mid-Week Mayhem
The Mid-Week Mayhem took place on Wednesday September 8, 2010, at The Loft at
Center Stage in Atlanta, GA.
2011
ProgPower USA XII took place on September 16–17, 2011 at
Center Stage Atlanta
Center Stage is a mid-sized concert complex comprising three separate venues located in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally known as Theatre Atlanta, the concert hall was built in memorial to a young theater enthusiast. Upon its opening in the fall o ...
in Atlanta, GA.
;Kick-Off
The Kick-Off took place on Thursday September 15, 2011, at
Center Stage in Atlanta, GA.
;Mid-Week mayhem
The Mid-Week Mayhem took place on Wednesday September 14, 2010, at The Loft at
Center Stage in Atlanta, GA.
*
Evergrey
Evergrey is a Swedish progressive metal band from Gothenburg.
History
Evergrey was formed in 1995 in Gothenburg, Sweden as a progressive power metal band, in contrast to the melodic death metal that Gothenburg is known for. Since then, the band ...
(Acoustic) followed by metal karaoke.
2012
ProgPower USA XIII took place on September 14–15, 2012 at
Center Stage Atlanta
Center Stage is a mid-sized concert complex comprising three separate venues located in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally known as Theatre Atlanta, the concert hall was built in memorial to a young theater enthusiast. Upon its opening in the fall o ...
in Atlanta, GA.
Instead of a Kick-Off and Mid-Week Mayhem,
Nightwish
Nightwish is a Finnish symphonic metal band from Kitee. The band was formed in 1996 by lead songwriter and keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, guitarist Emppu Vuorinen, and former lead singer Tarja Turunen. The band soon picked up drummer Jukka Neva ...
and
Kamelot
Kamelot is an American power metal band from Tampa, Florida, formed by Thomas Youngblood, in 1987. The Norwegian vocalist Roy Khan joined for the album ''Siége Perilous'', and shared songwriting credit with Youngblood until his departure in Apr ...
performed Wednesday and Thursday night before the festival, September 12–13, 2012.
2013
ProgPower USA XIV took place on September 6–7, 2013 at
Center Stage Atlanta
Center Stage is a mid-sized concert complex comprising three separate venues located in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally known as Theatre Atlanta, the concert hall was built in memorial to a young theater enthusiast. Upon its opening in the fall o ...
in Atlanta, GA.
;Kick-Off
The Kick-Off took place on Thursday September 5, 2013, at
Center Stage) in Atlanta, GA.
;Mid-week Mayhem
The Mid-Week Mayhem took place on Wednesday September 4, 2013, at The Loft at
Center Stage) in Atlanta, GA.
2014
ProgPower USA XV took place on September 12–13, 2014 at
Center Stage Atlanta
Center Stage is a mid-sized concert complex comprising three separate venues located in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally known as Theatre Atlanta, the concert hall was built in memorial to a young theater enthusiast. Upon its opening in the fall o ...
in Atlanta, GA.
;Kick-Off
The Kick-Off took place on Thursday September 11, 2014, at
Center Stage) in Atlanta, GA.
;Mid-Week Mayhem
The Mid-Week Mayhem took place on Wednesday September 10, 2014.
2015
ProgPower USA XVI took place on September 11–12, 2015 at
Center Stage Atlanta
Center Stage is a mid-sized concert complex comprising three separate venues located in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally known as Theatre Atlanta, the concert hall was built in memorial to a young theater enthusiast. Upon its opening in the fall o ...
in Atlanta, GA.
;Kick-Off
The Kick-Off took place on Thursday September 10, 2015, at
Center Stage in Atlanta, GA.
;Mid-Week Mayhem
The Mid-Week Mayhem took place on Wednesday September 9, 2015, at The Loft at
Center Stage in Atlanta, GA.
2016
ProgPower USA XVII took place on September 7–10, 2016 at
Center Stage Atlanta
Center Stage is a mid-sized concert complex comprising three separate venues located in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally known as Theatre Atlanta, the concert hall was built in memorial to a young theater enthusiast. Upon its opening in the fall o ...
in Atlanta, GA. Starting in 2016, ProgPower USA became a full four-day event. The Mid-Week Mayhem (Wednesday) and Kick-Off (Thursday) shows are now known as Days 1 and 2 respectively of the new format, while the traditional ProgPower USA Friday and Saturday shows are now Days 3 and 4 respectively.
;Days 1 & 2
Days 1 and 2 (September 7–8, 2016) took place at
Center Stage in Atlanta, GA. Day 2 (Thursday show) was called the Promoter's Pick night. There were four bands per day.
;Days 3 & 4
Days 3 and 4 (September 9–10, 2016) took place at
Center Stage in Atlanta, GA. These days are considered to be main event with six bands per day.
2017
ProgPower USA XVIII took place on September 6–9, 2017 at
Center Stage Atlanta
Center Stage is a mid-sized concert complex comprising three separate venues located in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally known as Theatre Atlanta, the concert hall was built in memorial to a young theater enthusiast. Upon its opening in the fall o ...
in Atlanta, GA.
;Days 1 & 2
Days 1 and 2 took place on September 6–7, 2017 at
Center Stage in Atlanta, GA with four bands on Wednesday and five bands on Thursday.
;Days 3 & 4
Days 3 and 4 took place on September 8–9, 2017 at
Center Stage in Atlanta, GA with six bands per day.
2018
ProgPower USA XIX took place on September 5–8, 2018 at
Center Stage Atlanta
Center Stage is a mid-sized concert complex comprising three separate venues located in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally known as Theatre Atlanta, the concert hall was built in memorial to a young theater enthusiast. Upon its opening in the fall o ...
in Atlanta, GA.
;Days 1 & 2
Days 1 and 2 took place on September 5–6, 2018 at
Center Stage in Atlanta, GA with four bands per day.
;Days 3 & 4
Days 3 and 4 took place on September 7–8, 2018 at
Center Stage in Atlanta, GA with six bands per day.
2019
ProgPower USA XX took place on September 4–7, 2019 at
Center Stage Atlanta
Center Stage is a mid-sized concert complex comprising three separate venues located in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally known as Theatre Atlanta, the concert hall was built in memorial to a young theater enthusiast. Upon its opening in the fall o ...
in Atlanta, GA.
;Days 1 & 2
Days 1 and 2 took place on September 4–5, 2019 at
Center Stage in Atlanta, GA with four bands per day.
;Days 3 & 4
Days 3 and 4 took place on September 6–7, 2019 at
Center Stage in Atlanta, GA with six bands per day.
2022
ProgPower USA XXI is now scheduled to take place on June 1–4, 2022 at
Center Stage Atlanta
Center Stage is a mid-sized concert complex comprising three separate venues located in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally known as Theatre Atlanta, the concert hall was built in memorial to a young theater enthusiast. Upon its opening in the fall o ...
in Atlanta, GA.
;Days 1 & 2
Days 1 and 2 are scheduled to take place on June 1–2, 2022 at
Center Stage in Atlanta, GA.
;Days 3 & 4
Days 3 and 4 are scheduled to take place on June 3–4, 2022 at
Center Stage in Atlanta, GA.
2023
ProgPower USA XXII is scheduled to take place on September 6-9, 2023 at
Center Stage Atlanta
Center Stage is a mid-sized concert complex comprising three separate venues located in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally known as Theatre Atlanta, the concert hall was built in memorial to a young theater enthusiast. Upon its opening in the fall o ...
in Atlanta, GA.
;Days 1 & 2
Days 1 and 2 are scheduled to take place on September 6-7, 2023 at
Center Stage in Atlanta, GA.
;Days 3 & 4
Days 3 and 4 are scheduled to take place on September 8-9, 2023 at
Center Stage in Atlanta, GA.
Postponed and cancelled lineups
2020–2021
ProgPower USA XXI was originally scheduled to take place on September 9–12, 2020 at
Center Stage Atlanta
Center Stage is a mid-sized concert complex comprising three separate venues located in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally known as Theatre Atlanta, the concert hall was built in memorial to a young theater enthusiast. Upon its opening in the fall o ...
in Atlanta, GA. However, due to the
COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The novel virus was first identif ...
it was postponed. This was announced on May 22, 2020.
The rescheduled dates for ProgPower USA XXI were to take place on September 8–11, 2021 at
Center Stage Atlanta
Center Stage is a mid-sized concert complex comprising three separate venues located in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally known as Theatre Atlanta, the concert hall was built in memorial to a young theater enthusiast. Upon its opening in the fall o ...
in Atlanta, GA. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was postponed again.
References
1. EvilG
"Heart of Steel: Interviews Glenn Harveston Organizer of ProgPower USA."Metal-Rules. March 2003. Web. November 28, 2013.
2. http://vimeo.com/75257334
3. Gromen, Mark. "Onstage ProgPower VII." Metal Maniacs. February 2007: 108–109. Print.
4. Wagner, Jeff; Wilson, Steven (2010).
Mean Deviation: Four Decades of Progressive Heavy Metal. Bazillion Points Books. p. 331. .
5. Devani, Sarjoo. "ProgPower USA VII." Explicitly Intense. 2006: 46–47. Print.
6. Hicks, Taylor. "ProgPower USA." Rock N Roll. December 2012: 50–51. Print.
7. Popke, Michael. "A Progressively Metallic Power Play: ProgPower USA V Unfolds with Plenty of Surprises and Establishes itself as one of the World's Elite Music Festivals." Progression Magazine. Spring 2005: 71–74. Print.
8. Ollila, Mape (2007).
Once Upon a Nightwish: The Official Biography 1996–2006. Deggael Communications. p. 191. .
9. Murphy, Bill. "Glenn Harveston: "I Think I Have Reached An Elite Level With This Festival". Dark Rhapsody. December 2007. Web. November 28, 2013.
10. Mendonca, Milton. "Audio Interview with ProgPower USA Promoter, Glenn Harveston PART 1." YouTube. November 12, 2012. November 28, 2013.
11. Reesman, Bryan.
A Ride with Dream Theater's John Petrucci" Grammy.com. September 2013. Web. November 28, 2013.
12. De Campos, Vanessa. "ProgPower USA IX Atlanta, 26th September 2008." Fireworks. March/April 2009: 77–78. Print. Issue 35
13. Johnsen, Matt. "ProgPower 2.0." Metal Maniacs. August 2002: 96–98. Print.
Further reading
*
*
*
*
*
*
*{{cite book, url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KNrV3iQ_qrIC&q=progpower , title=Metal: The Definitive Guide , last=Sharpe-Young , first=Garry , publisher=Jawbone Press , year=2007 , isbn=978-1-906002-87-9 , pages=336, 339, 417
* ProgPower USA Event Programs years 2009–2013 contain interviews with each band. http://www.progpowerusa.com/xv/media/downloads.html
* Johnsen, Matt. "ProgPower Fest IV." Metal Maniacs. March 2004: 85–88. Print.
* Antunovich, Tony.
Interview with Century Media Publicist" Metaleater.com. June 10, 2005. Web. November 28, 2013.
* Johnson, T.S.
Nightwish / Kamelot Live Review" Sonic Cathedral WebZine. October 13, 2012. Web. November 28, 2013.
* Frederick, Carl.
Experience ProgPower USA from the Eyes of a First-time Attendee" Metalunderground.com. September 19, 2012. Web. November 28, 2013.
* Serafine, Frank.
ProgPower USA XIV: At a Glance- Newcomers and What to Watch For" Metalunderground.com. August 21, 2013. Web. November 28, 2013.
* Rozo, Miguel.
Glenn Harveston promoter of ProgPower USA checked in with The Age Of Metal" The Age of Metal. August 9, 2012. Web. November 28, 2013.
* War, Erika.
ProgPower XIV – A Quick Review" Rocknotes Webzine. September 2013. Web. November 28, 2013.
* Gromen, Mark.
ProgPower USA 2013 – Good-Natured Family Feud" Bravewords.com. September 11, 2013. Web. November 28, 2013.
* Jolicoeur, Todd.
Live: ProgPower USA – September 5-7, 2013, Atlanta, GA @ USA Center Stage" 100% Rock Magazine. October 2, 2013. Web. November 28, 2013.
* Richardson, Justin.
ProgPower USA 2012 Recap Day 1" Hellbound.ca. February 22, 2013. Web. November 28, 2013.
* Vicente, Matt.
ProgPower USA XIV: A Comprehensive Recap of the Premier U.S. Metal Festival" LadyObscure.com. September 25, 2013. Web.
Nov 28, 2013.
* Vicente, Matt.
ProgPower USA: An Insider Look at America's Premier Metal Festival. LadyObscure.com. March 24, 2012. Web. November 28, 2013.
* Saree, Danae
"Sylvain Auclair of Heaven's Cry Talks Album Reissues and ProgPower USA."Music Enthusiast Mag. January 3, 2014. Web. January 3, 2014.
* Griffy, Chris. "ProgPower USA 2014 Sells Out on Strength of Exclusives." Examiner.com. November 4, 2013. January 4, 2014.
* Gromen, Mark.
JON OLIVA'S PAIN Introduce New Guitarist; ProgPower USA To Be Only Show For 2014. Bravewords.com. April 24, 2014. Web. April 24, 2014.
* Frederick, Carl.
ProgPower USA Names Need As Replacement Act As Thought Chamber Drops Off Roster. Metalunderground.com. April 23, 2014. Web. April 24, 2014.
* "Prog, Power & The Glory" Metal Maniac Heavy Metal Magazine, in Italian
November 2014, pages 48–50, ISSN 1825-7992
Photo galleries
* Lackner, Ken.
Picture Book: ProgPower USA XIV @ Center Stage" Atlanta Music Guide. September 12, 2013. Web. November 28, 2013.
* Lackner, Ken.
Picture Book: ProgPower USA day 1 @Center Stage" September 12, 2012. Web. November 28, 2013.
* Ahola, Esa
ProgPower USA Web. November 28, 2013.
* Thomas, Allen Ross
ProgPower USA Web. November 28, 2013.
* Schmidt, Stephen
ProgPower USA Web. November 28, 2013.
* Pando, David.
ProgPower USA XIV" Metalinjection.com. Sept. 2013. Web. November 28, 2013.
* Evans, Shawn.
Armored Saint Live Photos from ProgPower XIV" Skullnbones.com. Sept. 2013. Web. November 28, 2013.
External links
ProgPower USA websiteProgPower USA on FacebookProgPower USA on YouTubeProgPower USA on TwitterProgPower USA on TumblrProgPower USA on FlickrProgPower USA on PinterestProgPower USA on Instagram
Heavy metal festivals in the United States
Music festivals established in 2001