“This is one smoking band,” I thought to myself while taking in one of the final performances of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” at Penobscot Theatre in downtown Bangor in early May 2010. I didn’t realize then that I was watching the genesis of a new band; one that would soon become one of the most active groups in the area.

Guitarist and vocalist Sasha Alcott and drummer Chris Viner are When Particles Collide, a dynamic rock duo based in Bangor and actively garnering new fans and friends around the country. Since January 2011, they have maintained a very active gig schedule at home and on the road including shows in NYC, North Carolina, Boston, Pittsburgh and Kentucky.

When Particles Collide creates high-energy, melodic, unpretentious and well crafted punk-pop with influences that are felt but not obvious. For Sasha: The Pixies, Lady Lamb the Beekeeper, MiniBoone, Foo Fighters, The Clash, The Jam and David Bowie are among her faves. For Chris: Green Day is his all-time favorite but he also loves the Dave Matthews Band, especially drummer Carter Beauford. In Viner’s formative years, Dream Theatre, Rage Against the Machine and Presidents of the United States loomed large.

How one student organization is making a difference

BANGOR - Rock out at Curva Ultra Lounge Friday, April 06, 2012. The Husson/NESCom chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is hosting the second annual Music Saved Me Benefit Show - featuring five Maine-based bands, including Paranoid Social Club, When Particles Collide, Mines of Paris, One Shot Nothing and The Transducers. Z 107.3’s Paul Wolfe hosts the show.

“It's going to be a blast,” said Conor Sweeney, who is involved in publicity for the event. He's hoping to reach out beyond the Husson Campus and have the public from the greater Bangor area attend to help raise money. “The goal was to mainstream it and make sure the community knows about it.”

Proceeds raised from Music Saved Me will benefit pediatric oncology at Eastern Maine Medical Center. Leukemia survivor Erin Falwell is helping organize Music Saved Me for its second year, as it has become an annual event for PRSSA. Music Saved Me will help EMMC’s patients through arts and entertainment.