Sudden death of beloved member draws community together
Amundson was an infectious personality, whether behind the bass in Cascades or behind a camera.
Early Jan. 15, news broke on social media that Fargo.Live photographer, Hotdish Presents cofounder and bassist for local band Cascades, Carter Amundson had unexpectedly passed away.
Amundson was known by those in the scene as an infectiously energetic individual with a habit of yelling “F— yeah, Bud!” after every single song of the gig.
Everyone who met him seemed drawn in immediately. Even I have my own stories involving Amundson, including the first time I ever went to a gig at Grandpa’s House in Moorhead. It was spotting Amundson’s lanky figure in his signature strawberry “Easycore” snapback hat that assured me I was at the right place.
“The scene lost a shining personality and their biggest fan.”
Gary Ussery, Fargo.Live
Since his death was announced, members from all sides of the scene have expressed their grief.
Cascades released a statement that they were canceling all of their upcoming shows and asking for privacy during this difficult time, promising to make a more detailed statement at a later date.
The New Direction Fest 8 Facebook page created a post honoring Amundson and they explained that they will be postponing announcing their upcoming lineup: “We will be taking a couple days off of announcements while this whole music family mourns together. This fest is for you, Carter. ”
Fargo.Live and Hotdish Presents have decided to go ahead with the collaborative show Saturday, Jan. 19. The Red Raven Espresso Parlor gig was originally a charity event to raise money for the Homeward Animal Shelter, but in light of recent events, has become a benefit for Amundson’s family.
Fargo.Live founder Gary Ussery spoke highly of the young photographer in a public Facebook post: “This guy truly loved the Fargo Music Scene. He was everyone’s biggest fan, and I think he honestly was the biggest fan of anyone who took stage at the Red Raven. All I can do is keep the project alive and keep supporting the people Carter loved. I’m going to miss you, dude. The scene lost a shining personality and their biggest fan.”
Ussery added that Amundson had the distinction of being the only other photographer to have his live music photography featured with Fargo.Live.
For those in the Fargo-Moorhead music scene, there is no doubt Amundson left a lasting imprint.
If you are free Saturday night, consider checking out the Red Raven show and help the grieving scene heal. Grazing guitarist Michael Ruebke perhaps put it best by saying, “Carter was something else. He loved this scene with his entire soul and would want this to go on no matter what. Please come out and show your love, share some memories and sing/dance to all the bands. Just as Carter would do.”
At the time of this article, no details as to the circumstances of Amundson’s death have been released.
If You Go:
- Who: Grazing, 13th Chapter, Pass the Flask, Too Fast For Frank
- What: Carter Amundson benefit show, all ages
- Where: Red Raven Espresso Parlor
- When: Jan. 19, doors at 6 p.m. music at 6:30 p.m.