Watering the garden: Album release show proves Stillwater's scene is alive and loud

Garden Ants brought Stillwater's punk and alt community together for a full-album performance of their debut record, Workhorse.

Quincy Einstein

Mar 03, 2026 - 5 min read

Lead guitarist and vocalist Aaron Sageser leans into the crowd during Garden Ants' Workhorse release show at i&i Skateshop on Feb. 28. Also pictured, from left: bassist Donald Stark, guitarist Connor Edens, and drummer Preston Loucks. – Photo by JD Graumann/GmannCreates Photography

Watering the garden: Album release show proves Stillwater's scene is alive and loud — Lead guitarist and vocalist Aaron Sageser leans into the crowd during Garden Ants' *Workhorse* release show at i&i Skateshop on Feb. 28. Also pictured, from left: bassist Donald Stark, guitarist Connor Edens, and drummer Preston Loucks. – Photo by JD Graumann/GmannCreates Photography

Fans of Stillwater's local punk and alt music scene descended on i&i Skateshop on Main Street to celebrate the album release of Garden Ants, a local band whose sound blends folk, indie, and DIY elements into Midwest emo.

The Feb. 28 show featured supporting sets from Peoria, Fighting Sleep, and Morris Village.

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