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Ethan Bartman of Water Witches performing at Hocking College’s “Live From Studio A.” Water Witches will perform tonight at Casa as a part of the sixth annual Benefest. (Photo courtesy of Scott Winland)

Benefest Turns It Up To 11 For a Good Cause

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Tonight marks the kick off of the sixth annual Benefest, a weekend-long music extravanganza that rocks out for a good cause.

The event, which takes place at Casa Cantina tonight and then moves to The Union on Friday and Saturday, will raise funds for Stuart’s Opera House’s After School Music Program, which provides music lessons to Athens-area youth, free of charge; and The Gathering Place, which creates a safe space for adults recovering from mental illness to recuperate.

Benefest is organized by students in the Hocking College School of Music and hosted by WLCI 97.5, Hocking College’s student-run radio station.

“Benefest was created to offer students of our Music and Media program a hands learning experience organizing and managing a three-night live music event that benefits the community,” said Scott Winland, Director of the Hocking College School of Music.

“The purpose of Benefest is to promote and raise funds for these great community organizations,” said Troy Ackley, the public relations director at WLCI 97.5. “We are proud of the diverse line-up of amazing local talent we have performing. We believe everyone in the community should come out to support these great organizations.”

Fundraising endeavors such as Benefest are crucial for community-oriented outfits like Stuart’s After School Music Program and The Gathering Place.

“The After School Music program provides a vehicle for students to learn music in a collaborative and communal spirit,” said Adam Remnant, an area musician and fourth year instructor within the program. “Every dollar helps to ensure we have the instructors, physical space to rehearse, instruments, and gear required to keep the program going. Thanks to fundraising efforts like Benefest, we’ve been able to provide more and more opportunities for the students.”

Dysfunktional Family will perform on Dec. 2 at The Union as a part of Benefest. (Submitted)
Dysfunktional Family will perform on Dec. 2 at The Union as a part of Benefest. (Photo courtesy of Scott Winland)

The line up for the event is detailed below.

THURS. DEC. 1 (CASA CANTINA)
Water Witches
Crooked Spines
Unmonumental
Hex Net
Blue Moth

FRI. DEC. 2 (THE UNION)
Doxcity
Dysfunktional Family
Gudger
Smmizmar

SAT. DEC. 3 (THE UNION)
Speaking Suns
Slackluster
Breakers
Space Buns Forever
The Gatherers