Culture
Big Turnout Expected for Boogie on the Bricks
By: Bryan Gibson
Posted on:
Boogie on the Bricks, Athens’ free community music and arts festival, returns this Saturday to Court Street, featuring more than dozen local, regional and national bands, artist vendors, a beer garden and more.
It’s also an opportunity for thousands of people to let their hair down and enjoy an event that’s uniquely Athens, according to Boogie on the Bricks President/CEO Judy Wymer.
“Boogie on the Bricks brings our community together in a big way. Not only is it a showcase of Athens culture at its best, it gives members of this community, the surrounding communities, and people that love to come back to Athens an opportunity to come together, let go of everything else that day and simply have fun,” she said.
Although Boogie on the Bricks is a one-day festival, the work that goes into staging it takes up the better part of a year.
“It wouldn’t even be possible without the hard work and dedication of the board members,” explained Wymer. (Board members include Wymer; Krissy McKinley, secretary; Lyn Stanton, treasurer; Chip McIntosh, member; and Dave Runkle, member.) “For a good majority of the year, the board members meet on a monthly basis to discuss and plan for this day. The last few months we’re in full preparation mode and are meeting two, sometimes three times a month. We work diligently to bring the you best event we can with the resources we have. Not to mention we get there as early as 6 a.m. that day and some of us don’t leave until 1 a.m. This board is the backbone and sweat of this event, for sure.”
Wymer estimates it will take about 150 volunteers to keep things running smoothly this Saturday. Because Boogie on the Bricks is a non-profit organization, community volunteers and partnerships are essential, she said.
“This year we’re adding to our non-profit collaboration and welcoming a couple more organizations to help out. In exchange, the organization either receives a donation or marketing perks. So far, we have the Appalachian Hell Betties, continuing to build their ‘woman power’ and helping us out in a big way, then we have the Dairy Barn, Athens County Children Services and Central Ohio Music Therapy sponsoring the Kids Zone. You’ll also see members of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, out of Jacksonville, serving at one of the beer trailers.”
The festival celebrated its 10th anniversary last year by expanding to two stages: The Summer Shandy Stage, located at the intersection of Court and West State Streets; and the Union Stage, located at Court and West Union. This year, Wymer staggered the music schedule so attendees can catch a little bit of each band, if they wish.
“We’ve got an impressive variety of talented musicians and music genres,” she said. “I suggest coming early. You do not want to miss one band this year.” (See full schedule below.)
Other attractions include the Kids Zone, complete with a bounce house, plus arts and crafts, face painting, games and other activities. The Kids Zone will be open from 12:30-6:30 p.m. in the parking lot next to Attractions.
This year’s food vendors include the Not Guilty Food Cart, Phresh Press Paninis, the Burrito Buggy and Hot Diggity Dog. Wine and gluten-free cider will be available in addition to craft and domestic beer from Southeast Beverage and Jackie O’s. Once again, Rural Action will be on hand with its Zero Waste Initiative, providing Resource Recovery Stations along Court Street.
The festival begins at 12 p.m. and continues through 11 p.m., with Court Street closed from 7 a.m. Saturday until 1 a.m. Sunday. Beer sales will begin at 12 p.m. and end at 10:30 p.m. Serving will end at 11 p.m.
One aspect of the festival that has changed this year is parking, said Wymer.
“We normally have free parking in the parking garage. However, this year, due to a major renovation project that the City of Athens must undergo, the parking will cost patrons 75 cents per hour,” she explained. “But please know that the City of Athens has also been a major supporting factor of this event each year. We would not even get to the point of planning if it weren’t for their support. So this year it’s important that we are supporting them.”
For more information about Boogie on the Bricks, visit boogieonthebricks.com. For regular updates, visit the BOTB Facebook page.
MUSIC SCHEDULE
Summer Shandy Stage (Main Stage), located at the intersection of Court and West State Streets
12:30 p.m. Come On Come Ons
2 p.m. Uptowne Buddha
3:30 p.m. Channing and Quinn
5 p.m. Hebdo
6:30 p.m. The Floorwalkers (Athens release of their new album Kids Are You Listening)
8 p.m. The Royales
9:30 p.m. Elemental Groove Theory (reunion show)
Union Stage, located at the intersection of Court and West Union Streets
1 p.m. Mountains Lost
2:30 p.m. The D-Rays
4 p.m. Keesey (band performance)
5:30 p.m. The Summoners
7 p.m. The Wild Honeybees
8:30 p.m. Bright at Night