Culture
Stuart’s to Host Sock Hop, Bowling Fundraiser
By: Kelly Fisher
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Over the years, Stuart’s Opera House has hosted creative fundraisers, and 2016 is no exception. This Saturday, the non-profit historic theater hopes to raise funds and generate excitement for the Nelsonville Music Festival by hosting an NMF Sock Hop, featuring WEAK-FM DJ “Chucko,” at Rollerbowl Lanes, 28 Palmer Street in Athens.
“A sock hop is an event that was popular in the 1950s and late ’40s that was centered around dance and rock and roll music, especially playing records and 45s,” said Brian Koscho, Stuart’s Opera House marketing director. “They were popular among teenagers and young people, and the name references the fact that most kids would take their shoes off before dancing. A lot of times they would happen in a gym, or somewhere like that.”
Those 45s will be provided by Chucko, host of the “Rarest of the Rare” show on WEAK-FM, a five-decade radio veteran who rarely makes public appearances. Although the event will undoubtedly attract WEAK listeners, Koscho thinks it should appeal to anyone who enjoys oldies or just wants to have a fun night out.
“Chucko’s show focuses on old rock and roll and R&B music that may be lesser known or hard to find, but the overall theme is rock and roll and dance music, which is perfect for a sock hop,” he said. “Chucko’s been on WEAK for years, so I think there is a group of fans in the area who would love to come to an event where he’s spinning records.”
Chucko will be joined by another Athens favorite, DJ Barticus, who has planned a late night disco set. In addition to the music, the evening will feature bowling, dance and costume contests, door prizes and a cash bar. 1950s attire is encouraged.
Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door, and include one hour of bowling and shoes. The evening’s sponsors include Kleinpenny Rentals, Athens Dental Depot, Haffa’s Records and Cool Digs, with door prizes from the Nelsonville Music Festival, Anyway Records, Import House, BW3 and So Livi’s.
The Nelsonville Music Festival is scheduled for June 2-5 at Hocking College, featuring headliners Randy Newman and Courtney Barnett, along with dozens of other acts and many more to be announced. For more information about the NMF Sock Hop or the festival, visit stuartsoperahouse.org.
