The 10th annual Blackoutfest at The Union will feature three days of music by import and local bands from every genre including punk, rockabilly, funk, psychedelic and classic rock.
The event will open tonight with an art showcase by Tracy Duncan and music by the Serfs, followed by an array of bands from around town and around the country. All weekend, bands will flock in from cities including Oakland, Cleveland, Chicago and Memphis, to play on both the downstairs and upstairs stage at The Union, 18 W. Union St.
Here is a look at one visiting act from each night: Tonight: The Dirtbombs Hometown: Detroit, Mich.
Albums: Billiards at Nine Thirty (2005), Dangerous Magical Noise (2003), Ultraglide in Black (2001), Horndog Fest (1998)
Label: In the Red Records Veteran rockers the Dirtbombs have tried to break out of musical classifications and make a sound unlike any genre of music.
Most of my time with the Dirtbombs was spent trying to create a band that could not be easily described
founder, songwriter and guitarist Mick Collins said.
With two drummers, two bass players and a couple of devoted hometown listeners known as the White Stripes, the band is known for its dance beats and loud instrumentals.
We're just a big dance band -a really really loud dance band Collins said.
The Dirtbombs are kicking off a tour of the eastern United States tonight in Athens and will be on the road until May 14.
When we play a city
we have an existing fan base of either people who have heard of me or other bands that I have played in. When we play a college town
they just know about the Dirtbombs
and it makes for a completely different audience because there is an entirely different set of expectations
Collins said.
The group has a singles compilation scheduled for release on May 25, and Collins is in the process of recording a solo album of techno music to be released on the In the Red label as well.
Also performing: And The Sun Went Out, Red Dahlia, The Snails, New Planet Trampoline (Cleveland), We March, The Serfs Friday: Gris Gris Hometown: Oakland, Calif.
Albums: Gris Gris (2004)
Label: Birdman Records Named after a form of voodoo, Gris Gris is a psychedelic pop band that puts a modern yet not-of-this-world twist on its '60s-influenced Pink Floyd sound.
The band formed when guitarist and front man Greg Ashley left his Houston-based group, the Mirrors, and met up with old friend and bassist Oscar Michel. The two moved back home to California and soon recruited a drummer and a keyboardist to form Gris Gris.
Since April 6, the group has traveled the United States and Canada in its van, playing in bars and clubs from Seattle to Montreal and will be on tour until April 23.
I like being on the road
but I definitely enjoy being home too
Michel said. Everything is a typical show. Someone makes out with someone
someone else passes out and the next day we get up and drive somewhere else.
Gris Gris just finished recording its new album on a farm in Texas and anticipates its release in September.
Also Performing: The Reigning Sound (Memphis), Tough and Lovely (Columbus), Dropdead Sons, the Dragline Brothers, the Usual Saturday: Tyler Keith & the Preacher's Kids Hometown: Oxford, Miss.
Albums: Wild Emotions (2003), Romeo Hood (2001)
Label: Hot Dog Records Do not be fooled by the name; the Preacher's Kids is far from a gospel choir group and is definitely unlike the stereotypical banjo-playing country band from the Deep South.
It's your basic rock 'n' roll band -two guitars
bass and drums just trying to play some dance-rock music
