Once a month at an uptown bar, fog seeps under the doors, lasers dart across the room and techno music echoes off the walls.
Dave Rave dance parties have become a staple at The Union, 18 W. Union St., since January. The final Dave Rave of the quarter is Friday, and the dance has a highlighter theme with attendees encouraged to wear white.
It will be the 'highlight' of your Spring Quarter
said Dave Alexander, half of the DJ pair Dave Rave.
In 2005, Alexander, an Ohio University graduate also known as DJ Time Traveler, began as a disc jokey and host at an after-hours dance party at a house on Carpenter Street. Two years later, he met professional DJ Brandon Thompson through mutual friends and the rest is electronic dance music history.
My love is techno said Thompson, an OU alumnus and lifelong Athens resident who's also known as DJ B-Funk.
It was like 'Where have you been?' he said. We started sharing what we knew about techno and it was almost like we were in a secret society.
The DJs came up with the name Dave Rave because Alexander had held dance parties before, but wanted another DJ.
It's catchy and fun Thompson said. I think it works. It's quick and easy to say.
The duo went to every bar in Athens with a dance floor to pitch their idea, but no one jumped at the offer until April 2008, when the first Dave Rave was held at Red Brick's Bullpen with an audience of mostly close friends.
Then late last year, they met Lou and Courtney Lenart, owners of The Union, while in Columbus and secured a booking in January. More than 300 people attended that show and the venue has been its home ever since.
People who don't know they like this music come and end up having a great time
Alexander said.
While Thompson does the majority of the DJing at Dave Rave, Alexander is in charge of organizing and promoting the event. On Friday, Thompson will headline the show with Alexander serving as an opening act.
It's different than anything in Athens
Alexander said. It's a big city-style clubbing experience.
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Culture
Alyssa Hansen
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David Alexander, the man behind Dave Rave, poses while jamming at his friend's house. The last Dave Rave of the year is Friday at The Union. (Katharine Egli | STAFF PHOTOGRPAHER)
