A year’s worth of planning, coordination and stress for Ohio University’s All-Campus Radio Network will come to an end tonight when its annual Lobsterfest kicks off.
“I don’t think people realize how much planning we put into this,” said Aaron Vilk, ACRN’s promotions director. “I’m not a high-stress person, but from the period of New Year’s until this weekend, I feel extremely stressed, even if it is very rewarding and I’m glad to be a part of it.”
Lobsterfest begins tonight at Casa Cantina, 4 W. State St., and continues Friday night and Saturday afternoon. The fest features local and regional bands with New York City-based Asobi Seksu headlining the weekend.
“I’m extremely excited for Asobi Seksu,” Vilk said. “I’ve been a fan of them since I was a freshman, and I’m glad I was able to get them here.”
John Jagos, who performs under the moniker Brothertiger and will play Saturday, is also looking forward to Asobi Seksu’s appearance. Like Vilk, Jagos has been a longtime fan of the dream pop band.
“I was just speechless when I found out,” Jagos said. “By the time I go on, they’ll be there, so it’s pretty cool one of my favorites will see me perform. Plus, I’ve never seen them live.”
Jagos also had nothing but praise for Blithe Field, a Lobsterfest veteran who also takes the stage Saturday. The two bands have played together several times in the past and look forward to sharing the stage again.
“I always like playing with Brothertiger, so it’s pretty cool we’re on the same day,” said Spencer Radcliffe, who composes Blithe Field. “We’re actually from the same town but didn’t meet till we got here to Athens.”
The fest also features other Athens favorites Scubadog, She Bears, Whale Zombie and In Silent Movies. Other acts include the Detroit-based Prussia and Columbus’s Narrow & The Brights. Friday’s setlist no longer includes Vagrant Beat, as the band had to cancel its performance to attend a funeral.
The festival will culminate with an after party at The Union Bar and Grill, 18 W. Union St., where Dave Rave, bustedBASS and the ACRN DJ crew will provide the music.
ACRN keeps Lobsterfest free because of fundraising, advertising, donations and SAC funding. Vilk said this is the first year that all three days of the event — with the exception of Saturday night’s after party — have been free.
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