From acts such as B.o.B. and Mike Posner to the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell,” 2011 was a year to remember. Music continued to dominate the Athens world, with 8Fest, Nelsonville Music Festival and Ohio University bringing multiple big names to Athens, but the comedy scene made its mark as well.
Stand-up and other live forms of comedy became staples in Athens this year, with clubs such as Kamikaze, Fridays Live and Black Sheep coming to the forefront. Saturday nights saw the Front Room packed as people gathered for Athens Open Mic, and soon Jackie O’s, Athens Pyramids, and GG’s Bubble Tea & Lounge, 19 S. followed suit, beginning their own comedy shows on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays respectively.
As the spring fests kicked off, the seventh annual Nelsonville Music Festival also came to town, bringing with it artists such as The Flaming Lips, Neko Case and George Jones. Heavy rain fell during each day of the three-day festival, but that didn’t dampen attendees’ enthusiasm.
The spring also saw a tamer fest season than usual as well as a venue change for the annual number fests. With the move to the Athens Fairgrounds, 8Fest had its highest turnout yet according to founder Dominic Petrozzi’s estimates. Cleveland-based Machine Gun Kelly headlined the event and Ohio State University’s Terrelle Pryor even made an appearance. The quarterback was seen backstage keeping himself hydrated throughout the day.
That weekend (May 20-22) also brought the culmination of one of the biggest music stories of the year, the B.o.B. concert at the Convo. After the initial excitement at Vice President of Student Affairs Kent Smith’s tweet that “Student Affairs has signed a contract to bring recording artist (B.o.B.) to OU on May 20th!,” the search for an opening act was on. Offers were made to Matt and Kim, OK Go and Mike Posner, but the hunt finally ended when emcees Far East Movement accepted the offer. The Post’s own Amanda Lucci was able to sit down with both B.o.B. and Far East Movement.
In the LGBT world, 2011 brought the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell,” the controversial policy that did not allow homosexuals to serve openly in the United States military. The repeal of DADT entitles service members to an environment free from harassment based on their sexual orientation. And although the repeal does not signify complete equality for LGBT service members, it marks an important step.
Music continued to be a high point in Athens as September rolled in. Fall Quarter saw the return of NPR’s Mountain Stage with Larry Groce. The Oct. 9 concert included performances by The Jayhawks, Ha Ha Tonka, Hot Tuna, John Doyle and Karan Casey, and Athens’ own Southeast Engine. Over 1,200 tickets were sold, and the show was broadcast on NPR Nov. 21.
One of the most exciting stories of the fall was the return of Mike Posner for Homecoming Weekend. After his performance at 7Fest in 2010, Posner was anxious to return to Ohio University, and students were more than happy to welcome him back. On the day of his performance, Oct. 13, Posner was spotted on College Green posing with fans and tossing a Frisbee around. As the concert drew to an end that evening, Posner joined his fans in a 9Fest chant, leaving many students wondering if he will make yet another return to Athens this spring.
O.A.R., Aziz Ansari and Janelle Monáe were also among the stars OU brought in this past year, and with acts including STOMP and Seth Meyers lined up for the future, we can only imagine what 2012 will bring.
All photos and video by Post staff.
