Initially created as a one-night birthday celebration for a group of friends, The Union’s annual Blackout Fest features a slightly different type of birthday tune.
Seventeen years later, the fest — originally created to celebrate the birthday of Blackout Booking’s founder, Scott Winland — has expanded to include three days of music and entertainment.
“After a couple years … it became a two-night event featuring acts from all over the country,” Winland said. “We started doing three nights, and it’s become Blackout Booking and The Union’s celebration of live, underground music in Athens.”
Winland added that the event was not only created to be a birthday bash, but also to commemorate live, original and underground music.
"It is a celebration of live, original music — a big rock ’n’ roll show — something that is seemingly harder to come by these days," Winland said. "We've got some truly great acts playing this year.”
The list of approximately 30 bands that will take the stage includes Los Vigilantes, Nurser, White Mystery and Birthday Suits.
"We're really excited to return to Athens," said Alex White, guitarist and vocalist for White Mystery. "Last year, people were crowd surfing and dancing their brains out, and we really look forward to putting on another high energy show that people can enjoy."
Hideo Takahashi, guitarist and lead vocalist for the Birthday Suits, said the band also expects to put on a good show for the audience.
"Every time we go to Athens, we always have a good time," Takahashi said. "We don't expect everyone to like our music, but we want to make sure everyone is happy and that we put on a good show."
The weekend will also feature a raffle of a custom-designed guitar signed by each band. The guitar was donated by Blue Eagle, modified by Erick Coleman of United Lutherie and features the Blackout Fest logo on its neck.
"We love the idea of giving the audience a chance to win something special,” Winland said. “A Blackout Fest guitar is perfect."
With the raffle, music and birthday celebration, Winland said he expects another great weekend.
"Every year, Blackout Fest proves to be one of the most fun parties in Athens," he said.
lf32861@ohiou.edu
