Here's a breakdown of the performances at the Athens Halloween Block Party during the night. Be sure to pick up a copy of The Post Monday for more coverage.
2 a.m. Update: Rumpke Mountain Boys
By Ben Faith
The lively Rumpke Mountain Boys ended the South Stage’s set with a bang of excitement, bluegrass and lots of dancing.
When asked if he was enjoying the show, Aaron Tobias, a junior studying computer science said, “Of course; all of the music has been great tonight.”
Kimberly D. Lessman, a senior studying education, and Jamie Kennedy, an OU alumnus who graduated in 2011, said “they’re awesome; Rumpke’s awesome.”
Hellnaw dominated the North Stage with its hard-rock sound and a huge crowd. Its members ended their show with an absolutely alive encore. Its funky sound and hard rock influence excited the crowd and inspired more dancing.
“The Clean and Safe Halloween Committee has done a really great job this year [to make this an awesome Halloween,” said Seth Morton, a senior studying mechanical engineering.
OU officials, including OU President Roderick McDavis, patrolled the streets in green jackets to offer assistance to students who needed it.
"Our students really understand the importance of being safe," McDavis said. "It's important for Athens and the university to keep our good name."
1:25 a.m. Update: Hellnaw
By Kristin Salaky
The North Court Street stage show was wrapped up by local band Hellnaw.
Before the band took the stage at midnight, Halloween coordinator Jonathan Holmberg said a few parting words to the crowd that included thanks to the sponsors, congratulations to the bands and a bit of a patriotic message.
“It’s so great that we live in a country where we can do things like this,” Holmberg said. “It doesn’t matter who you vote for, but you need to go out and vote.”
Following his message, Hellnaw set up and began performing a set of jazz, rock and psycadellic instrumental songs. The band donned costumes ranging from a Viking to Snoop Dog the Bounty Hunter.
Throughout their set, the band threw glow sticks into the crowd, danced with fans and chanted, “Let’s get weird.”
After the band concluded its last number, a 10-minute-long song with common vamps from each song before it, the crowd continued to dance and cheer for the band.
“The block party was amazing this year, and that was just a really awesome way to end it on this end,” said Kayla Miller, a junior studying psychology.
12:40 a.m. Update: Andy Shaw Band and Dune
By William Hoffman and Dylan Sams
The Andy Shaw Band added some Bob Marley to the Uptown festivities with “No Woman, No Cry,” ending its set at midnight.
“It’s nice to play in front of college kids, because we don’t get that all the time,” said Andy Shaw, front man for the band. “You guys are real music appreciators.”
The crowd at the South Stage was smaller than that of the North Stage, at which Dune was performing.
Jonathan Holmberg, chairman of the Clean and Safe Halloween Committee,
said many of the people at house parties on Mill Street graviate toward the North Stage.
Still, it wasn't long before the crowd at the South Stage began dancing to the Andy Shaw Band's music.
“It really got my groove going,” said Isaac Wilker, a freshman studying business. “It was surreal and fun to dance to."
One couple in the crowd had come from Kent to see their first Athens Halloween in action and compare it to their alma mater’s festivities.
“We love Kent State Halloween, but they don’t have bands like this,” said Erin Radominski, an ’09 graduate of Kent State University.
Holmberg added that everything is running smoothly and on time so far.
11:40 p.m. Update: Dave Rave and the Four Loko Costume Contest
By Will Ashton
Beach balls, wigs, hats and smoke filled the air as Dave Rave continued its extended performance.
The crowd screamed “USA” and more to the simple reply of “Come on, I know you can get louder than that,” from the band.
As the smoke cleared and Dave Rave ended its performance with "Gangnam Style," two female dancers performed onstage, while the group ended its time with the American flag swinging in the air among a cloud of smoke.
After a short period of time, the group came on stage to introduce the Four Loko Costume Contest to the eager crowd.
Contestants in the show included DeadMau5 and Mrs. Mau5, a group of Batman characters including Bane and Catwoman, zombies from The Walking Dead, Melvin and Gladys, and Magic Mike impersonators — who were greeted with an equal share of boos and cheers.
They were also joined by the Venture Bros., Rock Paper Scissors, The Magic School Bus, CandyLand, who threw candy into the crowd, Forrest Gump, and Fat Albert and the gang.
Forrest Gump won the contest, followed by CandyLand in second place and DeadMau5 in third.
“It was awesome,” said Amy Smith, a junior studying music therapy and dressed as Rock in Rock Paper Scissors. “I love Halloween in Athens, and I can’t wait to perform in next year’s show again."
Once the contestants cleared, the band Dune came on stage to perform.
11:30 p.m. Update: The Porters
By Meryl Gottlieb
Only about 10 minutes past schedule, The Porters amplified the streets with an eclectic sound.
Corey Chupp, the vocalist and harmonica for The Porters, said no band wants to be classified into one genre because many different sounds influence each member.
Max Heckel, a fifth-year senior studying computer science, said, “They have a great bluesy, jazz influence.”
Junebug, the drummer for The Porters, said the band appreciated the chance to play in Athens for Halloween.
“The honor is glorious,” he said.
While the band pumped up the crowd, even being called back for an encore, some people were really just out for the show.
“I do love seeing all the bands play, but it’s really cool to see all the different costumes and seeing how creative some people get,” said Amy Brighter, a junior studying journalism.
10:20 p.m. Update: Dave Rave
By Lindsay Friedman
For the third year in a row, Dave Rave took to the stage in front of a large and rowdy Halloween crowd.
“They're great this year,” said Jackie Fain, a freshman studying meteorology.
The DJ duo was also joined by Marching 110.
“This is just so much fun,” Mateya Abrams said, a freshman studying business.
The members of Dave Rave were both dressed as President Barack Obama and were joined by a team of four girls throwing beads, shirts, sunglasses and more out to the crazy crowd.
“I just want to dance and listen to Dave Rave,” said Riva Goldman, a freshman studying theater.
9:30 p.m. Update: Bright at Night and Burning River Ramblers
By Anjelica Oswald and Nicole Elmer
Although it started almost 30 minutes after its 8:00 timeslot, Bright at Night
lit up the North stage with its funky, hip-hop tunes.
Within five seconds, many audience members were dancing, along with some
hula-hoop girls on stage.
Andrew Kaczor, an OU student, said the funky beats made
him want to see them again.
At the South stage, a collection of old and new fans gathered to listen to the
Burning River Ramblers.
Dressed as Ghostbusters, aside from the lead singer who wore a gorilla head,
the band members kept the crowd pumped with their alternative jazz style of music.
Their songs are really catchy, said John Grant, an OU student.
“Try listening to one of their songs and not having it stuck in your head,”
Grant said. “It’s impossible.”
8:30 p.m. Update: dadRAM and Uptowne Buddha
By Emily Bamforth and Jessica Ensley
The festivities on Court Street took a late start, as the bands began to play half an hour after their expected start time. Despite the late arrival, the bands drew crowds of 40 on the North Stage and 80 on the South.
The night kicked off with dadRAM on the North Stage and Uptowne Buddha on the South. dadRAM played songs that focused heavily on instrumental breaks featuring a heavy bass line. The crowd swayed to the reggae-inspired tunes.
“I think it’s pretty chill so far,” said Matt Starkey, a recent Ohio University graduate and Athens resident. “I love these guys. They’re really cool.”
Uptowne Buddha played upbeat songs with a heavy jazz influence. The band members included two saxophones and a trumpet player, along with bass, guitar and two frontmen who rapped.
Local bands vie for spots on the Athens Halloween stage for the large crowds the festivities bring.
“It’s (all about) exposure,” said Sam Telford, a cow-costumed senior studying media management. “I’m in a band right now down in Athens. I know all about wanting to get exposure.”
Despite the rain earlier in the day, the crowd continued to grow as the bands played on, and Starkey was optimistic about the rest of the night.
“It’s about to get crazy,” he said.
