Only two occasions allow people to drink on the streets of Athens, and the last chance of the year is approaching.
Boogie on the Bricks celebrates the families, music, art and food of Athens. It is a daylong event held on the streets of Athens and participation is free. Four local food vendors, including Burrito Buggy, will stock the food court.
“The idea behind the culmination of an event that started nine years ago is to have a family-friendly event in the summertime,” said Judy Wymer, Board Chair for the festival.
Children have their own area in the parking lot next to Attractions. A bounce house will be set up while performers do interactive music and a hula-hoop workshop will take place where children can learn to make their own hoops and practice learning how to hula-hoop.
While children master the lost art of hula-hooping, adults can enjoy the Boogie Brew — amber ale created by Southeast Beverage for this event. Savoring the popular brew is not the only entertainment around. A long lineup of local and regional musical acts will take the main stage, located at the intersection of West State Street and Court Street, from noon until dusk.
Acts include two-piece band Channing & Quinn, Athens brother duo Bright at Night, local favorite “trashgrass” band Rumpke Mountain Boys — who will close the night — and Boogie staple, The Royales.
The Royales have played since the first Boogie on the Bricks but were not able to play at last year’s festival. Wymer said their absence made it feel as if something was missing from the show.
“We’ve lived in this town all our lives,” said Roman Warmke, manager and bass player for The Royales. “Everyone knows the members of the band. … We are their neighbors … When I’m on stage, I see family and friends beaming at us, saying ‘Look what we’ve created.’ … ‘This is home grown.’”
Calling Boogie one of his best memories as a performer, Warmke said he is very excited to return and feel that vibe again.
“It’s a culmination of everything good about Athens,” he said. “It’s wholesome, and it’s hard to find wholesome things on Court Street at night.”
Warmke called to mind a visual of the wholesome atmosphere by remembering a moment when his 10-year-old and a man with beer in hand danced together at the festival.
Jason Wolf, the banjo picker for Rumpke Mountain Boys, said the band is excited to perform for the first time at the festival.
“We’d come no matter what,” he said. “Athens guarantees a good time and a good show.”
This year’s firsts are not only reserved for the bands. For the first time, Boogie on the Bricks has partnered with Rural Action and the Appalachia Ohio Zero Waste Initiative to make the festival greener and cleaner. Recycling stations will be set up while reusable $1 cups will be sold to hold your Boogie Brew.
mg986611@ohiou.edu
If You Go:
What: Boogie on the Bricks
When: Saturday, July 20 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; music from 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.; kids area open from 12 – 6 p.m.
Where: Court Street between West State Street and Union Street
Admission: Free
