What's fall without a boogie?
Scott Peek, owner of Standard Deluxe screen printing shop in Waverly, Ala., kept getting asked that same question ever since Standard Deluxe hosted its first 280 Boogie in spring of 2001.
Finally, Peek agreed.
Auburn's own WEGL 91.1 FM will be one of the main sponsors of the event, with different DJs introducing each band that plays the festival on Saturday, Sept. 29.
According to Scott Waters, broadcast associate for WEGL, the idea for the event came about after financial complications limited WEGL in putting on its own festival.
"It started off that WEGL wanted to have its own music festival, but we had a little trouble getting money together to pay bands," Waters said. "I knew Scott Peek from Standard Deluxe from running sound out there, and he wanted to do some shows the same night we were going to have a festival, so I called him and we decided to collaborate."
WEGL has hosted some of the artists, such as Katie Martin and the Larry Mitchell Band, in its studio for live performances, but Waters said he hopes this event will entice more artists to play in the studio.
Waters said WEGL hopes to broadcast the festival live on 91.1 FM and online at auburn. edu/wegl.
The rules for the event are simple: no glass, no dogs and no haters. The Fall Boogie is family-friendly, BYOB and informal.
Gates for the festival open at 11 a.m. at Standard Deluxe's location at 1015 Mayberry Ave. in Waverly, and from noon until 10 p.m. festival-goers will be able to enjoy nine musical acts, including Kristin Diable, Katie Martin, Adventure the Great, Eric Britt, the Tony Brook Band, the Larry Mitchell Band, Through the Sparks, Bohannons and Fishergreen.
Peek said interest in a fall music event to follow the spring 280 Boogie has been around for a while.
"People have mentioned forever that we should do one in the fall... it sort of fell into our lap, since we already had three bands booked," Peek said. "We had these shows booked for four or five months, and then Scott Waters from WEGL contacted me about collaborating."
Opelika resident Larry Mitchell, lead guitarist of the Larry Mitchell Band, will be bringing his trio's unique sound of "guitar-based instrumental music, with elements of funk, blues and a lot of lust," and said concert goers can expect a lot of good times.
"People can expect some funky rock," Mitchell said. "We try to be entertaining when we perform live, and I like to go out and mix and meet with people in the crowd a little bit. Russ Garner (drummer) will have some really great solos."
Kristin Diable will also be performing as part of a trio, and was convinced to play the festival by friends who had played in Waverly. Her previous experience with Standard Deluxe also helped convince her.
Diable describes her music as "roots music, based on the early traditional American of folk, blues, Americana and soul."
Diable usually performs with her backing band, The City, but said fans can still expect to rock 'n' roll with the reduced trio.
Peek said the event has limited the amount of commercial vendors to 10, allowing businesses to offer a variety of unique wares to concertgoers.
"Folks should be prepared to come out and do some Christmas shopping, because it's not too early to start thinking about that," Peek said. "It's going to be a neat little run of unique gifts and items."
Peek would like to make the Fall Boogie an annual event, but said he's waiting to see how this one turns out first.
"It's always good (to have an event like this), because it gives people something to look forward to," Peek said. "You can see a lot of bands for not that much money."
In case of inclement weather, the show will be moved indoors to The Railyard in Opelika.
Food vendors will include Mama Mocha's, The Overall Company, Wickles Pickles, Wilton's Catering and the food truck Mac the Cheese.
Tickets will be $15 at the door or $10 in advance payment online or with a valid student ID.
Peek summed up how he hopes the event will go, assuming favorable weather.
"It'll be a nice fall afternoon in the country," Peek said. "Hang out, listen to some music and catch a little sun."
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