In 2001, a street party of smalltown folk formed to celebrate the bypass of U.S Highway 280. Cars would now drive around Waverly, Alabama.
Today, the street party has grown into a destination. The Old 280 Boogie started with local musicians and sound and grew to host national traveling acts from all over the states. The Boogie will be taking Standard Deluxe's stage this Saturday at noon.
Doors open at 11 a.m. and guests are asked to bring chairs, as the event is held in a "sloping, grassy yard, mini-amphitheater."
Scott Peek, owner of Standard Deluxe, said the event was held in a blocked street for nine years until they were notified of the illegality of blocking roads for music festivals. After notified, the event was moved to Standard Deluxe's land.
"There will be wonderful music, a bunch of good folks hanging out for an awesome event," Peek said.
The "covered eclectic" stage that encompasses the act sets a rugged, home-feel to each performance with its wooden backdrop, faded colorful signs and dim light features. The Fall 280 Boogie is a relatively new event, but the initial season event in spring has been going on since 2001.
Standard Deluxe has taken over full reign over the event, but in the beginning, it was a community funded and organized get together. With the addition of an admission fee, Standard Deluxe was able to hire nationally known artists, Peek said. Tickets start at $25 and are raised to $30 on Sept. 22. Kids 14 years and under can jam for free.
This year's set list features, Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires, Revel In Dimes, Heath Green & The Makeshifters, Maggie Koerner, Fay Webster and Lonnie Hollie Band. Peek said there is nothing to be inherently expected of the music style each year. He said he doesn't like to dwell on the decision, as it is such a hard decision to choose who performs.
Artists this year will be traveling from Birmingham, Atlanta, Georgia; New Orleans, Lousiana and Brooklyn, New York. Peek said it's always tough to pick six acts out of dozens that ask to play at the small town music festival.
"It's always a little bit of surprise with the music and a little bit of knowing that it's going to be some kind of Americana or Rock 'n' Roll," Peek said. "We have really had every kind of music, so we aren't stuck to any particular style or genre."
Peek said for the Fall Boogie, the team welcomes more soul and rock musicians.
The Boogie is BYOB, or Bring Your Own Beverage. Small coolers will be allowed, but Standard Deluxe requests that guests not bring glass. For parking, Peek said there will be plenty of parking in the downtown area close to the post office, by the churches, nutrition center and tiny steets running through the small town.
Peek said the event will be hosted whether the skies stay clear or they welcome rain to Waverly. Peek said dogs must stay home for the event and smoking is not allowed on the lawn.
Food will be served by local and visiting vendors. Mama Mocha's, Hornsby Farms, O Town Ice Cream, Cos-B-Q Barbecue, Kowaliga Restaurant, Chris' Hot Dogs, Wilton's Catering and Feed Skal Wood Fired Pizza will be present along with merchandise sales groups.
"It's time to get out of the house and get in the country — stand on some grass rather than asphalt and experience some local culture," Peek said.
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