In 2001, a street party of small-town 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 U.S. The Boogie will take 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 on 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.
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.
Matt Arnett, emcee, said he is excited about the musical line up for this fall's Boogie. This will be Arnett's first time working throughout the entirety of the event.
"I've seen five of the six and am a big fan of all of them," Arnett said. "Revel in Dimes were the crowd favorite at the Spring Boodie and no one is making music anymore relevant and important that Lee Bains III and Glory Fires."
Arnett said the event is always a breeze and the festival welcomes "fine folks" from all over for a family-friendly gathering focused on good times and better music.
“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.
Arnett said there isn't anything around the area that puts on a show like Peek.
"People like Scott make me proud to call the South home," Arnett said. "I wish we had more people as dedicated and committed as Scott and his team."
The Boogie is BYOB, or bring your own beverage. Small coolers will be allowed, but Standard Deluxe requests that guests not bring glass. Peek said there will be plenty of parking in the downtown area close to the post office, by the churches, nutrition center and tiny streets running through the small town.
Peek said the event will be hosted whether the skies stay clear or they welcome rain to Waverly.
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.
Arnett said the vendors are just as "thoroughly curated" as the musicians that take the Waverly stage.
“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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