The second annual Quadstock music celebration will be invading campus this weekend, featuring the talent of local bands and headliner Stroke 9.
Quadstock is a free concert to all students and community members held at the Alumni Mall between Kreischer and Harshman quads. Bands are expected to play from about noon to 9 p.m. tomorrow.
Nationally recognized band Stroke 9, who formed in 1989, hails from the San Francisco Bay Area. They are best known for their hit, “Little Black Backpack,” off their album, “Nasty Little Thoughts,” which went gold in 2000. The band recently released a new album in November 2004 titled, “All In.”
Having Stroke 9 agree to play was exciting news for organizers, said Liz Bidwell, head of the music selection committee and graduate hall director for Kreischer .
“It just so happened that they were in our top three choices and were able to play,” she said.
The event, called “A Celebration of Rock ‘ Community,” will showcase the local talent of BGSU students and community members from the bands RHSC, Cannon Fodder, Roxifist, Toothfuzz, Bancroft and Stereomod.
Each band is allotted about an hour to set up, play and tear down, with Stroke 9 taking the stage around 7 p.m., said Adam Combs, head of the advertising committee and graduate hall director for Harshman.
Last year’s event consisted of 11 bands. The number is reduced this year with hopes each band can play longer, Combs said.
The bands span a wide range of genres, including alternative rock, hard rock, indie pop and jazz.
“This year we made sure to bring a diverse group of bands to play,” Bidwell said.
The event will also feature Pagliai’s Pizza and Pollyeye’s breadsticks being sold from 4 to 7 p.m.
After last year’s event being rained out, the organizers hope for better weather, Combs said.
“We’re hoping for nice weather and for a large turnout and also that it’s not just the headliner but also the local bands are something everyone will enjoy,” he said.
Local band members are excited to play the event also.
“I thought it would be a great opportunity to play with a bigger band and there would be tons of people there that haven’t seen us play before,” said Andy Hutchinson, singer and rhythm guitar player for Bancroft.
Playing at the event is about showcasing talent and supporting the community, said Anthony Tscherne, drummer for Stereomod.
“It’s a great event, and any way we can help out and support it we will,” he said. “It’s nice to have all our fans come down and support us.”
Sharing the stage with Stroke 9 is a great opportunity for up-and-coming bands, Tscherne said.
“We were really pushing to get on the bill and to play with Stroke 9,” he said. “We are really stoked to be taking part in it.”
Hutchinson echoes Tscherne’s views.
“And to be able to put on our bio that we played with Stroke 9 is great,” Hutchinson said. “This is an awesome opportunity, and we’re definitely pumped about it.”
About 26 bands submitted demo tapes this year, which were then reviewed and voted on by students.
“Students listened to the demos and talked about the strengths and weaknesses if we brought each band to campus,” she said. “It will be interesting and exciting to hear them live.”
An early start on planning the event will be key next year.
Being part of establishing a new event and tradition on campus has been rewarding, Combs said.
“Overall, I’ve really enjoyed it and this is the first role I’ve had where I got to advise undergrads,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed seeing them get excited and watching their hard work pay off.”
