>OSU Lantern Article 9-23-05

Multifest begins tonight
By Ishmael Ali Elias
Published: Friday, September 23, 2005
The Ohio State University LANTERN Student Newspaper
www.thelantern.com

The Multifestival Showcase Series presents the 2nd annual Buckeye Music MultiFest tonight at Tommy Keegan's, 456 S. Front St., in the heart of Columbus' Brewery District.

The showcase series, founded in August 2003 by Columbus musician and promoter Myke Rock, was started to help under-exposed musicians network and display their talents to a wider audience.

According to the MultiFestival Web site, the series was originally scheduled to take place only in Central Ohio and fade away after a few events, but instead has evolved into what Rock calls the only series in the world which showcases over 1,000 bands at 30 venues annually.

This years featured artists include: Peter Conrad, Myke Rock, Erin Mihoci, RiaSoul, Head Room, The Common Drive, Anthony Booth featuring David Leibfruend (Soulution), Jake Iannarino & Larry Ramey (The Boss Players), and Mandy Cook.

Rock said that although some MultiFests have certain themes, such as metal and punk rock, this showcase is about musical diversity.

"I try to plan out how the evening should go in terms of different styles of music," Rock said. "(The idea) is to expose people to things they may not normally listen to. You'll hear anything from reggae to blues to indie rock, and so forth."

Rock, who plans, organizes, hosts and even plays in festival, said each event seems to do better than the last and is only going to improve. In the near future, he hopes to add sponsors to the series in order to help artists gain even more exposure.

"It's all about spreading out the MultiFest / SoloFest (showcase for soloists) system," Rock said. "It's as far reaching as possible in many different clubs throughout Ohio and certainly here in Columbus, where we're based."

The Manager of Tommy Keegan's, Ray Miller, said that his pub was great for an event like the Buckeye Music MultiFest because it's big enough to host a number of bands, but cozy enough to provide an intimate atmosphere.

The event draws between 50 to 150 people, Miller said, so it's a good place for bands to reach smaller crowds before they move onto larger venues.

"Friday should be a great night," Miller said. "There will be around eight or nine bands and a good variety of music."

Rock said that Tommy Keegan's is generally for patrons 21 and up, but this Friday's event will be for anyone over 18.

"We're trying to get as many students out as possible," he said. "It's a good way to get in your last big party before you hit the books."