In the polarized music scene of Murfreesboro, the Blue Raider Block Party showcases a diverse mix of rising bands and a chance to celebrate the favorite holiday of every partying college student?St. Patrick’s Day.
“The Blue Raider Book Store just wanted to give something back to the students,” Blue Raider Block Party Coordinator Jay Stoyanov said of the event scheduled March 17 in the bookstore parking lot. “It’s also just a good excuse to have a party.
“This concept has never been done in the Murfreesboro area. You know, I see the same 150 people at all the same shows, so I know there’s about 20,000 or so people who haven’t heard some of the best bands in town.”
Stoyanov isn’t the only person excited about the Blue Raider Block Party.
“I think it’s a great chance for people to go see a free show with a ton of great local bands,” Belize bassist Davis Cox said. “We’re poor college kids, so even $5 shows add up.”
The Blue Raider Block Party offers the singer/ songwriter grooves of Murphy, experimental rockers Water Melancholy Flower, alt-country dudes Belize and the bluesy garage-rock of the States.
“It takes a lot time and effort to organize these kinds of events,” The States bassist Ben Moore said. “And it isn’t exactly financially lucrative at this level, especially since there are no beer sales involved.”
“It’s tough enough to get a three band bill at The Boro running smoothly, but then again, maybe we’re all just lazy musicians,” Cox said, laughing.
Refreshment vendors will be at the Blue Raider Block Party, but the vendors have not been announced. Showgoers may bring their own ice chests, but are encouraged to throw away their trash.
“We plan to really promote this show,” Stoyanov said. “We’ve got the Grand Palace guys making posters, every band is making flyers, we are getting it on the (local college radio) WMTS and WRVU concert calendar for that week, (online sites) Myspace and Facebook and we hope we get a mention in the local entertainment magazines in Murfreesboro and Nashville.
“I am hoping for about 300 people, but I really don’t know,” Stoyanov said. “I guess we’ll see.”
Check out the Blue Raider Block Party from 3-9 p.m. March 17 at the Blue Raider Book Store on Greenland Drive.
“Everybody should come hang out and see the bands,” Moore said. “Hopefully people will like what they hear and decide to check out the bands in the future. The lineup is really good and it’s going to be a great time.”
For more information, call (615) 890-7231
