Undergraduate Students at the University of Georgia involved in the music business program put on an all-day music event at the Southern Brewing Company in Athens, Georgia.
On Sunday, April 24, a group of UGA college students arranged the first ever Dawg Daze Music Festival at the Southern Brewing Company. The students involved in the organization are currently pursuing a music business certificate at the University of Georgia. The concert was a part of their final exam, and the students had to scout locations, hire artists and crew, and invite local businesses to sell food and merchandise during the day. Twenty-one artists performed, all of which were either UGA undergraduates or UGA alumni. Musicians included: Three Cheers!, The Rose Colored Glasses, Sophia Barkhouse, Convict Julie, Evelia, Canary Affair, David Barbe, Lighthearted, Midnight Mac, Florida Man, Sarah Mootz, Jameson Tank, Josh Bennett Band, and A.D. Blanco. The bands all varied in genres, and whether it was indie-pop, country, or alternative rock, there was music for everyone to enjoy.
The festival began around 1:30pm and the party did not stop until after 9:30pm. Due to the large set list, performers were given a fifteen minute or a thirty minute set in order to showcase all their talents. The venue included both an indoor and outdoor stage so viewers could take a break from the heat and enjoy the awesome music inside. When attendants were not dancing to their new favorite performers, people could enjoy a meal from the food trucks outside the venue, purchase clothing from small business owners, participate in outdoor games, or grab a refreshment from the Southern Brewing Company’s very own hand crafted beer. Locals flocked to the venue to support their friends, family, and peers.
Sarah Mootz is an indie artist who has made quite a name for herself in the Athens community. She plays guitar, piano, and writes all her own songs. She has recently released some new music with songs such as “Something,” and “Say You Love Me.” She gets inspiration from artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Hotel Fiction, and Billie Eilish. Next up was the Josh Bennett Band kept the night swinging with their bluegrass-rock music. The band of five played their newly released songs “Be Mine” and “Endless Race,” as well as some new music that is soon to be coming out on their first album JBB next month!
An Athens favorite, Jameson Tank, also headlined at the festival. Tank and his band recently published an EP called Built Different with originals such as “Smoke Me Out” and “We’re Still Here,” as well as covers such as “Blinding Lights.” This high-energy rock band rallied up the crowd, and Jameson even walked through the crowd to surprise some of his fans. To close out the night, A.D. Blanco performed some of their hits such as “Where Are You Now?” and “Serotonin.” This Athens based band is proud to represent a “new era of rock music.” The trio has recently put out a new EP earlier this year called Secondhand Life.
The Dawg Daze Music Festival experienced a large turnout with even more fun and funk, making the event a success for both the artists and the students! If you are looking for great live music and a city full of life, Athens, Georgia is the place to be.
I am a currently a student at the University of Georgia studying Entertainment and Media/Film Studies. With my extracurriculars here at UGA, I like to get involved with production, such as UGA Miracle, Entertainment and Media Industries Club, my sorority Chi Omega, and Grady News Source. I enjoy taking photos and videos, attending concerts, creative writing, hiking, and traveling!
