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Fall Fest debuts from creators of Oxfest

Oxfest attendees enjoy the music and lively atmosphere in spring 2009.
Oxfest attendees enjoy the music and lively atmosphere in spring 2009.

Christina Cook

Oxfest attendees enjoy the music and lively atmosphere in spring 2009.

Fall Fest, the sequel to last spring's music festival Oxfest, will debut at noon Saturday at Hannon's Camp America on 8501 Camden College Corner Road.

Fall Fest is a creation of Stank Entertainment, the same company that organized Oxfest. The idea of a second music festival was born due to the popularity and widespread positive feedback received following Oxfest, according to Miami University '09 alumnus Andrew Stankus, creator of Stank Entertainment.

Stankus said he saw a need in the Oxford community and, co-developed Oxfest with '07 alumnus Nilin Rao.

"People didn't want to wait a whole year to have a good time again," Stankus said.

Spring 2009's Oxfest attracted more than 3,000 attendees. Despite the cooler autumn weather forecast for Fall Fest, Stankus said he expects an even more impressive turnout the second time around.

Stank Entertainment is currently Stankus' full-time job. He said he plans on remaining involved with the festivals and hopes to create more events in addition to Oxfest, which has its second installment scheduled for April 24, 2010.

Fall Fest's lineup includes The Truants, Champayne & Prestige, Motter Flynn, Resonant Soul, Hot Shot Robotz and the main act Blayze Kid.

Sophomore Ally Hunter said she noticed the variety of music performed at Oxfest, ranging from acoustic to alternative to rap.

Joe LaGuardia is the bass guitarist for Motter Flynn, a three-piece band. The group opened for Oxfest and will play at 3 p.m. Saturday.

"I'm excited about getting back to Miami," LaGuardia said. "They've been very accepting of us. I expect nothing short of a great time."

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Motter Flynn performs predominately original music but gets its inspiration from bands such as U2 and Smashing Pumpkins. LaGuardia encourages people to form their own interpretations of the band's music.

"We're a band that plays rock music, but we aren't going to be screaming in your face and singing about sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll," LaGuardia said.

Hunter said she had a great experience at Oxfest and plans to attend Fall Fest. Part of what made the festival such a success for Hunter was the atmosphere, she said. The event attracted her because it was so unlike anything else previously offered in Oxford.

"It was almost like casual tailgating because everyone had their coolers and their food and their chairs," Hunter said. "It's something different. It's not like going out uptown and seeing a band."

Hunter acknowledged the cooler temperature of Fall Fest in comparison to Oxfest. "I don't know if the weather will affect the turnout," Hunter said. "I still think it will be fun regardless."

Gates to Hannon's Camp America will open at 10 a.m. for those wishing to arrive early. Tickets are on sale at Uptown Bucks on Beech Street for $15 from noon until 5 p.m. Friday. They cost $20 if purchased at the event.

In an effort to provide a safe environment, transportation will be offered. Buses will leave from uptown and start running at 11 a.m. For Stankus, providing this service is very important.

"I love Miami so much and I just want to see kids having a fun and safe time," Stankus said.

Free parking will also be provided.