WBGU sponsors 11 band show in Union

WBGU will be hosting a 12- hour concert in the Multi-purpose room on Sunday, which will feature 11 bands. The concert begins at 11 a.m. and will end around 11 p.m., which allows the bands to have one-hour sets and then an open mic hour.

When Alex Merced came to Bowling Green last year, he had a vision of bringing a huge concert that would mimic the power of the Vans Warped Tour to Doyt Perry stadium. "I didn't really have the experience for it. So I got involved with WBGU and UAO so I could get the experience I needed to throw something like that," Merced said.

Now Merced is the promotions coordinator for WBGU, one of the last free-standing college radio programs in the country. By this opportunity, he has gained the experience to put on numerous shows for WBGU, even though they are working with a deeply sliced budget. "The venues and the bands have been more that generous, "Merced explained about the budget cuts. "They have been working for little or no money, and we really appreciate that."

However, the show that Merced set up for Howard's last Thursday raked in about $300, which he explains will help out this upcoming show in a major way. "We raised some money from the Howard's show, and I'd really like to give some to the bands performing; we've got a band coming all of the way from Connecticut, and I think it would really help out."

That's not all that Merced wants to see the money go to. Merced is very passionate about the Cystic Fibrosis fund, as one of his friends has experienced the disease first hand and will be working in depth to support and promote the cause. This led him to plan this concert.

Bands such as Little Yellow Box, who hails from Connecticut, The Matt Gerovac Implosion, A Beautiful Smile, Juffage, and local favorites Stylex, will be taking the stage during the 12-hour long fiasco of amazing music and talent. Even Merced himself might be getting up during open mic hour and perform.

The Matt Gerovac Implosion's eclectic style, which has been described as "Cleveland soul and groove," is something that is refreshing and unique, and will definitely appeal to the Bowling Green audience. Gerovac said, "I've wanted to play at BGSU for awhile mainly because I think the band provides what people need more of - reality. With all these manufactured musical acts ala Jessica Simpson or Britney Spears, I think my music gives people something real that sticks to your ribs."

Gerovac also stated that the BG audience will love the show because, "We've never had a negative response at our shows because I think people appreciate it when you put passion into what you do."

Merced, who is also in the process of planning a show next semester that will be every Friday at the Pub from 7p.m. to 11 p.m., encourages everyone who enjoys quality music emanating from overly talent musicians to come out and enjoy this show, because if it is popular, he will do his best to continue this every semester. "This concert is absolutely free and it's going to be a really good time, so everyone should come out and support the music. All of the bands who are performing at this show will also be performing at WBGU's final show at Howard's on December 7th, so come out and have a good time."

For more information and samples of some of the bands' work, even some of Merced's work also, be sure to go to purevolume.com and check out the song clips.