CSPONSOR OMMUNI TY S Edited by Naheen Madarbakus-Ring (naheen@groovekorea.com)
IT GOES TO ELEVEN The 2016 Hae Bang Chon May Music Festival rolls into its second decade
Story by: Naheen Madarbakus-Ring and Lance Reegan-Diehl Photos by: HBC Festival
24 www.groovekorea.com May 2016
The
11th Hae Bang Chon May Music Festival takes place on Friday, May 27 and Saturday, May 28. Marking a new decade for the HBC area, the longest running – and most enduring - independent music fest continues to define expat and international music in Korea. With independent music artists and performers from Korea and a host of other countries performing, this year’s theme of “It Goes to Eleven” (a quote from a rock mockumentary This is Spinal Tap) lends a bit of humor to an event that has undergone many changes and scrutiny. First starting in 2006, HBC was a showcase for expat musicians in the city to perform to larger crowds. Originally conceived by Lance Reegan-Diehl and James Gaynor (together with the beginnings of the DEELEEBOB Music Company), Reegan-Diehl continues to be the central organizer for HBC fest which is now in its 11th year. The main HBC street is where all the action happens. HBC Fest turns the famous local expat hangout into a bubbly and busy place. In order to remain flexible, the festival adapts to the demands of both the musicians and the size of the venues, making it all work. This year’s HBC fest sees regular
"With the main objective for local businesses to provide independent artists a place to play, everybody can start the summer with a great party."
participants V-Lounge, Phillies, Bedrock, Alley Bunker, The Cave, Bonny’s Pizza Pub, Hair of the Dog, Al Matto Terrace, Camarata Music, Genie Pub, Thunderhorse Tavern and The Workshop open their doors to revelers. Hidden Cellar will also be hosting an open stage on May 29. Joining a host of local bands including Used Cassettes, J, Joon Band and Pentasonic, some special international guests will also be appearing. Guitarist Kenji Onizuka from Japan will perform a solo guitar show, and join the L.R.D Band, once again, for a special twin-guitar rock show. Also,the neighborhood Acoustic Jamboree put on by local artist Jennifer Waescher, will be running at Camarata Music Studio from 8pm until 11pm on May 27. While many locations host small, acoustic acts, several live band venues, including Phillies Pub, Camarata Music, Bedrock, Thunderhorse Tavern, and V-Lounge, will accommodate loud music and rocking bands as the avalanche of sound is dampened by their basement locations. At street level, acoustic performers will entertain the busy bars, and most underground venues will host rock, alt-rock, funk, blues, and R&B bands until 1am. This is not a street party so the music – and party – will be kept inside the bars. Police and