Block Party in the ‘Burg, set for Friday, October 2nd, invites students to venture beyond the boarders of campus and explore downtown Harrisonburg. This is the fifth year that Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance has held the student-focused event, but the first year that the event will feature a Battle of the Bands competition.
The music-packed party begins at 4:00pm on Friday with JMU a cappella groups, Note-Oriety and Low Key on the south steps of the Courthouse. Battle of the Bands will take the main stage with student-bands, Joshua Vana, J Serious & The War Machines, Rokk Lilly, Moon Dog and The Avenue. Finally, Midnight Spaghetti and the Chocolate G-Strings will wrap up the evening around 8:00pm with an hour set followed by the announcement of the Battle of the Band winner.
“We decided to really push the music this year because that’s what the students told us they wanted” says Kris Ludwig, HDR Events Manager, “but we have also held on to some of the favorite activities from past years”. JMU Ambassadors will lead guided tours around downtown for students and give out free “do downtown” t-shirts. Students will also be able to enjoy the performances of the JMU Break Dance Club and Madison Dance, the films of Court Square Theater’s Latino Film Festival, or the local art scene with the Museum and Gallery Walk.
Downtown restaurants are also getting into the action with free samples for students on the square, and live music and art displays in their establishments. The Artful Dodger will feature an outdoor skateboarding showcase. Details for these activities and more can be found on the Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance website, www.DowntownHarrisonburg.org.
Do Downtown 