#Invest in CD102.5 Fest is a 3-stage all day benefit being held in Park Street Patio and Saloon, in the Short North right next to Goodale Park. The beneficiary is local independent radio station CD102.5, whose currently fundraising for costs relating to their broadcast tower. We sit down with Casey Ward, organizer of CD102.5 Fest to get a sense of what it’s all about, as well as hearing a little from him on other projects. The fest features performances from bands like Cadaver Dogs, Friendly Faux, The Worn Flints, Mama and many many more.

TUNED UP: How did this festival come together?

Casey: Well me and my girlfriend Siousxie Vu saw on the internet that the station was starting an Indie GoGo campaign to raise funds and it just popped into my head right there. Sort of one of those things that just had to happen you know? I immediately contacted Kara Jones from the station and she loved the idea. So the first place to respond back to me was Park Street and they said to make it an all day event and the rest is history .

TUNED UP: Three stages is alot of work, did you run into any challenges trying to pull everyone together?

Casey: Not as much as you might think really. I had a few bands I really wanted to get on that really wanted to do it but couldn’t because of scheduling or what not. But really it was amazing how effortlessly and quickly it all came along. That just goes to show you how much people love the station.

TUNED UP: What kindof experience can people expect after walking through the front door?

Casey: Well the CD102.5 street team is going to be there all day playing games and making announcements. We are currently waiting to hear about the ice cream truck and a few other things showing up. But other than that it’s gonna be a great festival with fabulous bands and beer. What could go wrong?

TUNED UP: You’re the frontman for Electro Cult Circus, how has everything recently been with that?

Casey: No Comment.. Ha ha just kidding. Our band has always been a festering ball of turmoil and insanity that every once in awhile peaks it’s head up through the clouds and has a day or two in the sun. But usually it’s a pretty big pain in the ass. A lot of members I can’t pay nearly what they are worth to play shows to not enough people. I deal in truth so there you have it.

TUNED UP: You also run a talk-show at Bossy Grrls each week, tell us a little bit about that.

Casey: That’s been really fun lately. Seems to be taking off. I don’t have to dig around so much to get guests and people seem to understand the concept. A variety talkshow of the fringe variety. My goal is to crest an Oddfest.. Which will highlight all the different avenues of Columbus arts scene. Music, burlesque, comedy, magic, bellydance, swordswallowers, fire jugglers, dogs and cats living together! Mass hysteria!!!! Thank you Sandeep, I appreciate all that you do. Thank you for the interview.

So there you have it, the lineup is pretty stacked, the cost is pretty cheap, and it looks like another win for Columbus, Ohio music fans. Get a cheap show, support a cause, and do it all in a space that not everyone has yet gotten a chance to hang out in.

Relevant Links:
#Invest in CD102.5 Fest:
https://www.facebook.com/events/680398488728859/

CD102.5’s indiegogo campaign page:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/keep-alternative-radio-independent-cd102-5#/story

Written by Sandeep Sehbi