Oktoberfest
Hollins University 7916 Williamson Road , Roanoke, Virginia 24019
Oktoberfest with Reptar. There are four boys who make up Reptar. They have offered twice as many (if not more) explanations for why they chose to name their band after a Rugrats character. But these days, the Athens, GA based group is sticking to this one: "I first tried to name the band Invisible Boyfriend," giggles singer-guitarist Graham Ulicny. "And everybody goes, 'that is the stupidest name I have ever heard in my life." So why Reptar? "It is the second stupidest band name we have ever heard." Indeed, there is no pretense behind Reptar, which also includes Andrew McFarland (drums), Ryan Engelberger (Bass), and William Kennedy (analog keyboards). Still, the ability to amuse and arouse their fans is just as important to them as indulging their musical curiosities. This sonic wanderlust extends from African music to post-punk to psych-pop and converges joyously in songs such as "Blastoff" and "Rainbounce," and it's won them high fives from NPR and NME alike. Their aesthetic percolates even more vibrantly through their debut LP, "Body Faucet," out May 1, 2012 on Vagrant Records. www.reptarmusic.com
Tickets at the door: free to current Hollins students, $8 to outside students, $12 to the general public.