Festivus bands will be as local as the rest of us

Coco Rubio's rules for his inaugural Festivus of Bands are simple - keep it loose and keep it local.

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Dead Confederate members Walker Howle (from left), Brantley Senn, Hardy Morris, John Watkins and Jason Scarboro will perform Sonic Youth songs Saturday evening at Sky City.

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Dead Confederate members Walker Howle (from left), Brantley Senn, Hardy Morris, John Watkins and Jason Scarboro will perform Sonic Youth songs Saturday evening at Sky City.

The event, which began last night and continues through Saturday at Mr. Rubio's bar Sky City, features 24 bands performing over four nights. Mr. Rubio said one idea he incorporated into the booking was building each evening as a unique and dynamic musical experience.

"It's a double album," he said. "Four sides. That's something I really like to do. It doesn't matter if I'm putting together a playlist or booking bands."

Mr. Rubio, who spent several years as part of the 12 Bands of Christmas team before breaking away this year, said his favorite part of 12 Bands was giving local artists an opportunity to play. He said the difference between Festivus and 12 Bands is that he isn't limited to one night or to 12 bands.

"The funny thing is, there are more (bands) I would have liked to have included in this," he said. "But what could I do? A Tuesday night show? Probably not. Still, for instance, there's nobody representing the hip-hop community, and that's a shame."

Unlike the old incarnation of 12 Bands of Christmas, Festivus is not being set up as a strict charity event. Still, there are causes that will be addressed. Proceeds will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Augusta with the intent of buying instruments and equipment for a music room.

There will be a toy drive Friday and Saturday night. Mr. Rubio said he wanted to offer people the opportunity to give but didn't want to make it a mandatory part of the event.

"It's how I prefer to work," he said. "I really don't want things to be clearly defined. I want to be flexible. I want to be able to work outside the box."

Mr. Rubio said one 12 Bands tradition he would like to see continue is an annual CD. He's planning to record each band's set and select one song from each for a compilation CD.

"It's going to be fun," he said. "And that really all I want it to be."

Reach Steven Uhles at (706) 823-3626 or steven.uhles@augustachronicle.com.