Originally Posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and Frank Productions announced the line-up of this year’s Freakfest 2008 presented by Mountain Dew Amp this morning. This year’s event will bring 4 main entertainment areas while bringing everyone into the action for this year’s costume contest. O.A.R. will be headlining the Mountain Dew Amp/Z104 stage at the top of State Street in Capitol Square. It will start at 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 1.

Tickets for the event are $7 in advance and $10 on the day of the event and go on sale this Saturday at 10 AM at the Coliseum box office, Ticketmaster, by phone at (608) 255-4646, online at www.frankproductions.com, or at a number of local businesses including: Mallat’s Pharmacy, University Bookstore (Library Mall location), Knuckleheads, Lands End, B-Side, Strictly Discs, Goodwill, and Chin’s Asia Fresh. In the coming weeks, patrons can also look for posters in business windows featuring the Freakfest logo that say “Freakfest Tickets On Sale Here” to buy tickets in advance.

In addition the the four entertainment areas, there will be several portable “stages” along State Street holding spur of the moment costume contests with the Finals for the contest happening at the Frances Street DJ Stage. The contest has risen to a new level thanks to American Television that has donated a flat panel HD television and STA Travel that has donated a Spring Break Trip as grand prizes for the overall winner this year. Other local businesses are also donating prizes to be awarded in preliminary and final contests.

MOUNTAIN DEW AMP STAGE

O.A.R. – A true college home grown band. O.A.R. (an acronym for the band's full moniker, Of a Revolution) have transformed themselves from local Ohio State University bandmates to Billboard chartbusters and headliners at venues across America with their roots, rock, and reggae influenced songs.

DONAVON FRANKENREITER – Friend and label mate of Jack Johnson, Frankenreiter began surfing at 13 years old and finally got the courage to release his music on Johnson’s Brushfire Records in 2002.

THE HARD LESSONS - Storming onto the Detroit rock scene in 2004, the Hard Lessons breathed new life into the Detroit garage sound and eclipsed it with their own unique blend of Motown and soul and their high-energy synth- and guitar-driven style.

THRIVING IVORY - inspired by U2 and Coldplay, the band began playing gigs for their fellow students, as well as recording their self-funded, self-titled independent debut with Jellyfish's Chris Manning, who acted as their producer.

THE DOLLYROTS – The band of Florida natives thanks The Ramones, The Sex Pistols, The Pixies, and Green Day for the influence for their sound.

WISC TV/MY MADISON TV/C3K URBAN THEATER STAGE

NATTY NATION – Madison’s own favorite reggae band is releasing a new CD and starts a national tour at this year’s Freakfest.

AWESOME CAR FUNMAKER – The self-described pop glam band has honed a unique sound and gained themselves a substantial fan base right here in their hometown of Madison. Catch them before you have to buy a plane ticket to hear them live!

THE BOX SOCIAL – Local champions of the alternative pop rock scene with a hot sound and polished stage show

BLUEHEELS – Rockers with tinge of twang

MIGHTY SHORT BUS – Southern rock from right here in the heart of the midwest

FREAKFEST FRANCES STREET STAGE – Lights, DJ, and home of the costume contest finals

DJ WILL CALDER – A favorite during Milwaukee Pridefest with residencies at La Cage and other hot dance clubs in the area, DJ Will Calder also founded web based ipartyradio.com.

FREAKFEST FREAKSHOW – The Drive-In Movie becomes the Walk-Up movie Freakfest style with a large inflatable movie screen

BEETLEJUICE – Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Winona Ryder and more create a truly freakfest worthy world.

PSYCHO - The original 1960 classic. Regarded by many as the best horror flick ever made.

ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW – A Regional late night cast will be performing live while the movie plays and all are welcome to participate.

"This year, we've got the best line up of talent and activities that State Street Halloween has ever seen,” Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said. "I'm confident that Freakfest will not only be safe and fun again this year, but will be a smashing success with record community participation given the caliber of local and national acts announced today."

“In the last three years, we’ve transformed Halloween on State Street into a music festival with costumes. My hope is that we can continue to transform this event from what had been a black eye for the city to something we can be truly proud of,” Cieslewicz said.

Tickets for this year’s Freakfest are $7 in advance and $10 the day of the event and will be going on sale Saturday at the Coliseum box office, Ticketmaster, by phone at (608) 255-4646, online at www.frankproductions.com, or at a number of local businesses including: Mallat’s Pharmacy, University Bookstore (Library Mall location), Knuckleheads, Lands End, B-Side, Strictly Discs, Goodwill, and Chin’s Asia Fresh. In the coming weeks, patrons can also look for posters in business windows featuring the Freakfest logo that say “Freakfest Tickets On Sale Here” to buy tickets in advance.