Download “Jungle Jim’s Vine” by Stage Coach Bandits Download “Livin’ a Lie” by Stage Coach Bandits Download “Red Cup” by He Bleed Fireman Download “Still Life of Curves and Curls” by Twin Killers
 
North Gate Fest, the free annual North Gate block party happening today, has loads of local entertainment lined up with some of the best of what the Baton Rouge arts community has to offer.
 
The music, art, food and alcohol extravaganza put on by the North Gate Merchants Association will feature three local Baton Rouge bands, including He Bleeds Fireman, Twin Killers and Stage Coach Bandits, on the main stage on West Chimes Street.
 
The festival starts at 6 p.m. and runs until 11 p.m.
 
Brady McNitt, guitarist and drummer for old soul Southern rock band He Bleeds Fireman, said this year is the festival’s sixth.
 
“It’s definitely a fun party every year,” he said. “There are drink vendors, food vendors. There are always good bands playing on Chimes Street, and it’s a good excuse for the Baton Rouge and LSU community to just get out and have a good time at a good ol’ block party.”
 
Andrew Martin, guitarist for experimental rock band Twin Killers, said he’s pumped up about the location of the festival.
 
“It’s a celebration of the North Gate part of campus, which I’m really excited about because it’s my favorite part of campus,” he said. “That’s where the most fun is.”
 
Martin said he’s enthused about exposing the band to new listeners.
 
“What each band plays is very different, so it’s going to be a pretty good blend of crowds, and I’m going to like that,” he said.
 
As long as Martin gets to perform, he’ll be satisfied.
 
“I don’t know how big the stage is going to be,” he said. “I’m excited either way. I’d be happy to just play on the ground — or under the ground.”
 
Doug Moore, guitarist for rock band Stage Coach Bandits, said his band fits into the theme of the locally supported event.
 
“At our shows, we get one or two members of other local bands to jam for a song or two with us,” he said. “The local original bands, we all know each other and try to collaborate. It helps to loosen the community.”
 
Many University students attend the event every year, which is a great reason to come check out the festival, Martin said.
 
“Well hell, why not come out?” he said. “It’s right there, and the Alabama game is the next day. What a better way to start partying?”
 
Jessica Ramsey, Twin Killers singer and studio art and graphic design senior, said the fest is an easy way to unify the University community in the name of fun.
 
“It’s another opportunity besides Groovin’ on the Grounds to get everybody out and get together,” she said.
 
The event is bound to be a good time, McNitt said.
 
“It’s always fun to have that many people singing and dancing,” he said. “I feel like we’re doing something unique in the Baton Rouge scene, so we’re all just looking forward to doing something that we love and playing music that people dig.”
 
Casey Boman, guitarist, pianist and vocalist for He Bleeds Fireman said he hopes the event spurs more University support of student artists.
 
“If the Student Government can see people getting together for a good cause, we might bring some more money for the arts locally and get some better shows out here on campus,” he said.
 
 
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Contact Cathryn Core at [email protected]