Alumnus keeps Athens traditions alive and thriving
Brandon Thompson, BA, BSC 鈥03, (center) poses with Athens Mayor Steve Patterson (left) and Jackie O鈥檚 owner Art Oestrike, BA 鈥01, MA 鈥08. The 2018 Ohio Brew Week will be held July 13-21. Photo courtesy of Brandon Thompson
Throughout the year, thousands flock to Athens to enjoy the many unique annual events held on and off the bricks. From their live music, delicious food and local drinks, these treasured traditions are revived every year with the help of a few individuals, including alumnus and Athens native Brandon Thompson.
Thompson, BA, BSC 鈥03, plays a central role in two major events: He helps organizes the city鈥檚 Halloween festivities and is the executive director of , which will take place July 13-21.
鈥淭he traditions give Athens character. People say, 鈥楰eep Athens funky,鈥 and I think that鈥檚 totally true,鈥 Thompson said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 kind of a funny place and having these signature things in Athens makes our events better than other ones.鈥
Thompson, also known as 鈥淒J B-Funk,鈥 gets the crowd excited during one of his DJ events. Photo courtesy of Brandon Thompson
This year鈥檚 Ohio Brew Week will mark Thompson鈥檚 third as executive director. With more than 40 breweries represented, Thompson has worked to strategically organize the week鈥檚 flow of events.
鈥淥ne of the difficulties that we run into is that Brew Week is only nine days out of the year, and then it鈥檚 over,鈥 said Thompson, who also runs his own DJ business. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not my full-time job. It鈥檚 not anyone鈥檚 full-time job, but it鈥檚 definitely full-time work.鈥
After graduation, Thompson didn鈥檛 foresee becoming such an active member in the Athens community. He moved to Maine, attended graduate school, but eventually realized he wanted to get back to his hometown roots.
Upon returning to Athens, Thompson decided to DJ again, a hobby of his throughout high school and college. Thompson, known as 鈥淒J B-Funk,鈥 and his friend ran a series of electronic dance music events, called 鈥淒ave Rave鈥 at The Union.
The duo also performed at Numbers Fest, held just outside of Athens, and the Halloween block party on Court Street, where they caught the attention of a sponsor who wanted 鈥淒ave Rave鈥 to have a bigger presence at the event. Soon, they had their own stage to manage.
鈥淲e kind of just grew,鈥 Thompson said. 鈥淸Then the committee] asked me if I would be interested in being on the board because I had been getting the sponsors, booking bands and security.鈥
As he became more involved with Halloween, Thompson also pursued his DJ career, performing at one of Ohio Brew Week鈥檚 鈥淟ast Call鈥 events. Similarly, Thompson鈥檚 dedication was recognized and eventually led him to the executive director position of Ohio Brew Week.
Ohio Brew Week has seen many changes with Thompson at the helm, including a completely revamped, interactive where attendees can find a list of available beers, events, participating breweries, directions to the venues, merchandise and much more.
There will be two new events added to this year鈥檚 lineup: and the on the top of the Athens parking garage. In addition, Thompson said attendees should expect special exclusive drinks from some of the breweries.
鈥淧eople want to have a good time, so it鈥檚 important to make sure I鈥檓 creating something that is worthwhile,鈥 Thompson said.
Planning on coming back to Athens for Ohio Brew Week? Stop by the Konneker Alumni Center near the corner of University Terrace and Park Place to catch up, grab some OHIO swag, or take a campus tour!