Alumnus keeps Athens traditions alive and thriving
Brandon Thompson, BA, BSC ’03, (center) poses with Athens Mayor Steve Patterson (left) and Jackie O’s owner Art Oestrike, BA ’01, MA ’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 ’03, plays a central role in two major events: He helps organizes the city’s Halloween festivities and is the executive director of Ohio Brew Week, which will take place July 13-21.
“The traditions give Athens character. People say, ‘Keep Athens funky,’ and I think that’s totally true,” Thompson said. “It’s kind of a funny place and having these signature things in Athens makes our events better than other ones.”
Thompson, also known as “DJ B-Funk,” gets the crowd excited during one of his DJ events. Photo courtesy of Brandon Thompson
This year’s Ohio Brew Week will mark Thompson’s third as executive director. With more than 40 breweries represented, Thompson has worked to strategically organize the week’s flow of events.
“One of the difficulties that we run into is that Brew Week is only nine days out of the year, and then it’s over,” said Thompson, who also runs his own DJ business. “It’s not my full-time job. It’s not anyone’s full-time job, but it’s definitely full-time work.”
After graduation, Thompson didn’t 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 “DJ B-Funk,” and his friend ran a series of electronic dance music events, called “Dave Rave” 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 “Dave Rave” to have a bigger presence at the event. Soon, they had their own stage to manage.
“We kind of just grew,” Thompson said. “[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.”
As he became more involved with Halloween, Thompson also pursued his DJ career, performing at one of Ohio Brew Week’s “Last Call” events. Similarly, Thompson’s 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 website 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’s lineup: The Brew Choo Choo on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway and the Top Deck Dinner on the top of the Athens parking garage. In addition, Thompson said attendees should expect special exclusive drinks from some of the breweries.
“People want to have a good time, so it’s important to make sure I’m creating something that is worthwhile,” 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!