This week the School of Media Arts and Studies, in collaboration with multiple OU departments and student organizations, hosted the inaugural August Moon Festival on OU’s campus. The free concert featured six prominent bands from the region and gave MDIA students the opportunity to plan a large scale music festival at the Scripps Wilhelm Amphitheater on College Green.Conceived by OU’s own Michael Tedesco, in conjunction with faculty from the School of Media Arts and Studies and the School of Music, the festival showcased the burgeoning Athenian music scene for new and returning students and provided invaluable professional experience for MDIA students.

Music Production and Recording Industry students successfully handled responsibilities for logistical planning, event publicity, stage management, and booking talent.“ MDIA students got to have a hand in providing a quality concert experience for students and community members alike,” said School of Media Arts & Studies instructor Josh Antonuccio.“Many of them got to take the information they've gotten from the classroom and put it into practice at this event,building their skills and resumes simultaneously. They helped make this year’s festival a rousing success.”

Many of the festival’s student and community volunteers are advocates for the Athens music scene and veterans of this year’s Nelsonville Music Fest. Bands that performed included Angela Perley & the Howlin’ Moons, the D-Rays, Waivada, Wolfmen, knots, and Water Witches. Sponsors included OU’s School of Media Arts & Studies, College of Fine Arts, School of Music and Arts for OHIO, along with ACRN, Brick City, and WIMI: Women in Music Industry at OU.