By John Redmond
The Hae Bang Chon (HBC) May Music Festival is back for its 12th year in the center of Seoul's expat community.
The long-running independent music fest invites independent musicians and performers from Korea and a host of other countries to perform at select venues around the HBC and Gyeongnidan area.
The festival was started in 2006 by Lance Reegan-Diehl and James Gaynor as a showcase for expat musicians here to perform to larger crowds.
HBC's main street, Yongsan 2-ga or Sinheungno, where most of the action happens, has become increasingly famous as a local expat hangout.
"The festival has made the entire area blossom as more people find it an attractive neighborhood and a cool place to be," Reegan-Diehl said.
"The festival has always adapted to the demands of both musicians and venues, and with that the size and scope of the festival has fluctuated through the years."
Local business owners open their doors for music acts to put on a show.
"While not every business in the area is a venue for live music, there are many who openly encourage the festival. These businesses can be clearly recognized by the HBC Fest posters which deck their windows, and the support they give to HBC Fest," Reegan-Diehl said.
"The Workshop, Bedrock, V-Lounge, Alley Bunker and Phillies host live music just about every weekend or some kind of pub event is going always on at these venues throughout the year."
This year's venues include V-Lounge, Phillies, Bedrock, Alley Bunker, The Cave, Hair of the Dog, Camarata Studio, Genie Pub, Thunderhorse Tavern, Boogie Woogie, The Rabbit Hole, The Workshop and Hidden Cellar.
Many of these places have small acoustic acts, though several live music venues such as the underground Camarata and Thunderhorse can accommodate bigger shows.
The HBC Festival is a DEELEEBOB Music Production, with Reegan-Diehl being the central point between artists, venues and business owners. Music sponsors include Sound Drive Amplifiers, Swing Guitars, Graphtech Guitar Parts, Olympia Strings and Straps, along with all participating business owners.
The festival begins 9 p.m. Friday night and runs until after midnight. The majority of performances are on Saturday from 4 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Visit hbcfest.com or facebook.com/HBCFest for more details, including an updated schedule and list of performers.
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