Expat music fest to feature 115 acts

A band performs at Phillies at the Hae Bang Chon May Fest 2014.
/ Courtesy of Lance Reegan-Diehl

By John Redmond

Seoul's popular expat music festival, the Hae Bang Chon May Fest (HBC May Fest), will take place in several locations around Haebangcheon, Seoul, from May 22 to 24.

With performers from Korea and around the globe, the event is a major independent music festival in spring and features more than 115 live acts at 18 venues. It is Korea's largest independent artist showcase.

The event will mark its 10th year. Started by Lance Reegan-Diehl and James Gaynor in 2006, the HBC Fest was a showcase for expat musicians to perform to larger crowds.

"The main street where the action happens is very famous as a local expat hangout, said Reegan-Diehl. "The festival has made the entire area bloom into a bubbly, busy place for all kinds of business to open as more people find it an attractive neighborhood and the place to be.

"Today the street has been made even more popular by MBC and SBS showcasing certain restaurants and the unique culture of the area.

"Here many small independent businesses owners sell their goods and ply their trade, until that weekend in May when tables are cleared away, space is made for musical equipment, and posters are pinned to the doors."

Organizers state that this is still not a street party.

"Keep the music and the party inside the bars," says a press release. "The police are here to help people move, and keep the traffic moving. Do your part and go inside to hear the music and be part of the fest. Signs will be posted once again about traffic caution and be supportive of local police officers, they are there to help."

Phillies Pub sports teams and Bonny's Pizza cricket team members are providing "volunteer" support staff.

Local businesses sponsor the festival to give independent artists a place to play, and give a great summer kick-off party to all their patrons.

"While not every business in the area is a venue for live music, there are many who openly encourage the festival," said Reegan-Diehl.

The festival will begin at 9 p.m. on May 22, with Saturday being an entire day of music from about 2 p.m. until 1 a.m. Sunday will feature performances from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. at selected venues.

This year, Gaynor will be back from his native Australia just to take part in the festival in which he had a hand starting. Gaynor will be on stage at Puerto on May 23 at about 5 p.m. He will be surrounded by many old friends and colleagues, as he lived in Seoul for many years.

Venues include Rock Frites, Bonny's Piza, Phillies Upstairs and Puerto featuring solo artists. Genie Pub will host solo artists and a few acoustic bands. Craftworks will present singer/songwriter afternoon stage sessions and the Cave will host duo performances. The Hidden Cellar will feature acoustic bands, solo artists and duos.

Rock band venues will be at Phillies Basement, the VFW, Camarata Studio, Rabbit Hole, Southside Parlor, Thunderhorse and Pet Sounds.

Despresso and Maloney's Pub will feature DJs.

Entry to this festival is free with T-shirts for sale at 15,000 won.

For more details, including an updated schedule and list of performers, please visit www.hbcfest.com and the Facebook links.

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