Fri 8/19 @ 7PM
Sat 8/20 @ 2PM
Akron band DEVO formed at Kent State University in 1972 as a sort of multimedia art/music project/social commentary project, and despite becoming the most commercial successful band to come out of the Akron scene, maintained that sensibility. In the process, in addition to the casual fans they drew with their 1980 hit “Whip It,” they attracted a loyal base of of smart, nerdy and diverse adherents, or “DEVOtees.”
That group fuels the DEVOtional, a fan convention devoted to the band that attracts fans from across the country. It took place for ten straight years from 2001-2010, first in Akron, then in Cleveland, before taking a three-year break and returning to the Beachland Ballroom in 2014. That’s where it was held last year for what the organizers say was the biggest and best attended DEVOtional ever.
This year’s, also at the Beachland, should easily eclipse that one. For one thing, many DEVOtees will make the trip to also see DEVO co-founder Mark Mothersbaugh’s exhibit Myopia, on view through August 27 at the Akron Art Museum and MOCA Cleveland. In addition, this year’s special guests include TWO members of the band — Gerald Casale and Bob Mothersbaugh — both of whom are releasing custom DEVO guitars. They’ll be on hand to mingle with fans and sign autographs.
As usual the event features music from DEVO tribute bands and bands with a DEVO-inspired sensibility, with fan favorites the Spudboys returning for the first year since 2010. Friday evening five such bands will play in the tavern. On Saturday, doors open at 2pm for a full day and evening featuring more bands, a Q&A with Casale and a talk by Delaney Jae of the Futurismo label, which has put out several recent DEVO releases.
Friday evening admission is a “pay what you want” donation; Saturday’s admission is $35, free for 13 and under.