How do you plan to kick-off your Halloween weekend? Sure, you could head to Cornerstone and wade through an overcrowded collection of co-eds on your way to the bar; but that sounds just like every other weekend in College Park. Instead of trading elbow shots with a beefy bro, head to Sonar nightclub in downtown Baltimore for ChangeUp Fest, presented by changeupmag.com.

“This isn’t just another concert, and it’s definitely not another bar night” said Andrew Schuster, co-founder and editor-in-chief of changeupmag.com, a budget lifestyle and culture online-magazine, ”ChangeUp Fest is a showcase of the best local talent.”

ChangeUp Fest, which brings together 15 of the region’s best up-and-coming bands for 15 dollars, is a must for anyone who loves live music or wants to “change up” their usual weekend, Mr. Schuster said.

The festival, which will take place at the Sonar nightclub, located in the heart of Baltimore’s vibrant music scene, embodies the vision of its namesake magazine which demonstrates how to have a good-time without breaking the bank.

“It’s all about affordability without sacrificing quality” explained Mr. Schuster “the whole idea is to create a festival atmosphere, that would normally cost a lot of money, but make it cheap; a great show and a guaranteed killer time, for an affordable price.”

Sonar, a multi-stage venue that features three rooms, each with a distinct theme and personality, is the perfect setting for a festival atmosphere. Modeled after events like the HFStival or VirginFest, ChangeUp Fest boasts a night of non-stop music with genres ranging from dance and hip-hop to rock.

Mr. Schuster and his staff devoted three months towards talent scouting. “These bands are stellar, they are all on the rise” said Mr. Schuster “they represent the current trend in the local scene.”

The line-up is headlined by DJ Logic, who will perform alongside legendary keyboardist Steve Moltiz. Molitz, best known for his band Particle, has played alongside Phil Lesh and the Allman Brothers Band. The two came together just for ChangeUp Fest, but will continue to collaborate after their stint at the festival, and are planning a future tour. While DJ Logic and Steve Molitz’s performance is sure to be on point, a bit of Charm City nostalgia may steal the show.

The reunion of local favorites VooDoo Blue, a show several months in the making, may stand out as the high-point of the night. The reunion performance marks the first time in five years that VDB will play alongside original front-man, Mike Silberman.

“Silberman is one of the best front-men I’ve ever seen before” said Mr. Schuster “I got a sneak peak of their set list and its going to be amazing. This is going to be a truly special show.”
A show you might never get to see again.

The ChangeUp Fest line-up also includes College Park DJ’s PhilReal and Soohan. PhilReal, known for his infectious re-mixes, will be spinning his party-banger anthems at a late night-show on the lounge stage.

“We’re really excited to be playing ChangeUp Fest, it’s our first time really playing out in the Baltimore scene” said the College Park celebrity “and with all the other great acts that ChangeUp Fest has brought together, you couldn’t ask for a better opportunity.”

The festival also seeks to showcase talented emerging bands, such as Shook out of Towson University, whose unique blend of dance, funk, and soul, will be a presence on the regional scene for years to come.

The admission price also includes a free-raffle ticket and festival-goers have the chance to win a free-meal at a restaurant featured on changeupmag.com, or other prizes. Mr. Schuster said a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the “Playing for Change” Foundation, an organization that promotes music education in under privileged communities around the world.

“This is for the people” said Mr. Schuster “this event embodies what we are all about; we want to entertain people in this uncertain economy.”

ChangeUp Fest kicks off Thursday, October 29th, at Sonar night club, 407 East Saratoga Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. For more information including the complete line-up, schedule, directions to Sonar, and other event information, please visit www.changeupmag.com