The perfect block party consists of three things: electric songs, thrilling beat drops and a talented DJ. Luckily for Ohio University Bobcats and Athens locals, a passionate and enthusiastic DJ hitting these marks lives right around the corner.
Brandon Thompson, otherwise known as DJ B-Funk, is not only an OU alum but also an energetic entertainer who has shared a passion for music since childhood. Born and raised in Athens, Thompson was raised by family members who fostered a love for dancing and singing.
“I grew up in a family that really pushed music,” Thompson said. “I was always surrounded by sound produced in a really high-quality way … so that’s where my love for music sparked.”
Thompson said his first live performance was in high school, where he was the DJ at junior prom. This inspired him to create a career out of music.
“I always want to share music with people, I think that is the biggest thing,” Thompson said. “Any moment that I can point to probably has some sort of music connected to it.”
Through his appearances at Ohio Brew Week in the summer, to Athens' memorable Halloween Block Party and Bobcat alumni weddings, Thompson has created countless connections with locals, business owners, students and faculty. Katie Thompson, Brandon Thompson’s wife and mother to their two children, met him during her senior year at OU and fell in love with his compassionate and fun personality.
“He is all about helping other people and wants other people to do well and be their best,” Katie Thompson said. “He is kind of a big kid sometimes which makes life fun with him, and he loves to share his passions with other people, whether it is music or movies or video games.”
Katie Thompson said raising children can be hard sometimes, but Brandon Thompson is always ready to help at home and encourages her to take time for herself.
“Brandon is always just wanting to talk to us about things that are going on,” Thompson said. “He has really pushed me to spend more time doing the things I love … which is something I would have never done for myself.”
Although it may come as a surprise, Thompson finds other ways to get involved with organizations around Athens in addition to his memorable block parties.
Alexandra Kamody, director of the Athena Cinema, collaborated with Thompson to create three different movie series titled: “Geek Week,” “Heroes in Color,” “Horror in Color” and, new this year, “I love the Gay '90s.” Kamody said Brandon Thompson is an incredibly hard worker and a good friend.
“Brandon gets it done,” Kamody wrote in an email. "We work really far in advance to plan things and keep on pace with promotion for our events … I think he has a great work ethic, and he shows up for his friends and colleagues.”
People can also find Brandon Thompson working with the Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program, known as SAOP, as the training and prevention coordinator.
According to SAOP, the program is dedicated to the healing and prevention of relational violence in Southeast Ohio and not only helps survivors but also those who know someone who has been impacted by sexual violence or assault.
SAOP offices are based in Athens; however, the program covers the Hawking, Perry, Vinton and Morgan counties as well. Thompson has worked with SAOP for four years and said his role is to conduct training sessions focusing on ways to lower incidents of violence at high schools, middle schools and sometimes elementary schools.
“One of the things I am really passionate about right now is identifying examples of healthy masculinity,” Brandon Thompson said. “In my opinion, the key to solving a lot of this hate and violence that we see in our community is really approaching men and boys and seeing what is going on with them.”
Brandon Thompson said people are often surprised that he is a DJ and prevention trainer, but SAOP continues to positively affect his life.
“I love it ... I think it has honestly changed my life,” he said. “By learning more, I know better and so I do better and that is the mantra I work with. A lot of people do not know that they are contributing to rape culture and violence … but the language we use even lowers the rates of safety … and so I really enjoy it (and) hope to do it forever.”
Working with the SAOP Monday through Friday, DJing and creating film series might be a lot for the average person, however, Thompson still finds time to advocate for those in Athens who do not have a prominent voice.
Brian Stephens, an assistant professor of African American studies, met Thompson at a meet-and-greet event last year that welcomed new people of color to the area. Stephens said he enjoyed Thompson’s positive and honest personality.
“He knows that part of his work is building community in Athens, particularly with underrepresented and marginalized populations, but he does not make that work feel like work,” Stephens said. “He has the ability to be authentic and make people feel his sincere energy.”
Stephens said he and Brandon Thompson are involved in some of the same anti-racism and activist organizations in Athens, and he looks forward to building a friendship with him.
Whether speaking at a nearby high school, attending a neighborhood event or creating new mixes, Brandon Thompson showcases an appreciation for Athens locals and students. Thompson said he is grateful for the support he has received and encourages others to accomplish their goals.
“I always just tell myself nothing good comes easy because there are a lot of hard things that are going to come at you (and) usually if it is hard it means it is worth doing,” he said.
For those who are interested in booking Thompson for their next party, more information is available on his social media.
