Saturday night gave way to an annual opportunity for students who enjoy fun music and dressing in an exuberant style. Ohio University’s All-Campus Radio Network hosted its Punk Prom at The Union Bar, located at 18 W. Union St.
The Union is home to several exciting events throughout the year, all of which strive to keep regulars and new arrivals coming back. One of The Union’s annual parties is ACRN's prom, falling on Valentine’s Weekend every year.
After the network’s first broadcast aired in 1971, ACRN became the “first and only” student-hosted radio show, according to OHIO Today. ACRN has since flourished to incorporate articles, music, podcasts and live listening.
Punk Prom allows students to explore their passion for all things punk and indie rock. The performing bands included Anake from Cleveland, Hueston Woods from Cincinnati and Parking from Louisville, Kentucky.
When the doors opened at 8 p.m., students, locals and bands from across Ohio flooded into The Union to see a beautifully decorated space with hints of spunk and grunge.
Evan Seurkamp, a junior studying music production and recording industry, is ACRN’s promotions director and was in charge of booking The Union venue and contacting bands. Seurkamp said the event themes alternate and are typically titled emo and goth prom, but this year’s theme was special.
“I just wanted to mix up the pot a little bit this year, try something different,” Seurkamp said.
Seurkamp worked alongside other ACRN directors, including Public Relations Director Kate Tocke, a junior studying journalism. Tocke joined ACRN during her sophomore year and started on the editorial team.
“There was really no PR department at the time, so it kind of was just a one-woman show and I was able to bring that PR aspect back into ACRN,” Tocke said. “I work really closely with Evan, which is so awesome.”
Tocke said she and Seurkamp always plan to feature bands from both Athens and neighboring cities, creating a versatile musical experience for students and locals.
“We kind of just went off the theme and we go on Band Camp and look for people in regional areas and listen to them,” Tocke said. “If we think their sound fits we will reach out to them and look at their presence through social media, and hopefully they will be down to come down to Athens.”
Hueston Woods traveled from Cincinnati to showcase their musical talent and electrify the crowd. Hueston Woods formed in summer 2023, taking the city by storm and performing at University of Cincinnati hot spots.
Adam Flem, the bassist, graduated from UC in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology but has previously performed at the Smiling Skull Saloon with a different band. Flem said he was happy to return to Athens and relive an unforgettable experience.
“I think what really stood out to me was the ambiance of the college town,” Flem said. “I really enjoyed walking around the town, it has a very different feel to it than Clifton does, where we’re based and oftentimes perform. It was during the fall, everything was really beautiful.”
Hueston Woods’ set was a mixture of both unreleased and favorite songs, including “Artist Boyfriend,” “Polychrome,” “Favors” and “Perfect Androgyny,” all of which can be found on Spotify. Flem said their music is categorized as indie rock but takes different forms.
“We are also not afraid to put moments of heavier music into our music, there is definitely a lot of elements but I think it reflects the age of the Internet that we all grew up with,” Flem said.
Not only did the night encompass thrilling entertainment, but attendees were encouraged to dress in their best punk prom outfits with the hopes of winning Punk Prom queen and king. Mary Klein, Hueston’s rhythm guitarist, said she wore a thrifted dress and was excited the band got to showcase its style.
“I told everybody that if they do not dress like they are going to prom I am going to cry,” Klein said.
Cooper Cunningham, Hueston’s lead guitarist, said the members had fun planning their outfit and seeing other students express their creativity and confidence through fashion.
“I am going to wear just a big suit jacket and probably some ripped jeans and I am going to throw paint all over it,” Cunningham said.
Tickets for the event cost $8 for those who are 21 and over and $11 for individuals 18-20. Students and locals who danced the night away could enter auctions and win prizes from local businesses, including Donkey Coffee and Casa Nueva.
Punk Prom strove to ignite friendships through music and provide a welcoming atmosphere. In an interview before the event, Tocke said she was looking forward to watching performances and seeing the turnout.
“I think people should come to Punk Prom because not only will the music be great, but I think it will expand people's music taste,” Tocke said. “I feel like in the local scene right now, there are not as many punky bands.”
