Not even flash thunderstorms could stop the rockers and skaters at the fourth annual Spring Skate Jam. During the band Jackoff Demons’ set, the rain bore down on the crowd, which flowed to the shelter of Devil’s Kettle Brewing.
The taproom’s capacity limit of 46 was put to the test, and then some. The downpour only lasted about 20 minutes and afterward the music started right back up. Unfortunately, the waterlogged ramps made for poor skating.
The event had been planned since January and rock, punk and metal bands from all over the area were invited.
“(Dogman Kills You) played a Columbus Skate Jam pre-party last fall,” Andrea Baird, one of the Skate Jam organizers, said.
Dogman Kills You is an experimental synth punk band from Columbus. It wasn’t the only band from Columbus; Desespera and Plain Grit also shredded the soundwaves.
Left Behind and Sub Zero, which were formed from the Stuart’s Opera House Afterschool Music Program, kicked off the concert. Baird became familiar with the program when she was going to Hocking College. Local bands such as Big Fat Head, The In-Sect, Jackoff Demons and Jobsite Porta John rocked the crowd as well.
Skate Jam organizers, Baird and Emmett Mascha, are a part of Jackoff Demons, and Mascha plays in Jobsite Porta John.
Jaquetta Pittinger joined for one of their last songs with energetic vocals. She was a member of Jackoff Instructions, as were most of the members of Jackoff Demons, and she left when she became a mom.
“We do raise more funds at the bigger event, but the bigger event has a lot more expenses,” Baird said. “So, this is a great kind of seed fund for the larger event that helps us cover the costs of that, because our expenses are much lower for this, because it’s much less involved.”
In the past, Baird has told The Post that Skate Jam raises $15,000 annually.
Before the rain, Athens Ohio Roller Derby, Flipside Skate Shop and Stuart's Opera House AMP were tabling and Sojourners Care Network was selling Skate Jam merch.
“I liked the cause that it was behind, as well as being a lot of fun and obviously profitable for both of us,” Cameron Fuller, the owner of Devil’s Kettle Brewing, said about why he got involved with Skate Jam.
Baird said Devil’s Kettle is perfect for Skate Jam because of its open patio, public restrooms and easily accessible parking lot, and of course, the beer.
Fuller created his own beer for Skate Jam, called Skaterhosen. All profits from the sale of Skaterhosen will be donated to Sojourners.
“It’s a Helles lager-pilsner hybrid,” Fuller said. “Should be really easy drinking, but flavorful.”
The money raised at Skate Jam, including suggested $15 donations, will be split between Sojourners Care Network and the city department Arts and Rec, which is responsible for repairing and making additions to the skate park.
“(Sojourners Care Network) works across seven counties, primarily helping youth experiencing homelessness,” Hannah Allenson, manager of the Resiliency Center, said.
The Resiliency Center is a drop-in youth center located at 5 N. Shafer St.
“We have a food pantry, a clothing pantry, and hygiene supplies,” Allenson said. “We do programming every day of the week.”
A portion of the funds from Skate Jam will be used to help the Resiliency Center.
“We work with the same concrete construction designer and builder each year, Ridge Runner Construction,” Baird said.
Ridge Runner Construction donates, too. Fuller said the people at Sojourners give people opportunity and opportunity is hope.
