City to kick off school year with garage band celebration

Columbia’s youth musicians will ring in the school year with an evening of rock, hip-hop and funk at the third annual Back To School Garage Band Bash, 7 to 10 p.m. today, on top of the parking garage at Sixth and Cherry streets.

The event is a collaborative effort of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department and the Youth Community Coalition. The entry fee is $2.

The musical lineup will include Thunderclap Douglas and the 8-Track Groove, Graffiti Out Loud, Headlights to Sunset and The Blumes. The show is a drug- and alcohol-free event, where Columbia teens can “come and have a good time listening to some of their friends’ bands,” said Becky Markt, coalition coordinator.

It will also be Thunderclap Douglas’ final performance before the group disbands and heads off to college.

The first Garage Band Bash, held in 2005, drew about 220 people, said Erin Carrillo, a city of Columbia recreation specialist. Attendance dropped to around 80 in 2006 because of inclement weather, but event coordinators are hoping for clear skies and a big turnout this year. Thunderclap Douglas’ new album, “The Ridiculosity Therein,” will be on sale for $8 at the show.

“There’s not a song that won’t make you stomp your feet,” said bassist and vocalist Tim Douglas.

The Youth Community Coalition will also be on hand to give away glowsticks and other freebies.

Although the event is geared toward teens, anyone interested is invited to attend.