A decade of big hair, one-hit wonders, and MTV, the 1980s emerged with electronic dance music and lots of pop, but also the underground phenomenon of alternative rock. This magical era saw synthesizers go mainstream, adding a lush orchestration to guitar rock, alongside melodic, emotional, often moody vocals.
Groundbreaking groups like Joy Division, The Cure, The Smiths, Psychedelic Furs, and Talking Heads announced that music had something new to say. Niche radio stations like Cincinnati’s own 97x called out to the high school and college students of that era, eager to slip out of 70s rock spandex and embrace “the future of Rock N Roll.”
Join Blue Eighty, Cincinnati’s only 80s alternative and New Wave band as they bring a decade of alternative hits to life, as we close the 2022 Music@BCM season, Thursday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. at Behringer-Crawford Museum.
Recognizing the lack of 80s alternative in live performances, Blue Eighty formed in 2018 with five seasoned musicians sharing the same mission; Brent Billock, vocals, guitar; Carrie Steven, drums, vocals; John Hoerr bass, vocals, keys; Wayne Greenan guitar, vocals; and Chris Longbottom keys, vocals.
Music@BCM takes place in BCM’s outdoor amphitheater at 1600 Montague Road in Covington’s Devou Park from 7 to 9 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children ages 3-12. Visitors presenting an EBT card receive reduced admission of $3 for up to four persons.
Guests should bring folding chairs or blankets for seating. In case of inclement weather, the event will move indoors. Adult beverages will be available for purchase as well as veritable favorites of the barbecue world, served fresh by Bellevue’s favorite barbecue food truck, Doo-Little’s Shack and Snacks. Parking is free. The concert will also be live-streamed on BCM’s Facebook page.
For more information, go to www.bcmuseum.org, email info@bcmuseum.org or call 859-491-4003.
Behringer-Crawford Museum