Put On Your Dancing Shoes For The Old 280 Boogie
Festivals are a dime a dozen in the spring, but we’re here to tell you about one that is truly unique. It’s the Old 280 Boogie to be held April 19-20 in Waverly, Ala. It’s not just the name that sets it apart from the multitudes of music, art and food celebrations across the state.
The impetus of this quirky festival which is now in its 23rd year is the celebration of the rerouting of a heavily trafficked highway. For some 60 years, Waverly was merely a smattering of general stores and a post office you passed when traveling U.S. Highway 280, or the Florida Short Route as it was also known, in between Alexander City and Auburn. What could have prompted the demise of some towns was celebrated with a “party in the street” in Waverly which is not quite three square miles and has less than 200 residents. Gone was the incessant highway traffic and the Old 280 Boogie was born in 2001, says long-time resident Scott Peek.
From this unlikely start, the music festival has grown in notoriety thanks to the caliber of music acts it attracts as well as the loads of Southern hospitality it dishes out to attendees. Too large to be held in the town’s streets anymore, the Boogie now takes place on the grounds of Standard Deluxe, a renowned design and print shop owned by Peek.
“We’re ready to celebrate. Tons of bands have come through here over the years—some great talent has been on our stage and many of them have gone on to get a lot bigger,” Peek says. “It’s always a memorable weekend!”
Thinking back through the years of shows, Peek recalls one of his favorites being the late trumpeter Charles Brady and describing it as “really cool—one of the biggest shows we’ve had.”
While the inaugural Old 280 Boogie was held in 2001, Peek says he hosted his first music show in 1994 in a shed on Standard Deluxe’s property with a potluck dinner and bonfire blazing.
“We’re unconventional to say the least. Since those early days, we’ve really built out the venue and concentrated on making a safe and fun environment.”
Scott Peek, Owner of Standard Deluxe
Today’s venue features an expansive lawn where attendees set up chairs and blankets to relax and enjoy the day listening to live music from the rustic styled outdoor stage. Standard Deluxe is also home to La Última Bar, Wild Flour Bakery and Butcher Paper BBQ. Judging by the die-hard Boogie fans who come year in and year out, Peek has succeeded in creating an experience like none other.
“We have people who have been coming all along and now they bring their college aged kids with them,” Peek says. “It’s a cool time lapse.”
“It’s like a reunion of sorts. People who have moved away and then each year meet up with friends here,” Peek added. “It’s great to be a part of that.”
2024 Boogie Musical Line-up
Friday, April 19 from 4pm to 9pm
- Wanda Band 7pm
- Billy Allen & The Pollies 8pm
Saturday, April 20 (11am – 9pm)
- Peter One 12pm
- Chatham Rabbits 1:30pm
- The Pine Hill Haints 3pm
- Kym Register + Meltdown Rodeo 4:30pm
- 79rs Gang 6pm
- SUSU 7:30pm
The gates open at 4pm on Friday and 11am on Saturday. Note that set times are approximate.
If you can’t make it the Old 280 Boogie this spring, don’t fret! Standard Deluxe hosts a Boogie in the fall as well as additional live shows throughout the year.
“We have a bunch of dates coming up in May and June – check our site for the latest schedule and ticket information,” Peek says.
A top-notch music festival in a tiny Alabama town hosted by a t-shirt guy–the Old 280 Boogie is unique in every way!
