WIUX Student Radio to start semester Friday with annual Kick-Off Party at The Bishop

As the first week of course-running chaos comes to end, many students will be looking for just the right nightlife to ease their troubles this weekend.

WIUX student radio will be having its traditional Semester Kick-off Party on Friday at The Bishop, featuring three regional groups. The show will begin at 9 p.m. and will be free for an audience of 18 and older.

“It’s a great way to get people to know about the station and what we’re about,” Programming Director Andrew Olanoff said. “And it’s also a great way to provide some free music for new students and old students.”

Elephant Micah, a stage name for southern Indiana songwriter Joseph O’Connell, will be headlining the show. O’Connell has gained a cult musical following with his lo-fi multi-instrumentalist home recordings. Indie group Pillars and Tongues from Chicago will also be playing, along with Bloomington’s own Elegant Bachelor.

“Bringing in local acts and lo-fi indie acts is a great way to showcase the sound that we are trying to produce at the station, which is something you don’t usually hear,” Olanoff said.

Elegant Bachelor is an IU child, born in the dorms several years ago as the recording project of then-student Taylor Peters. Since its formation, the group has released several EP’s and a 2010 CD titled “The Grand Gesture.” The group has undergone several member changes, leaving Peters and Michael Squeri as the only full time players. They are expected to release a collaboration album with local musician Eric Radoux.

WIUX is run completely by student volunteers and offers a variety of programming available by tuning into 99.1 FM or online. Students interested in getting involved with the station can talk to numerous volunteers during Friday’s event or visit www.wiux.org/radio.