Like moths to a flame, vintage bands swarm to play at benefit

The event takes place at Robbins Crossing on the Hocking College campus in Nelsonville. According to a news release on the event, the Moth Ball "aims to bring back beloved Athens bands by inviting them to return to the stage to entertain an audience both old and new." The event begins at 6:30.

Kelee Riesbeck, executive director of the ACHS&M, explained the idea behind the event. "The Moth Ball fundraiser is a way to put these beloved bands 'on exhibit' for the music fans in Athens County and beyond to enjoy," she said in the release. "This year's event aims to build on the success of the first Moth Ball, held last summer at Eclipse Company Store. We hold the event in an historic Athens County setting as a way to celebrate the efforts people in the area have made toward preserving our past."

This year's Moth Ball features The Billycats and The New Vinton County Frogwhompers Marching, Singing, Strumming & Plucking Society. The Billycats feature Dave Borowski on vocals and guitar and John Borchard on lap steel guitar, both of whom have lengthy musical resumes in Athens, stretching back decades. Rounding out the Billycats are Bob Prebe on bass, Ted Harris on vocals, sax and clarinet, and Ken Dean on the drums.

The Frogwhompers were a popular, self-described "newgrass" band in Athens in the 1970s. The Frogwhompers' unique blend of bluegrass and rock is remembered by many Athenians today as the sound that rocked and twanged a bar called Mr. Bojangles (currently The Other Place clothing store) every Wednesday and Thursday night in the late 1970s. The Frogwhompers include Charlie Lewis on guitar, Jim Prouty (owner of the former O'Hooley's brew pub) on the banjo, and Jim McGaw on the autoharp. All of the members contribute to the harmonic vocals for songs such as "You Done Stomped On My Heart," "Fox On The Run" and "Athens County," made famous by former Ohio University student Jonathan Edwards.

Food will be provided by Purple Chopstix and Restaurant Salaam, and a cash bar with beer brewed locally at Jackie O's will be served. A silent auction with donations from Athens County businesses will be featured as well.

Tickets are available at Little Professor Book Center on South Court Street, the Athens County Historical Society & Museum at 65 N. Court St.; The Athens NEWS at 14 N. Court St.; or by calling the Historical Society at 740-592-2280.