On Friday, Nov. 19, there was a super full moon as Dean and I headed downtown to meet up with friends for an evening of fun. A retro music event at Joe’s Underground was our destination. We didn’t quite know what lay in wait for us below the corner of Broad and Eighth Streets. When we headed down the stairs, we found ourselves immersed in a subterranean land filled with laser lights and loud music.
It was 80s Underground, and it was so righteous that Ferris Bueller himself would have felt right at home.
We crossed the threshold, showed our IDs then paid the $5 cover. DJ Codec got the party started with “Moving In Stereo” by the Cars. I turned to look his way and noticed that the accompanying video to the song played on a big screen on the wall across from the bar. A small television in a corner showed the same flickering image. The massive sound from the PA filled the room wall to wall as the dry ice machine kicked up a blast of smoke. Our merry band of 80s fanatics grabbed a table in time to see the screen light up with a video of the B52s playing “Give Me Back My Man.”
One song after another played, taking me back to my teenage years. Wham!’s 1984 hit “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go” brought folks to their feet. The dance floor filled with people and it was at that moment that things began to hop.
I approached the bar and ordered myself a Coke. Having been awake since 4 a.m., I needed some sugar and caffeine to keep me going. The bartender treated me like a regular and didn’t smirk at my non-alcoholic drink request.
[adrotate banner=”13″]
As the night progressed, the songs on DJ Codec’s playlist ran the gamut from The Psychedelic Furs to Billy Joel to Musical Youth. His mix hit every genre, giving the crowd a little bit of everything that made the 80s music scene so great. At times he would join folks on the dance floor. His exuberance added that much more to the carefree and happy vibe that flowed throughout the space.
The music videos and light show at Joe’s reminded me of nights spent decades ago in the lower level of the original Masquerade in Atlanta where I would lose myself in the beat of those songs. After this first visit, I am questioning myself as to why I’ve never gone to 80s Underground. I will certainly make return visits.
If you like music from the decade of decadence, you will love 80s Underground. Make plans to attend the next one. This happening occurs on the third Friday of the month.
A note: December’s event will be a battle between 80s Underground and 90s House Party DJs and should be a blast. You might want to pencil Friday, Dec. 17 on your calendar right now.
[adrotate banner=”19″]
If fun music and great times aren’t enough, this event hosted by Frank Sandlin supports a local charity. Proceeds from the $5 cover charge at 80s Underground benefits Augusta Partnership for Children Inc./Family Connection. It’s a feel good night with a feel good cause. Win-win for everyone.
DJ Codec is well known for creating energetic playlists at venues around town and his work at 80s Underground is no less than stellar. You can find him online at https://www.facebook.com/djcodec.
Joe’s Underground is a cool space to grab a beer and chill. They have events each week ranging from karaoke nights to dance parties. Check them out at https://www.facebook.com/JoesUndergroundAugusta.
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Look no further than Joe’s Underground for 90s House Party: The Final Countdown, which starts tonight at 9 p.m. Also tonight, check out Shawn Woodward and Steve Davis as they bring their music to Aiken City Billiards for an early show starting at 6 p.m. On Saturday, Carolina Cherry plays at Stay Social Tap & Table in Evans. The show starts at 7 p.m.
Francie Klopotic is an author, artist and music aficionado living in Augusta. She writes The Night Beat column the first and third Fridays of each month.
