By Sage Spirk, Contributor 

On Nov. 21 and 22, The Union and Casa Nueva Restaurant and Cantina will come together to host the 2025 Benefest! The event will feature 10 local bands performing across two shows over the weekend, with night one hosted by The Union and night two hosted by Casa Nueva. The annual fundraiser’s goal is to raise money for local nonprofits during the two-day festival. Doors open at 7 p.m. on Friday and 9 p.m. on Saturday.

This year, the proceeds will support two nonprofits: Stuart’s Opera House Afterschool Music Program (AMP) and The Gathering Place. AMP is a program for youth who are interested in music and want to learn how to play instruments. The Gathering Place is a program for people who have experienced trauma, addiction and mental health issues, offering resources for struggling community members. 

The band lineup for night one at The Union features The Laughing Chimes, Rylee Bapst Band, The Zeitgeist, Feline Frenzy, Sub-Zero and Pretty Incident. 

Evan Seurkamp of The Laughing Chimes discussed the impact of AMP, where he works as a teacher: “The program is a key resource for youth who are passionate about music and artistic expression,” Seurkamp said. “Before I was an instructor, AMP was my introduction to playing and writing music in a group of my peers. Now I have my own band that is signed to a record label and has begun to tour nationally. All that is to say, arts education is very important for us to continue to support.”

Feline Frenzy shares the band’s unique connection to Benefest, as last year’s shows’ proceeds went to the Athens Humane Society, where member Nathan Napoli adopted his cat which inspired the band’s name and cat logo. “Benefest is beyond important because it gives back to our community and the great people who make our town so perfect,” Napoli said. “People should come support because you get a night’s worth of electric music, and your money actually goes to a good cause. Every dollar spent is helping children and families and helping keep Athens the home we all call it.”

The band lineup for night two at Casa Nueva features Blush, Space Kid, Jone & The Hissyfits and Hourglass. 

In a joint statement, Jone & The Hissyfits highlights not only the significance of Benefest in the community, but the uniting aspects of the Athens music scene. “Benefest is important because it uplifts the local music scene and empowers young musicians while raising money for two great causes,” Jone & The Hissyfits said. “We’re excited to have fun and play with some kickass bands. People should come out and get involved because we have a really cool music scene in Athens, and you might end up feeling inspired to make your own music or start your own band.”

Anyone interested in supporting local bands and non-profit organizations can purchase Benefest tickets in advance via Eventbrite under Blackout Booking.