Fabian Grund
fgrund@uwyo.edu
Shöcktoberfest hosted a one-day musical festival featuring international artist Afroman along with seven local artists on Saturday.
The local artists were given a chance to perform on the same stage and show off their talent.
“We want our place to be a real home for local talents,” Jason Palumbo, owner of Shöcktoberfest, said. “It was one of our best shows so far.”
Afroman’s agent is hoping to take a closer look at Jordan Carr, a local rapper from the collective Gem Sent Pack, who performed before the headliner.
“Gem Sent Pack has been responsible for some of our most successful events,” Palumbo said.
Palumbo said he wants local talents to grow by giving them the opportunity to play in front of their friends and family, while gaining more supporters.
Despite a snowstorm hitting Laramie, 200 tickets were sold at $25 for the event.
The venue filled slowly during the daylight hours, but as soon as it got dark more people showed up to enjoy the entertainment. When Afroman appeared two hours late in a white fur coat, the crowd started cheering and shouting his name.
The show peaked when Afroman performed his international successful single “Because I Got High.” The crowd sang along throughout the song. Afroman also entertained the crowd with e-guitar solos and jokes apart from his singing.
After the show Afroman took pictures with his fans and signed over 100 autographs.
“This is why I like small shows. You can hang out with the artist after the show,” an Afroman fan explained.
Palumbo said he hopes to bring at least three national acts every year to Laramie.
Shöcktoberfest booked its next act Eternal of the Wu Tang Clan’s West Coast Killer Beez for May 14.
Shöcktoberfest recently merged with Ryan Kiser’s Arcade “Hero Depot” making the venue into a unique place. The venue offers arcade games, German food and a full bar.
