Brave-A-Thon Winds Down With 'Hands on the Stereo'

The third annual Brave-A-Thon is finally winding down with Hands on a Stereo. More than $500 was donated at this year's event. 

4:20 p.m.

The end is finally near. The Brave-A-Thon has passed hour 14, and the energy level hasn't dropped one bit.

Keith Gerard, president of the university's TV Club,  did not stop moving today, whether he was working a camera, moving bands around, or directing an interview from the production booth.

“[Friday] couldn't have turned out any better than I could have imagined. Everyone got involved, and as far as this department is concerned it's one of the best days we've ever had,” Gerard said.

The biggest draw of the affair turned out to be Hands on the Stereo. Calling themselves, “Happy Hardcore," the North Jersey-based band played a fantastic high energy set. In addition, they brought a host of fans, who made the rather large Studio A seem like a rocking concert venue.

“This is such an awesome event,” said Jessica Kubik, who showed up at William Paterson. “We just heard they were playing a show, so we listened to 88.7 all day and came down when we could."

Kubik's friend Jacqueline, mentioned that it was good to see multiple causes being supported.

“There's the college, which is obviously important, but it's really nice to see some support for underground bands. It's a great opportunity to see all these acts together and receive such a warm welcome.”

Here is a quick tally of some of tonight's stats:

Twenty prizes were raffled off.

The highest number of listeners on ustream.com: 35

Thanks to everyone for watching, listening, any form of participation deserves recognition. You can still go to GoBrave.org and contribute; every little bit counts. 

2:30 p.m.

Things are really going well at the third annual Brave-A-Thon at William Paterson University.

"It's great to just interview bands and get to know them, thats something they almost never get to do after playing," said disc hockey Allon after he finished his role today as one of several hosts. "I'll just stay to help out, do whatever needs to get done."

Allon was on from 9 a.m. to noon as one of the on-air hosts. That's what today is all about in a nutshell: The university's communication's community banding together for our own cause.

 WP 88.7 Brave New Radio is the official radio station of William Paterson University. Although Brave New Radio features an eclectic mix of music and talk, its primary focus is what they call Braveology: A mix of indie rock, alternative, punk, indie folk, classic rock, and jam bands. The event is being broadcast live on the station.

 A set just finished form Sexy Heroes, a high energy rock band with floppy hair and three part vocal harmonies. They won the small crowd over with originals including an entire song about Robert Downey Jr., and classics like “Back in the USSR.”

“It's awesome. To see people care this much about local bands is great, and they've put so much effort into this event.” says Chris Watts, front-man for Heroes.

Out in the lobby, there are a host of raffle prizes to bid on. Ranging from autographed video games, to a Jimmy Eat World prize pack, to a $100 Best Buy gift certificate. There's gift baskets from sponsors Animal Bike co and Animal Attire. Raffle tickets are one for $1, or 15 for $5. Come on down and  show some support.

 At 3 p.m., the annual Bravery in Radio award was presented. Past recipients include Les Paul and Bruce Morrow (Cousin Brucie). The award is presented by WP 88.7's director Rob Quicke. This year, the award went to Howard Stern and Robin Quivers for their longtime dedication to pushing the boundaries of radio. Quicke actually made an appearance on Stern's program, and bits of the interview will be broadcast throughout the event.

11:30 a.m.

 Patch is live inside Hobart Hall at William Paterson University, where the third annual Brave-a-thon is being held. We'll be updating you all day long on who is playing and how the event is going.

There has been nonstop action as bands are shuffling in and out.

"It's been good so far," said crew member Pat Sunday, as he mic-checks a band. "There's a lot of people here, whether they're donating or not it is good for the organizations."

On stage is Lipstick and Cigarettes, an 1980s-style rock band that sounds like a clash between the Talking Heads and the B-52s.

The annual event raises money for local non-profit organizations. 

For more information, visit the event's Facebook page. 

To view or listen to the event live online, visit www.gobrave.org.