Student bands are making the move off campus. In a marriage between student and local culture, the city of Binghamton is premiering its new concert and arts series, Off the Wall, on Friday, Sept. 13. The series will feature student bands alongside local acts every Friday night through Oct. 4. Concerts run from 6 to 8 p.m, featuring two bands each week.

The series, named for its location off Wall Street Downtown, takes place on Peacemaker’s Stage at 7 Court St. It’s organized by Binghamton’s Economic Development Office and features five student bands: Shattuck, Liberty Belle and the Union Boys, Basic Printer, Strange Appeal and Art School Baseball Team, as well as three local ones: Unity Group, Ramble Run and Thoughts As Devices.

Justin Mulvaney, a senior double-majoring in economics and math, interned for the Economic Development Office over the summer. When his supervisors found out he was involved in the campus music scene, they asked him to help organize the series. Mulvaney, a drummer for Strange Appeal, had friends in other student bands who were interested in performing too. After talking to them, he reached out to bands from the Binghamton area.

“There’s a really tumultuous relationship between the town and University. I think this is something that can bring them together,” Mulvaney said. “Musicians can talk to each other, and this would put students and local bands side by side.”

Mulvaney cites Off the Wall as an example of public resources improving student life. On campus, the student bands tend to attract only a student audience. In Off the Wall, students can play on public property to an audience of city residents.

“We want to encourage use of this great city amenity and showcase local and BU talent,” wrote Mayor Matt Ryan in a press release.

Off the Wall will also feature food trucks from local eateries like the Cook Truck, Lupo’s Spiedies, Mad Man Sammies and Gance’s Catering. Also on display will be artwork from members of Club Bling, a local mosaic art class and the Quarter Yellow Creative Cooperative, an art group based in Binghamton.

Jesse Gillenwalters, a senior majoring in economics and member of band Basic Printer, lives on campus but is from the Binghamton area. He thinks Off the Wall will benefit both the campus and local community.

“I know it’s just music right now, but Binghamton [University] is kind of an ivory tower to the community, and I think this is a cool step in integrating the community and campus,” Gillenwalters said. “I know a lot of bands are looking for places to play, and this is a cool start off campus.”

Band schedule:
Sept. 13, 6:00 p.m. – Thoughts As Devices
Sept. 13, 7:10 p.m. – Art School Baseball Team
Sept. 20, 6:00 p.m. – Basic Printer
Sept. 20, 7:10 p.m. – Liberty Belle and the Union Boys
Sept. 27, 6:00 p.m. – Shattuck
Sept. 27, 7:10 p.m. – Ramble Run
Oct. 4, 6:00 p.m. – Unity Group
Oct. 4, 7:10 p.m. – Strange Appeal