Antoine Perkins and Lori Abel are frustrated. The two of them have observed and embraced the emerging musical talent that central Ohio has to offer, but it seems as though no one else is listening.To expose people to the immense amount of great music Columbus has to offer, the two of them formed Danger Media in late 2006 and are working on a DVD titled, “Friends From Ohio.” In support of this film, Danger Media will be hosting a benefit on Saturday night, March 3 at Little Brothers in the Short North. Doors will open at 8:30 p.m. and music will start around 9p.m.”Friends from Ohio” is a “rockumentary” that will feature many local music acts in the hopes that Columbus will earn the recognition both Perkins and Abel feel it deserves.”The reason we stared Danger Media was to put the spotlight on emerging talent that seems to be bubbling out of central Ohio,” Perkins said.This is the overarching theme to the film, and the backbone of what Danger Media believes. In terms of historical relevance, they also want to use one of Columbus’ strongest resources to make people aware of local music; the library.”There are tons and tons of local music in the library now,” Abel said. “We thought why not make a film and produce DVDs to put into the library system.”Perkins and Abel talked about the I-270 curse. The idea that any band or musician stationed within Columbus’ outer-belt could never make it big while staying in Columbus. They are attempting to show Columbus as a unique city with its own style and talent.”People can look at Columbus as a music center. Columbus is not trying to be Seattle or the next Seattle. We are actually Columbus. We are trying to change that perception,” Abel said.Both Abel and Perkins said they feel that there is less of a sense of pride behind the creation of this film and more an urge to not only expose the talent of Columbus, but to make a contribution to this art form.The proceeds from the benefit are not for the making of the film, but to help with the distribution of it.One of the bands that will be featured this weekend is the pop-rock quartet Carson Drew. They are excited about being a part of this feature.”We have spoken to Antoine and Lori a bunch of times in the last few months about coming out to one of our shows and shooting a video,” said Parker Chandler, the drummer for Carson Drew. “I think we are the only band who has not been shot for the film yet.”There will be a raffle for gift certificates for Lost Weekend Records and two gift baskets of hemp soap products.”So people can walk out with something other than a hangover,” Perkins said.The aim of Danger Media goes way beyond this weekend. They hope that “Friends From Ohio” will influence generations to come.”I am sure as time goes on, once we make relationships with Wexner and Studio 35, it will be one of those films that people will look at to hear what happened during this period,” Abel said.For more information about Danger Media, log on to their Web site: www.myspace.com/dangermedia1
Alex Drumm can be reached at [email protected].
