Saturday night, Shock G from ‘90s rap group Digital Underground commanded the packed floor of Harley-Davidson BikeTown in Austintown to do the “Humpty-Hump” at the Back to the ‘90s party sponsored by Warehouse 50.
Even though only one member of the original lineup is still in the group, Digital Underground, known for their hit song “The Humpty Dance,” took the stage and performed their hits from the ‘90s.
The party, put on by the independent work of Scott Austalosh, featured ‘90s music all night by DJ Kidd, who has also spun music for Warehouse 50’s Party on the Plaza.
Among the partygoers, a few Youngstown State University students enjoyed the concert including Harry Wolfe, a criminal justice major.
Wolfe said he was surprised by the turnout and atmosphere of the concert.
“It was such a good time,” he said. “I love ‘90s music and I didn’t think they would be playing it all night. It really brought me back to the late ‘90s, early 2000s.”
Austalosh said that he has been trying to incorporate the YSU campus over the past year. Last semester, he began to work with Rookery Radio and brought in the rock band Saliva at Warehouse 50 this past fall.
“We are submitting contracts for four to five national acts,” he said. “We want to work with YSU more. Our goal is to make our concerts YSU friendly and even offer some kind of discount toward tickets for those with a student ID.”
Austalosh also said that YSU is an important part of the community and while he plans his next event, he hopes to ask around and see what kind of music YSU students like so he can try to bring in popular act.
Before Shock G took the BikeTown stage, partygoers danced to ‘90s hits and a few were invited on stage to dance with DJ Kidd. Drinks were also served throughout the night at the two full-service cash bars.
“We wanted to have it at Austintown BikeTown because of how they have a pop-up stage and can accommodate any act that comes,” Austalosh said. “It is a running series with that venue and we really like that they have to offer.”
Although Rookery Radio was not a partner with the party, Austalosh said he wants to put on at least one concert on YSU’s campus within the next year.
“Years ago they used to have concerts at Beeghly Center all the time,” he said. “That’s what I want. I want to bring that vibe back so students who live on campus don’t have to drive far away to see a concert.”
Wolfe also said that he hopes more concerts put on by Austalosh are in the near future for the area.
“I’m glad my friend told me about this because I honestly wish I heard about it myself,” Wolfe said. “If they brought more concerts like this around they can get the word out to students more.”
As for the future, Austalosh will hold a Ballyhoo Music Festival concert in August, as well as decade parties for the ‘70s and ‘80s.
“We want to do lots of throwback, fun stuff,” Austalosh said. “We have a lot of good stuff coming up, so be on the lookout.”
