Last night under the stars in Waverly, Alabama, I did the Fall Boogie. Surrounded by sounds of Brooklyn’s Revel in Dime and Alabama’s own Lee Bains III and the Glory Fires, I stomped, danced, and fell in love with this funny little spot in my home state. When you first walk into Standard Deluxe, you’re thrown into a warm community of southern souls. A large, dull green vintage Ford truck was the first thing that caught my eye as we walked up to the entrance. It was as if someone had parked it and walked inside for the show; so casual and true to Waverly in its fashion. Yet, as my souvenir shirt reminds me, this truck is a symbol for the home of the Boogie.

Standard Deluxe isn’t grand in size, but what it lacks for in looks it makes up for in soul. Soul is what flowed through the dirt as I jumped up and down along with the crowd to the music. Soul is what gathered children, lovers, and friends alike for Waverly’s very own backyard party. Soul was in everything from the strings of multicolored lights over the gathering, the hotdog, barbeque, and taco food trucks, and the stage itself; which is decorated in a jam-sesh fashion with mix-matched lamps, rugs, and street signs. Standard Deluxe is a sight to take in and the Fall Boogie is a must-see event. New sounds from all over the map gather here and spread their passion with a crowd just as excited about music as the musicians are. What other concerts can the crowd step onto the stage and jam out with the guitarist? Where else can a diverse array of people gather and share common ground? The answer is this sleepy town called Waverly. It’s the Woodstock of our generation.

Chowing down on my Chris’ hot dog, I realized what made this event different from other music festivals. The Boogie is more than music; it’s community. Unlike Woodstock, the Boogie cleared out soon after the guitars stopped strumming. Everyone gathered at different homes around Standard Deluxe, building bonfires and listening the only music left; the cicadas and crackle of the fire. Laughter and conversation filled the still air, tying in with the laid back and enjoyable vibe of the Boogie. I stood by the fire and looked up at the stars, painted across the sky in a sort of connect the dots pattern. I listened as people walked through the streets, giggling to myself at how different the streets of Atlanta, where I live, are compared to the deserted ones in Waverly. I had fallen in love with the Fall Boogie, I realized, and am already counting down the days until the Spring Boogie. ‘Til then, Standard Deluxe.