By Jessica Kerman
ANDERSON — Sitting in the Applebee’s on 53rd Street, it’s hard to recognize Brian Flynn as anyone but a normal Midwesterner. Wearing an army green cap with a black T-shirt and jeans, Flynn acts as though he has never been the star of a show in his life.
But Flynn, with his brother Brent, Tim Beeler and Tommy Bales, are part of one of the biggest up-and-coming Southern rock bands in the nation.
Followed by the most loyal “Trainiacs,” Flynnville Train will headline this year’s Goenpalooza on Saturday.
“I’ve toured with Toby Keith, I’ve played Verizon Wireless and all those Live Nation shows. I’m more excited about this show than I was about any of those,” Flynn said. “We’re playing at home for a great cause, and the people putting this on are remarkable.”
In its 11th year, Goenpalooza will be the biggest it’s ever been, said Aaron Goen, owner of the venue property and one of the event coordinators.
Starting at 3 p.m., other artists scheduled to perform include Josh Mahoney and the Second Chance Band, Country Kross Roads and Taint-D. The festival is held at 4424 W. 67th St.
This year, the name Goenpalooza was trademarked and the group of coordinators formed a nonprofit LLC.
For three years, the event raised proceeds for a family in need.
This year, Charity Schussler and her family will be the focus of the event. Schussler is 29 and she was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Her son, Jon, has a form of autism called Asperger’s Disorder.
However, the event is anything but just a fundraiser. Since the first year in 1997, when 40 people finished off the one keg of beer, Goenpalooza has been known for its party, got-to-have-fun atmosphere.
This year, if the 50 kegs of beer weren’t enough, participants can partake in breaking the world record for the world’s largest group shot, Alacia Goettman, longtime cohort in the celebration, said.
The record for most people taking a shot of alcohol at the same time is currently held in Germany, she said.
For Flynn, the event is more than just another show. He has also been part of the planning.
“Brian’s become a friend to us,” Goettman said.
Flynn, a Middletown native and resident, was able to acquire a personal guitar signed by Toby Keith to sell at auction. Also, the auction will feature a couple of signed guitars from Flynnville Train, and a guitar signed by several famous country artists including Sheryl Crow and Joe Nichols.
“It’s amazing,” Flynn said. “It’s covered in black (marker).”
No checks will be accepted, only cash or credit, Goettman said.
Goen said the group had been planning since January for the Saturday bash.
“This will be a whole big hoopla party for a great cause,” he said.
“Last year, we got so big, we weren’t prepared for it,” Goettman said. “This year, we went into it and Flynnville Train had contacted us. How do you stop from there?”
This year, the planners are ready. They’ve hired more security for the 10-acre lot. They have people checking IDs, and rules that keep fighting and glass out of the area.
“It will be an adult Disneyland,” Goettman said.
Goenpalooza
4424 W. 67th St., Anderson
Saturday, June 21
$10 donation at the door
For ages 21 and older
Kegs are tapped at 3 p.m.
PALOOZA PREP (things to know before you go):
-No children or pets allowed
-No glass allowed (cans and plastic bottles are fine)
-No fighting. Those who fight will be removed from the premises.
-Bring your ID, which will be checked at the gate.
-Bring your camping gear.
