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High Dive 10th Anniversary. Photo by: Sarah Syman

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On Thursday, July 2, Highdive will celebrate its tenth anniversary with an evening of DJs, special guests and fond memories. Nearly ten years to the Highdive’s opening date (July 1, 1999), the Decade of Highdive takes a calm approach to the celebration.
“I didn’t want to make it too complicated. There’s probably one hundred bands that would have been very appropriate and fun, but I really just wanted some of the old-school peeps (who are still somewhat closely associated with the bar) to come DJ and provide a nice, laid-back party atmosphere,” explained Ward Gollings, Highdive’s resident booking agent.
The evening’s entertainment will be provided by Beats By Otter, Lyle The Electrician and DJ Kosmo, with hinted surprise guest musicians and bartenders. Though the main planned special guest, Kid Sister, can no longer attend, Gollings is on the hunt for those who are “willing to sling some drinks before they get their own drink on.”
After a decade of highlighting acts spanning every genre and corner of the country, Highdive is looking forward to a chill celebration. “The bar business is tough at time, but I think we’ve adapted well to changes over the last ten years…and will keep doing so for ten more,” Gollings said.
Wish Highdive a happy anniversary tonight at 10:00 p.m. with a cover-free evening of beats, drinks and celebrated good times.

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A Decade of the Highdive (1999-2009) »

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• Highdive »
  51 Main St. Champaign, IL 61820
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On Thursday, July 2, Highdive will celebrate its tenth anniversary with an evening of DJs, special guests and fond memories starting at 10pm. Nearly ten years to the Highdive’s opening date (July 1, 1999), the Decade of Highdive takes a calm approach to the celebration.

“I didn’t want to make it too complicated. There’s probably one hundred bands that would have been very appropriate and fun, but I really just wanted some of the old-school peeps (who are still somewhat closely associated with the bar) to come DJ and provide a nice, laid-back party atmosphere,” explained Ward Gollings, Highdive’s resident talent buyer.

The evening’s entertainment will be provided by Beats By Otter, Lyle The Electrician and DJ Kosmo, with hinted surprise guest musicians and bartenders. Though the main planned special guest, Kid Sister, can no longer attend, Gollings is on the hunt for those who are “willing to sling some drinks before they get their own drink on.”

After a decade of highlighting acts spanning every genre and corner of the country, Highdive is looking forward to a chill celebration. “The bar business is tough at times, but I think we’ve adapted well to changes over the last ten years ... and will keep doing so for ten more,” Gollings said.

In preparation for the upcoming (and free) Decade of the Highdive celebration on Thursday, buzz and Highdive booking agent Ward Gollings highlight acts from the past 10 years.

1999

July 1 Highdive officially opens for business on 51 E. Main St. in downtown Champaign.

September 1 Cibo Matto (featuring John Lennon’s son Sean) is the venue’s first sold-out show. “Sean [Lennon] was fairly impressed that we had his solo CD on our jukebox!” — Ward Gollings, booking agent for Highdive

December 11 Guided by Voices play one of the first of several three-hour marathon shows at Highdive.

Also The Annual Great Cover-Up Benefit finds its way to its current home during a two-night event.

2000

April 6 Yo La Tengo play Highdive.

April 13 Yonder Mountain String Band play Highdive.

June 29 Fewer than 75 people are in attendance when the White Stripes play the venue.

August 8 Queens of the Stone Age play Highdive.

September 14 Modest Mouse visit Highdive with 867-HERO and The Shins opening.

Also Highdive hosts the Black Eyed Peas on a one-off date from their amphitheater tour opening for No Doubt.

The Flaming Lips come to town. “I remember they rented a bunny costume from Dallas & Co., and there is still confetti in some nooks and crannys [of the venue]!” — Gollings

Highdive also hosts: Matthew Sweet,Andrew Bird’s Bowl of Fire

2001

October 2 One of Highdive’s PA speakers catches fire due to an “inept soundman” when Black Rebel Motorcycle Club play the venue.

Also Highdive hosts the first of many CU shows to come from of Montreal.

“The Man, The Myth, The Legend” Bonnie “Prince” Billy takes the stage.

2002

October 6 “Neko Case has said in print that Highdive is one of her favorite venues,” after this visit. — Gollings

Also Atmosphere visits Highdive during his first full-blown headlining tour.

2003

February 22 Sleater-Kinney play Highdive. “Advance ticket sales were eclipsing capacity.” — Gollings

October 12 The venue hosts Death Cab for Cutie.

2004

May 27 Locals Braid kick off their reunion tour at Highdive.

September 22 The Decemberists play Highdive.

November 21 On the brink of a soon-to-be arena tour, Arcade Fire play Highdive.

Also Highdive hosts: Grandmaster Flash, SuicideGirls

2005

October 15 Highdive holds the outdoor event Rockfest, featuring more than 2000 people and headliners Hum and Shooter Jennings.

November 9 Highdive hosts Alejandro Escovedo, “the godfather/grandfather of the so-called alt-country scene.” — Gollings

December 3 The Black Keys play Highdive.

2006

January 20 The Roots’ drummer, Questlove, DJs at Highdive.

February 25 “Matt Friedberger makes a triumphant return to CU, his old stomping grounds” with the Fiery Furnaces. — Gollings

September 30 Robbie Fulks records half of his live album Revenge at Highdive.

2007

March 27 The Reverend Horton Heat plays one of his eight Highdive shows over the past 10 years.

Also Highdive hosts shows from Southern Culture on the Skids and Paul Thorn.

2008

May 25 1993 Revisited reunion features local favorites Honcho Overload, Menthol and Moon Seven Times.

October 28 Amy Ray from Indigo Girls plays Highdive.

2009

May 2 Bottle Rockets record an upcoming live DVD at Highdive. “It’s their favorite club!” — Gollings

July 3 The Boat Drunks play the Third Annual Pre-4th of July outdoor block party.

AlsoThe Tossers visit Highdive.

Don’t miss the Decade of the Highdive celebration on Thursday, July 2. The free event features Beats by Otter, Lyle the Electrician, DJ Kosmo and surprise guests.