The Night We Took Over Downtown Toledo - OCTIV.FEST '26 Recap
We're Still Thinking About OCTIV.FEST.
Well, the mild tinnitus I'm experiencing as a result is making it difficult to forget. Regardless, OCTIV.FEST was a huge success, and that's all thanks to YOU!
Toledo showed up and showed out Saturday, September 12 at the Bronze Boar, and we had such a blast gettin' down with you all. Friends, family, strangers, local musicians, lovers of music, and a boatload of Buckeye's fans, packed the house to celebrate the launch of octiv.live here in Toledo. With all the love we felt, we're ready to take on the whole dang world!
We want to thank everyone who showed up from the bottom of our hearts. Seeing so many people share in the joy of something we put so much time, thought, and love into, is beyond words. To anyone who didn't show up... figure it out.
I kid, I kid. For everyone who wasn't able to party with us, fret not! We want you to feel included too, so here's the OCTIV.FEST 2026 Recap you've been so desperately waiting for...
12PM - Loading In, Setting Up, and Sweating It Out.
We spent the morning hauling in amps, setting up backdrops, and wrestling with 15 foot tall feather flags.
Austin McMackin, audio engineering wizard, helping mic up Silicon Death Ray's double-drum kit setup.
4PM - Jack Surtman Plays, Stubborn Brother Arrives, and Beer Starts Flowing.
Around 4pm, Jack Surtman took the stage and played the first chords of the day. Right on cue, the food truck from Stubborn Brother Pizza pulled up, and tap handles were pulled down.
6PM - The Jam Opens Up.
The cards were shuffled as members from each of headlining bands, friends, and even strangers kicked off the open mic jam. Highlights included a rippin' Man in the Box, Mazzy Star's Fade Into You, and even a surprise 2-song set from octiv.live artists Cracked Glass!
Cracked Glass's un-hostile takeover of the open jam.
7PM - Headliners Take the Stage
The night of music hit the ground running with full sets from Wavelane, Silicon Death Ray, and Willow Run.
Wavelane kicking things off.
Silicon Death Ray up next.
Willow Run closing out the night.
11PM - The Bird is Freed.
It had to be done... The bird tolls for everyone. The octiv.crew consisting of Jack Surtman, me (Daniel Condrich), and Luke Condrich, obliged the bird-thirsty audience with an 10-minute freeing of the bird. Hey, in Nashville they demand $100 for that. We did it for free. You're welcome.
Being pressured into playing Free Bird is either akin to an Illuminati humiliation ritual, or one of the most cathartic experiences one can have. Thankfully, that night it was the latter. We may never know what causes every generation of audiences to develop such a severe blood lust for Free Bird (or as I like to call it, the "bird-flew epidemic"... sorry.), but what we do know is that this ancient tribal tradition is alive and well in Toledo.
Much Overdo Thank You's and What's Next
All of the octiv.dudes at OCTIV.FEST. Yes, this will be our Christmas card this year!
We're so grateful to every member of the OCTIV.FEST crew who made this event possible. Thank you to Austin McMackin for being our in-house audio wizard. Derek Klaas is the reason we have all these beautiful pictures to share with y'all - thank you, Derek! Thank you to Jeff from the Bronze Boar, who trusted in us and let 6 dudes run wild with his establishment. Thank you to Stubborn Brother Pizza for sending us the grub on wheels! Many thanks to Toledo Dispatch for helping us cover and promote the event. Thank you to all the bands and artist who showed up and took part - you all are the reason we do this!
Until Next OCTIV.FEST... Which May Be Sooner, Rather Than Later.
About octiv.live
octiv.live is the first of it's kind all-in-one booking tool for working artists, venues, and live music fans. octiv.live is essentially an electronic press kit (EPK), micro-website, organization tool, and booking platform all in one. Each artist & venue account features pictures, videos, links, travel radius, real-time availability, and even a direct booking link that allows individuals to book you directly on your account.
Book more shows, build more bills, find more artists, stay more organized, and make more music.
Not saying goodnight, just sayin'...
-Daniel Condrich, VP of Business Development