For those strolling past the dimly lit bar windows of 1982 on a Monday night, be prepared to witness something other than locals watering down their worries. Instead, bystanders might find Gainesville's rock star wannabes imitating the greats on popular music video games such as Rock Band and Guitar Hero.
It's been under the radar for some time, but every Monday at 9 p.m., local nightclub 1982, located at 919 W. University Ave., holds its official Video Game Night.
The event, which is sponsored by Lipham Music and presented by 100.5 The Buzz, gives video games and music lovers a chance to play for free.
1982 has four flat screen TVs set up behind the bar, a TV by the door and another set up on stage. Gaming enthusiasts and anyone stopping in for a drink can play Rock Band and Guitar Hero, as well as Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis and Nintendo 64, which are available every night.
1982 has hosted the event for about a year but has received support from Lipham Music and The Buzz for the past month.
The venue does not own Guitar Hero or Rock Band, but borrows the video games from friends.
Jen Vito, a 1982 bartender, said the event was created as something to do on the off nights. The bar is primarily a music venue.
"We had an empty stage so we could just do it up," Vito said. "It's just evolved."
Dalia Robles, a game night regular and DJ for The Buzz, said the event attracts a diverse group of people whether they're locals or incoming freshmen.
"It's really fun for us nerds," Robles said. "You can just come enjoy the scene, have a few drinks and just have fun."
"It's good, drunk fun," said Spanish, a DJ for The Buzz.
Guitar Hero and Rock Band are set up on stage so players can face the pit, or audience. The systems are also plugged into the large speakers which generate sound throughout the venue.
"It's almost like a real rock show," said Robles, whose favorite song to sing is "Maps" by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Though there is no sign-up sheet, and Vito said the games are readily available.
"It's not so busy you feel intimidated or like you won't get to play," she said.
Rockers can also participate in the Guitar Hero Tournament Sept. 28. The winner will receive a Fender guitar and amp provided by Lipham Music.
"It's fun, and it's not pretentious, and it supports an all-ages music scene," Vito said.
