Girl Tones guitarist and vocalist Kenzie Crowe delivers an energetic set for her hometown of Bowling Green, Kentucky, at the Mayhem music festival presented by Revolution 91.7 on Friday, April 10, 2026. Throughout the performance, Crowe kept the crowd engaged, encouraging local fans to participate and stay involved. (Kylee Holt)
Revolution 91.7, WKU’s student radio station, hosted its annual Mayhem Music Festival at the SOKY Pavilion Friday, returning rock to Bowling Green for the first time in three years.
Following Revolution 91.7’s revival last semester, its decision to restart Mayhem Music Festival is part of an ongoing effort to reestablish the station’s name and attract listeners old and new.
The band Doom Gong has released three rock opera–esque LPs, “Doom Gong,” “Dream Behemoth” and “Megagong” as well as one live album, “Live at the Whirling Tiger,” in just three years. The group performed for Bowling Green locals at the Mayhem event presented by Revolution 91.7 on Friday, April 10, 2026, outside the SoKY Center. (Kylee Holt)Samuel Kernohan, bass guitarist for Doom Gong, performed at the 2026 Mayhem event presented by Revolution 91.7 on Friday, April 10, 2026, outside the SoKY Center. The band was formed in 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky, by seven music students. (Kylee Holt)
The festival’s lineup included DJ Sophia Bryant, Nolia Noon, Tayls, Doom Gong and Girl Tones.
The festival’s after-party, hosted at Donna’s Bar, featured performances from DJ Sophia Bryant and Raydium.
Mary Shawhan, Revolution 91.7’s assistant public relations director, hopes that reviving Mayhem Music Festival will help spread word of the station’s return and bring in new fans.
Lead guitarist and vocalist John Anderson performs in Doom Gong’s self-described “denim psych” style during the Mayhem event presented by Revolution 91.7 on Friday, April 10, 2026, outside the SoKY Center. (Kylee Holt)Girl Tones drummer Laila Crowe delivers an energetic set for her hometown of Bowling Green, Kentucky, at the Mayhem music festival presented by Revolution 91.7 on Friday, April 10, 2026. Crowe is part of the band’s rapid rise in popularity, including opening for Cage the Elephant, performing at major festivals such as Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits, and an upcoming appearance at Bonnaroo. (Kylee Holt)
“It’s been really fun to bring the station back, and I love to get our name out there,” Shawhan said.
The festival was successful in drawing newcomers to the station, including Laressa Walker, a senior social work major and audience member at the festival.
Walker hadn’t listened to Revolution 91.7 before the festival but heard about it from a promotional video on TikTok.
“I’m more of a Bluetooth girly, but now that I’m aware that it’s a thing… I would definitely utilize the radio station to listen to some new stuff,” Walker said.
Walker chose to attend despite not knowing any of the performers. Others, such as Gracie Helm, a senior strategic marketing major, came in support of specific performers.
Girl Tones, a rising rock band known for its high-energy performances and growing festival presence, headlines the Mayhem music festival presented by Revolution 91.7 on Friday, April 10, 2026, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. (Kylee Holt)Girl Tones guitarist and vocalist Kenzie Crowe delivers an energetic set for her hometown of Bowling Green, Kentucky, at the Mayhem music festival presented by Revolution 91.7 on Friday, April 10, 2026. Throughout the performance, Crowe kept the crowd engaged, encouraging local fans to participate and stay involved. (Kylee Holt)
“I saw Tayls perform about two weeks ago at Donna’s,” Helm said. “They’re so rock-and-roll. I love them.”
Many fans of Revolution 91.7 attended, including Jess Bacon, another senior social work major.
Bacon never had the chance to see the performers live until the festival, and listens to Revolution 91.7 in her car every time she drives.
“It’s been on my calendar for months and I love live music,” Bacon said. “I’m really excited to be here.”
Bowling Green locals dance and jump during the Girl Tones set at the Mayhem music festival presented by Revolution 91.7, held on Friday, April 10, 2026, outside the SoKY Center. Fans were especially excited as performer Kenzie Crowe stepped into the crowd during the band’s final song, closing out the night’s performance. (Kylee Holt)
