The âBoogie Shakedown,â which started in 1998 as a backyard music festival to kick off the summer, has become an annual tradition celebrated by local musicians, their friends and families. When last yearâs âBoogieâ was canceled at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Theatre of Ithaca decided to organize a virtual alternative. Even though the event takes place in a different setting, the goal remains the same â to bring people together through music.  Â
This year, âBoogie for the State â A Virtual Shakedownâ will stream for free on Sunday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. Â
Doug Levine, executive director of the State Theatre of Ithaca, describes the âBoogieâ as a âparty that s put on by bands for bandsâ every Memorial Day. Aside from the transition online and colder weather, Levine expects the upcoming event will have the same look and feel as âBoogiesâ in the past.  Â