Mall Mania brings four Wichita alt-rock bands to Towne West Square

The inaugural Mall Mania, beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday at Towne West Square, will be what co-producer Patrick Heath calls “at the intersection of art and music.”

Four Wichita alt-rock bands – The Cavves, Old News, TF Bundy and BottleCap DayDream – will perform in a free, all-ages concert at the mall. Heath said the preferred entrance is near the food court, and the concert will be near Dick’s Sporting Goods.

On the perimeter of the area, 20 different artists will set up booths to display and sell their works.

“People can shop as they listen to the music and in between the bands,” Heath said.

A DJ will play music in between acts and food trucks will be on the premises.

Heath and his business partner, Jae Lear, are artists who have started an OpenStudios space at Towne West.

They also have been running the merch table for The Cavves, and Heath said they enjoy the interaction with customers.

“We realized a lot of the same people who go to these DIY, grassroots music shows also enjoy artwork,” he said.

It’s the first time Heath, age 20, has produced a concert.

“It’s kind of my first event organizing, but I’ve been trying hard to make it official and a make a good time for everyone,” he said.

Heath praised the mall, and especially new manager Charley Cooper, for helping them move the idea along.

“She’s been so incredible at helping us do these crazy ideas and help us revamp the mall in a new way,” he said.

Heath said he hopes the response will be good enough to continue the concerts.

“We’re going to see how it goes and gauge if we want to do it seasonally,” he said.

This story was originally published May 26, 2022 at 4:17 AM.