The latest brainchild from Saxsquatch: a giant costumed freak-out in Chapel Hil

A few years back, a notoriously standoffish creature emerged from the Chapel Hill woods bearing a blue bandanna, wraparound shades and a saxophone strapped to his shaggy shoulders — a 7-foot ambassador for wild nonconformity and all-night fun.

Since then, the musical cryptid known as Saxsquatch has drawn millions of fans into his mythical fold: more than 2 million followers on TikTok, sold-out rave parties across the country and, in a few weeks, a spot onstage at Chicago’s Riot Fest — all accomplished from his weather-beaten van with his Tar Heel roots intact.

“I’m trying not to let it go to my big feet,” he joked on Friday.

But fame and travel have delivered some insight to this Bigfoot-adjacent star, and he brings a tough-love message back to his hometown:

You could stand to let loose a bit.

So with that in mind, he announces this upcoming free, all-ages, costumes-encouraged flash mob on Franklin Street, just below Top of the Hill: “Saxsquatch Presents Cryptids with a Cause.” Bring an alien mask, some fairy wings and some canned goods for charity.

“Isn’t that so exciting?” he asked. “I’m kind of hoping we can not take ourselves so seriously, be who we want to be and not judge each other at all. Increase the people-watching and fuel what has always been there. When I go through my life, I want to see things that inspire me, people who inspire me. I want to see people taking risks, taking chances. It’s a college town. We’re supposed to do that. I don’t think people should look the same.”

‘A revolution happening in Chapel Hill’

Those familiar with the legend of Saxsquatch know that he came from a musical cryptid family, the grandson of Gigfoot, brother of BigFlute. The saxophone solo from Foreigner’s “Urgent” sent the young beast on his fervid path.

Known for “Careless Whisper,” “Epic Sax” and the “Star Wars” cantina song, Saxsquatch has evolved from an eye-catcher who might pounce at unsuspecting pedestrians on the Franklin Street sidewalk to a rave party phenomenon, playing at The Fruit in Durham on Oct. 12.

His following grew widespread enough that Chapel Hill’s arts division asked for a sit-down at the library, where they hatched their mutual idea for a hootenanny that brought the town’s most curious elements into brilliant light.

“There’s a revolution happening in Chapel Hill, and this is an aspect of what it looks like,” Saxsquatch said. “My idea was to show people Chapel Hill believes in helping people, like we believe in Bigfoot, but also to show Chapel Hill isn’t afraid to go do stuff outside of the box. We’re gonna do Bigfoot calls, we’re gonna do some clapping, we’re going to do some choreographed stuff and after about 15 minutes we’re gonna dance down the street.”

He promises a giant speaker and an elaborate video with synchronized moves and call-and-response cheers, followed by a parade and a dance party at the 140 West Franklin Plaza.

“The more people coming dressed up as something cool the better,” he said, “with every Chapel Hillian getting to experience the culture that has been there all along. Fairies. Princesses. Aliens. Bigfoot. Bigfoot Hunters. Pregnant by Bigfoot ...”

In search of a more zoo-like Chapel Hill

What Saxsquatch wants, and I applaud, is an experience that leaves people feeling it’s safe to go to bed at night because they’ve lived their day as fully as possible.

Remember when U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms joked that North Carolina didn’t need a zoo in Asheboro? It could just throw a fence around Chapel Hill and charge admission?

Helms meant it as an insult, but the only disparaging part about that remark these days is very few people would consider the modern Franklin Street to have anything zoo-like about it. This is me talking, not Saxsquatch, but you lose some credibility as a funky college strip when you open a Target.

So let us follow the example of a fur-covered sax soloist and show the world Chapel Hill still keeps its freak light burning, its winged backside in motion and all four of its arms in the air.

Saxquatch Presents Cryptids for a Cause

Saxsquatch Presents Cryptids for a Cause will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 28 at Franklin and Columbia Streets in Chapel Hill. Bring canned and dry goods to benefit Porch.