Listen Up Iowa was a school project for University of Northern Iowa student, Olivia Novak, from September to November of 2017. We will feature some of her pieces from time to time.
This was originally published the Listen Up Iowa website on Sep 18, 2017.
When people think of music festivals, they probably think about notorious ones like Lollapalooza, Coachella, or Bonnaroo, but Iowa has plenty of music festivals worth checking out. To make it easier on you, I’ve gathered five Iowa music festivals that stand out.
80/35
I couldn’t make this list without including 80/35. For two days in early July, Western Gateway Park comes to life with progressive indie and jam music. The festival is organized by the Des Moines Music Coalition, a non-profit company dedicated to building up the music community in Des Moines.
Boasting both free and paid stages, anyone is welcome to come an enjoy. DMMC brings in well-known artists like NAS, Weezer, The Decemberists, and Wu-Tang Clan, but also features many local artists. They even dedicate time to high school performances, encouraging young musicians.
80/35 celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, hosting artists like The Shins and MGMT. And it doesn’t show any signs of stopping.
Saturday in the Park
Starting back in 1991, Saturday in the Park is a completely free music festival based in Sioux City.
Don’t have plans for the Fourth of July? No worries. Saturday in the Park always takes place on the Saturday closest to the holiday. Be sure to bring a chair and you’re set for the day!
One of the best parts of this festival is the broad music selection. Audiences have gotten to see Santana, BB King, Ziggy Marley, KONGOS, Sir Mix-a-Lot, and Aretha Franklin. The list goes on and on.
You can also wander down the Arts Alley to buy goodies from regional artists and vendors. To top it off, the Saturday night closes with a firework show.
Camp Euforia
While its a smaller festival on the list, Camp Euforia certainly doesn’t lack character. It originated in 2004, starting of as a Fan Appreciation Party hosted by the group Eufórquestra.
And get this, it all takes place on a farm in Lone Tree, IA. Farm owner Jeremy Hotz has completely embraced the festival. Since it began, he’s created a barn stage, an open-air bar, and sets up a main stage. Not too shabby.
Camp Euforia is worth visiting if you want to see Iowa-based groups, with some out of state bands sprinkled in.
515 Alive
With the goal of being a nationally-known EDM and hip-hop festival, 515 Alive brings a unique festival to Iowa. It houses many up and coming local artists, yet still showcases top musicians in the genres. The past couple years have seen artists like Gucci Mane, Excision, Waka Flocka Flame, and Griz.
Festival-goers can both enjoy the music and camp with their friends. Water Works Park in Des Moines is split into a venue area and a campground area. Keep in mind, the campground area is 21+ only.
Hinterland
A newer festival to the scene, Hinterland wrapped up its third year this August. The festival is put on by First Fleet Concerts. This concert promotion company operates throughout the Midwest, having its largest focus in Iowa.
Hinterland is best suited for fans of folk, indie rock, and blues. Within its short life, they’ve already brought in large acts like Gary Clark Jr., alt-J, Cold War Kids, and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.
The two day festival encourages overnight camping. And the best part of it all? They only have one stage. So you don’t have to sacrifice any show to make it to another.
Listen Up Iowa home page:
https://ids.uni.edu/listenupiowa/
Listen Up Iowa on IMSC;
IMSC posts on music festivals:
http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/search/label/music%20festivals
IMSC posts on live music:
http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/search/label/live%20music
PREVIOUSLY ON IOWA MUSIC SHOWCASE:
PLAYLISTS - Random Iowa Music YouTube Playlist 3
http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/2018/06/playlists-random-iowa-music-youtube.html
CULTURE MYTH - Day 7: Goodbye, Los Angeles
https://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/2018/06/culture-myth-day-7-goodbye-los-angeles.html
JAZZMAN JOE VIDEOS - The Molly Brandt Band at Noce Jazz Cabaret in Des Moines on May 24, 2018
http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/2018/06/jazzman-joe-videos-molly-brandt-band-at.html
GRIFFLETV - Poison Control Center Live at The Maintenance Shop in Ames on May 1, 2010
https://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/2018/06/griffletv-poison-control-center-live-at.html
IHEARIC PODCAST - Episode 25: History II (05/27/2018)
http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/2018/05/ihearic-podcast-episode-25-history-ii.html
THREE RANDOMLY PICKED PREVIOUS POSTS....
PLAYLISTS: Thanksgiving - Iowa Style
http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/2017/11/playlists-thanksgiving-iowa-style.html
OTHER SOURCES: A list of websites, podcasts, and playlists for Iowa Music
http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/2016/07/other-sources-list-of-websites-podcasts.html
YOUR OWN PRIVATE IOWA - Episode 11: Patrick Tape Fleming
http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/2017/12/your-own-private-iowa-episode-11_30.html
OTHER IMSC WEBSITES AND LINKS:
Feed:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/IowaMusicShowcase
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Iowa-Music-Showcase/364796883703114
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/iamusicshowcase
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/iowamusicshowcase
Labels: 515 Alive, 80/35, Camp Euforia, Euforquestra, festivals, folk music, Hinterland, indie music, Listen Up Iowa, music festivals, Olivia Novak, rock music, Saturday in the Park (music festival), websites
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