Music festival

A music festival is a festival oriented towards music that is sometimes presented with a theme such as musical genre, nationality or locality of musicians, or holiday. They are commonly held outdoors, and are often inclusive of other attractions such as food and merchandise vending, performance art, and social activities. Many festivals are annual, or repeat at some other interval. Some, including many rock festivals, are held only once. Some festivals are organized as for-profit concerts and others are benefits for a specific cause. Another type of music festival is the educative type, organized annually in local communities, regionally or nationally, for the benefit of amateur musicians of all ages and grades of achievement.

History

The Pythian Games at Delphi included musical performances, and may be one of the earliest festivals known. During the Middle Ages festivals were often held as competitions.

Another type of music festival is the educative type, organized annually in local communities, regionally or nationally, for the benefit of amateur musicians of all ages and grades of achievement. While entrants perform prepared pieces in the presence of an audience which includes competitors, the essential feature of this type of festival is that each participant receives verbal and written feedback, there and then, from a highly qualified, professional adjudicator—someone whom they might never meet in any other way. They also usually receive a certificate, classified according to merit, and some may win trophies. The competitive element is often played down, however, as the important aspect is that participants can learn from one another. Such festivals aim to provide a friendly and supportive platform for musicians to share in the excitement of making music. For many they provide a bridge between lessons & examinations and performing confidently in public.

80/35 Music Festival

80/35 Music Festival is a multi-day music festival in Des Moines, Iowa. The name comes from two prominent interstates, I-80 and I-35, which intersect in Des Moines. The festival includes a stage for national touring bands and several smaller stages featuring regional and local supporting acts. In addition to music there are booths for local organizations, interactive art, food and beverage sales, and resting places.

The festival brings an estimated attendance of over 30,000 people annually since 2008. More than 45 acts are featured each year. Past headliners have included The Flaming Lips, The Roots, Public Enemy, Modest Mouse, The Avett Brothers, David Byrne & St. Vincent, Wu-Tang Clan, and Weezer.

The festival is nearly 100% volunteer run and is organized by the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition, a 501(c)(3) non-profit committed to building a stronger and more diverse live music economy in greater Des Moines.

Lineups

2016

Hy-Vee Main Stage

Kum & Go Stage

Nationwide Stage