Headlines
- 80/35 T-Shirts Available Now
- Photos and Video from 80/35
- 30,000 People Attend 80/35
- Day One: Estimated Attendance 15,000
- Follow the Fest Online
- Be Green at 80/35
- 80/35 After Parties
- 80/35 Announces Outside the Music Activities
- Flooding Creates Need for Des Moines Area Food Pantries, Donate at 80/35
- 80/35 Play In Winner Is...
- Greater Des Moines Rallys Behind Making Inaugural 80/35 Successful
- 80/35 Play In Bands Selected
- Des Moines: Open for Business – Music Festival, 80/35 Will Be Staged As Planned
- Listen to the 80/35 hour on 106.3
- Vote for the 80/35 Play In Until Saturday
- Limited Time No Ticket Fees Offer
- Put Your Band on the Big Bill
- Schedule and Festival Grounds Map Released
- 80/35 Street Team
- 80/35 in Pitchfork
- 80/35 Lineup Updates, Popular Local and Regional Acts Added
- Jakob Dylan, Andrew Bird, Black Francis, and More Added To 80/35 Lineup
- U.S. Cellular Announced as Presenting Sponsor for 80/35
- Discount tickets available until midnight
- 80/35 Deemed Lollapalooza's Midwestern Baby Sister Festival
- The Flaming Lips, The Roots, and Others to Perform at 80/35
- Des Moines Launches 80/35 Summer Music Festival
80/35 T-shirts Available Now
August 28 - Official 80/35 merch was in high demand. So much so that we ran out! We printed 100 80/35 t-shirts. You can buy them now at Smash (400 East Locust) or online here.Photos and Video from 80/35
July 9 - Find pictures and videos from 80/35.Official 80/35 Photos - http://flickr.com/photos/8035
Rock Iowa's 80/35 Videos and Interviews - http://www.rockiowa.com/blog/8035-videos/
Juice 80/35 Photos, Blogs, Videos and More - http://www.dmjuice.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080704/JUICE05/80703029
YouTube 80/35 Videos - http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=80%2F35&search_type=&aq=f
30,000 People Attend 80/35
July 7 - More than 30,000 people, of which 13,500 were paid attendees crowded Western Gateway Park for the inaugural 80/35 presented by U.S. Cellular. Overflowing audiences were entertained by critically acclaimed acts from across the country including The Flaming Lips, The Roots, Jakob Dylan, Drive-By Truckers, Yonder Mountain String Band, Andrew Bird, and many more. The festival also put a spotlight on the amazing local music scene with more than twenty talented bands from across Iowa."The outstanding vibe and response from festival goers gives us enormous momentum moving forward," says Amedeo Rossi, Greater Des Moines Music Coalition (DMMC) project manager. "There were no major incidents, bands started on-time, and the overall reaction to the festival was phenomenal. The DMMC board of directors is currently reviewing the results of the festival to determine the plan for next year."
The DMMC said comments from the bands were overwhelmingly positive with compliments on the organization of the festival, hospitality of Des Moines, and amazing crowds.
Estimated attendance for each night was 15,000 with about equal amounts in the paid and free areas. Details on ticket sales will be announced this week.
The DMMC would like to recognize and thank the army of volunteers including the Downtown Church for assistance with the recycling efforts and the Young Professionals Connection for coordinating more than twenty community and non-profit organizations.
A special thanks to the many community supporters including U.S. Cellular, Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, Meredith Corporation, Mediacom, City of Des Moines, Bravo Greater Des Moines, Olde Main Brewing Company, Hubbell Homes, American Trust, Capital 106.3, 105.1 Channel Q, Juice, KDSM Fox 17, IowaTix, Principal Financial Group, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Young Professionals Connection, Iowa Department of Economic Development, RDG Planning and Design, Iowa Farm Bureau, Lava Row, and 20/30 Society.
Day One: Estimated Attendance 15,000
July 5 - Estimated attendance to day one of the inaugural 80/35 presented by U.S. Cellular was more than 15,000. Day two of the music continues with more than 30 acts on four stages, with two in the gated, paid area and two free stages. Today the festival features the Kid Zone with inflatables, an instrument zoo, and musical performances. Plus, a Do-It-Yourself Craft Fair from Noon - 5:00 PM for attendees to browse purses, jewelry, and many handmade goods. The night will end with The Principal Financial Group Fireworks at 11:00 PM.The Roots, Jakob Dylan, Black Francis, Yonder Mountain String Band and more will rock the main stage. Iowa homegrown favorites Dirty Little Rabbits, Public Property, Radio Moscow, The Envy Corps, and The Poison Control Center will also be on Saturday's lineup.
Tickets for the paid portion are available at the gate for $35. For more information visit http://www.80-35.com.
Follow the Fest Online
July 4 - 80/35 is going to dish out your media overload. We'll be photoblogging during the festival. Follow our photo stream on Flickr at flickr.com/photos/8035. Use Twitter? Follow our tweets at twitter.com/dmmc, and make sure to use the #8035 hash when talking about it so everyone can follow the 80/35 timeline at twemes.com/8035. Want video from the fest? No problem. Friend us up at myspace.com/8035 where we'll embed and link up video interviews from the artists and maybe even some performances from local bands! It's a social media frenzy at 80/35 and we hope you can take part. Tweet it, blog it, Flickr it, comment it, ping it, and download it. We've got you covered. You knew you bought that iPhone for a reason...Be Green at 80/35
July 3 - 80/35 organizers are striving to keep the grounds as litter-free as possible and to encourage recycling.80/35 has partnered with the Metro Waste Authority to provide special recycling bins that will accept both discarded plastic beer cups and water bottles used by our vendors. The cups and bottles can be thrown in the same bin and will be properly sorted later by a recycling company.
Organizers are encouraging people to carpool to the event or ride their bike downtown. The festival will provide free bike parking at the event. Carpooling is also encouraged to save gas and to avoid traffic congestion near the venue.
Stop by the non-profit area to visit booths from local environmental organizations that will be distributing information.
80/35 After Parties
After 80/35 the fun won't stop. After parties are scheduled all over downtown. Stay downtown for a ton of specials:- The Lift, 222 Fourth St. - $1 off drinks with proof of 80/35 ticket
- Dos Rios, 316 Court Ave. - $2 off margaritas with proof of an 80/35 ticket
- Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth St. - Music by Twerkin Overtime, So Gold and Storkus 2000 10 p.m. Friday
- Liar's Club, 3rd and Court Ave - DJ G-Frunk, No cover Friday & Saturday
- Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewery - Pizza and appetizers until midnight. $4.50 martinis Saturday
- Additional specials at People's, Taft's, A.K. O'Connors, Legends, High Life Lounge, el Bait Shop, Royal Mile, Red Monk and Hessen Haus.
Check out more stuff to do after 80/35.
80/35 Announces Outside the Music Activities
June 27 - 80/35 presented by U.S. Cellular on July 4 and 5 in Western Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines will feature more than 40 cutting-edge, progressive acts performing on four stages – two main stages in a gated paid-area and two free side stages. Outside of the great music, there will be interactive art, kids activities, non-profit booths, street performers, and much more.
Vendors
Food: American, Mexican, Asian, Pizza, Burgers, Mediterranean, BBQ, Gyros
Beer: Olde Main Brewing Co. (based in Ames, Iowa) will be the sole beer vendor. Beer will be $4 or 3 for $10. Microbrews at the festival include Long Face Amber Ale, Off Kilter Scottish Ale, Clone Pale Ale, Dinkey Wheat, and Gryphonbrau It
Merch: Official 80/35 and band merch will be sold at the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition tent
Do-It-Yourself Craft Fair: On Saturday afternoon browse for purses, jewelry, and many handmade goods
Activities
Fireworks: Principal Financial Group Fireworks on Saturday, July 5 at 11pm
Interactive Sidewalk Painting: Attendees will help create sidewalk art
U.S. Cellular Mobile Tour: Competitive gaming challenges (Music: Name that Tone, Smartphone: Speed Text, Bluetooth Booth) and enter to win a destination prize. U.S. Cellular will also have "Chatter Box" calling booths for a quiet space to make phone calls
Homer's Meet 'N Greet: Meet and mingle with 80/35 bands
Des Moines Partnership YPC Do More Village: Featuring more than 15 booths, as well as activities and performances
Sideshow Entertainment: Entertainers will include belly dancers, rap artists, drummers, hula hoopers, and live art
Kids Zone: On Saturday the Kid Zone will feature inflatables, an instrument zoo, and musical performances
Tickets to the paid portion of the festival are available at IowaTix.com at $50 for two-day passes and single day passes are $30. Day of tickets will sell for $60 for two-day or $35 for single day.
Flooding Creates Need for Des Moines Area Food Pantries, Donate at 80/35
June 27 - “With recent flooding, the need for food pantries is greater than ever,” says Sarai Schnucker Rice, Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) executive director. The emergency food pantry organized by DMARC is partnering with the 80/35 music festival on July 4 and 5 at Western Gateway Park to be a hub for accepting food and cash donations. In exchange for three food items, attendees will receive a soda or water ticket.
The DMARC emergency food pantry gives out around 80,000 items of food every month to emergency food pantries throughout the Des Moines metro area. “We are grateful to the 80/35 music festival for their willingness to partner with DMARC to fill a very pressing need,” says Schnucker Rice. “Summer is traditionally a slow time for contributions and with the flood damage many people across Iowa have experienced the need is even greater. With the help of 80/35, it will be possible for the people of Des Moines to help their brothers and sisters in need while at the same time enjoying a weekend of fantastic music.”
Food and cash donations will be accepted in front of the West Ticketed Entrance on 15th Street throughout the festival weekend. Items most in need include: canned fruit, canned meals, canned soups, canned vegetables/beans, cereal (both hot and cold), fruit and vegetable juices, instant potatoes, macaroni and cheese dinners, macaroni/spaghetti, peanut butter, rice (one lb. bags), saltines, spaghetti sauce (canned), and canned tuna. Unfortunately, glass containers cannot be accepted.
“80/35 is proud to partner with DMARC to help people in this time of need,” says Loyd Ogle, Greater Des Moines Music Coalition board president. “We strongly encourage festival attendees and people throughout the Metro to bring food and cash donations to the festival grounds.”
80/35 Play In Winner Is...
Over 300 votes were tallied at last night's 80/35 Play In at People's Court where seven bands competed for the final slot at the festival. The top three were within 15 votes. And the winner is...
The Ben Lehl Band with KounterTop and Fatty Geezer coming in a close second and third. The Ben Lehl Band from Des Moines will play on 12:00 PM on the East Free Stage.
Thank you to all the bands and fans! It was a great night of music.
Greater Des Moines Rallys Behind Making Inaugural 80/35 Successful
June 24 - Des Moines is getting serious about music. Companies from across the metro see the impact of a progressive summer music festival and with their support, the inaugural 80/35 will launch on July 4 and 5 in Western Gateway Park. Festival organizers, non-profit the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition, expect to draw thousands of music fans from across the Midwest.
80/35 puts a spotlight on Des Moines’ growing music scene,” says board president, Loyd Ogle. “This festival showcases the support and desire for up-and-coming, progressive bands to make a stop in our City. We believe there is a need for this type of music festival and are happy many other businesses in Des Moines feel the same way.”
The Greater Des Moines Music Coalition would like to thank the following organizations for their support and contributions to 80/35.
U.S. Cellular
Greater Des Moines Community Foundation
Meredith Corporation
Mediacom
City of Des Moines
Bravo Greater Des Moines
Olde Main Brewing Company
Hubbell Homes
American Trust
Capital 106.3
105.1 Channel Q
Juice
KDSM Fox 17
IowaTix
Principal Financial Group
Greater Des Moines Partnership
Young Professionals Connection
Iowa Department of Economic Development
RDG Planning and Design
Iowa Farm Bureau
Lava Row
20/30 Society
80/35 Play In Bands Selected
June 22 - The fans have spoken! The winners of the first round of voting for the 80/35 Play In are The Ben Lehl Band, Fatty Geezer, She Swings She Sways, Faded Pearl, $trick9 & the Truth, SNAFU, and KounterTop. The bands will move on to play at People's Court on Wednesday, June 25 where balloted voting will take place to decide the band that will fill the last remaining spot at 80/35.
Each attendee will get one ballot. Attendees that have already purchased tickets to 80/35 from IowaTix will get an additional ballot. Tickets will be available for purchase without ticket fees at the event to receive an additional ballot.
Thanks to all the bands that participated and fans that voted.
80/35 Play In
People's Court (3rd and Court, downtown Des Moines)
Wednesday, June 25
Doors 6:30 PM, Show 7:00 PM
21 and over
$5 Cover
7:45 KounterTop
8:30 Faded Pearl
9:15 She Swings, She Sways
10:00 Fatty Geezer
10:45 The Ben Lehl Band
11:30 SNAFU
Des Moines: Open for Business – Music Festival, 80/35 Will Be Staged As Planned
June 19 - The high waters that threatened Des Moines last week have receded. The Greater Des Moines Music Coalition (DMMC) has received several inquiries from media and festival goers from out of state regarding the flood situation and are pleased to report that the 80/35 event will go on as scheduled on July 4 and 5.
Western Gateway Park, the location for the 80/35 music festival was not affected by floodwaters. The location, dates, and times for 80/35 have not changed.
Last weekend City of Des Moines, Polk County, State of Iowa, and countless volunteers mobilized to shore up the levee system that had been enhanced after the flood of 1993. In Des Moines the floodwaters peaked on Friday, June 13th and have been receding since. The DMMC would like to recognize the extraordinary effort that was made to minimize the impact of these high waters. The result is Des Moines is open for business!
The DMMC would like to recognize the difficult times of the people in the Birdland/North High School area and other areas of the state such as Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, which were flooded. Our hearts go out to all those who are experiencing difficult times as a result of these recent events. We are currently looking for opportunities to support people impacted by the floods at the festival. If you are interested in helping with flood efforts, please visit http://flood2008.iowa.gov for volunteer and donation opportunities.
For information about 80/35 please go to www.80-35.com. Tickets may be purchased at www.iowatix.com for $50 two-day/$30 one-day. There is currently a promotion of no ticketing fees, which runs through June 25th.
Listen to the 80/35 hour on 106.3
June 18 - Friday and Saturday nights at 10pm on 106.3 FM enjoy a full hour of 80/35 bands. Get ready for the festival by listening to music and interviews from national bands on Friday and locals on Saturdays.
Vote for the 80/35 Play In Until Saturday
June 15 - There’s just one spot remaining for the 80/35 summer music festival, July 4 & 5 in Western Gateway Park. The Des Moines Music Coalition is turning to Des Moines music fans to select the lucky last band in.
Round one is an online vote. You can vote for your favorite band to get into the Play In at Peoples Court Avenue on June 25th. Only the top vote getters will get to rock it out and try to play in. VOTE NOW by CLICKING HERE. One vote per person please!!
This first round takes place June 15–June 21 at 80-35.com. The top five vote getters from the online poll will play a set at People’s Court Avenue on June 25. Balloted audience voting will decide the winner. The winning band is scheduled to take the stage at noon on Saturday, July 5th.
Limited Time No Ticket Fees Offer
June 12 - Who doesn't hate ticket fees? We sure do! So, starting today you can get your passes to 80/35 with NO TICKET FEES. This special offer is only good until June 25. Get tickets at IowaTix.com. $50 two-day/$30 one-day.
Schedule and Festival Grounds Map Released
June 3 - Start planning your 80/35 weekend hour-by-hour! The schedule and festival grounds map for 80/35 presented by U.S. Cellular has been announced, plus 11 more acts added to the lineup. Acts added to the lineup: Diplomats of Solid Sound (Iowa City), Rock Plaza Central (Toronto), Neva Dinova (Omaha), Pieta Brown (Iowa), GaiDen Gadema (Des Moines), MooseKnuckle (Des Moines), David Zollo and The Body Electric (Iowa City). DJs added include Al Brown, Flatform, DJ Flash, and TouchNice.
Friday, July 4
Main Stage
- 5:00 p.m. - Des Moines Boyz
- 5:45 p.m. - Ingrid Michaelson
- 7:00 p.m. - Andrew Bird
- 9:00 p.m. - The Flaming Lips
DJ Stage
- 5:30 p.m. - Al Brown
- 6:30 p.m. - Al Brown
- 8:15 p.m. - Flatform
East Stage
- 5:00 p.m. - Headlights
- 6:00 p.m. - Euforquestra
- 7:15 p.m. - Diplomats of Solid Sound
- 8:15 p.m. - Mr. Baber's Neighbors
West Stage
- 5:00 p.m. - The Dig Angees
- 5:45 p.m. - Colourmusic
- 6:45 p.m. - Rock Plaza Central
- 8:00 p.m. - Cracker
Saturday, July 5
Main Stage
- 12:00 p.m. - Public Property
- 1:15 p.m. - Dirty Little Rabbits
- 2:30 p.m. - Drive-By Truckers
- 4:00 p.m. - Jakob Dylan
- 5:30 p.m. - Black Francis
- 7:00 p.m. - Yonder Mountain String Band
- 9:00 p.m. - The Roots
DJ Stage
- 12:45 p.m. - DJ Flash
- 2:00 p.m. - Jade Reed
- 3:30 p.m. - TouchNice
- 5:00 p.m. - Tim Grimes
- 6:30 p.m. - Brad Goldman
- 8:15 p.m. - DJ Diverse
East Stage
- 12:00 p.m. - TBA
- 1:00 p.m. - David Zollo and The Body Electric
- 2:00 p.m. - North of Grand
- 3:00 p.m. - Neva Dinova
- 4:00 p.m. - The Autumn Project
- 5:00 p.m. - Brother Trucker
- 6:00 p.m. - Family Groove Company
- 7:15 p.m. - The Poison Control Center
- 8:15 p.m. - Pieta Brown
West Stage
- 12:00 p.m. - The Vandon Arms
- 12:45 p.m. - GaiDen Gadema
- 1:30 p.m. - Deanna Devore
- 2:30 p.m. - KaiserCartel
- 3:30 p.m. - MooseKnuckle
- 4:45 p.m. - Ezra Furman & The Harpoons
- 5:45 p.m. - Maxilla Blue
- 6:45 p.m. - Radio Moscow
- 8:00 p.m. - The Envy Corps
Put Your Band on the Big Bill
June 9 - Earn your spot on the 80/35 bill with The Flaming Lips, The Roots, Black Francis, Andrew Bird, and more. Be the last band standing and you could play Des Moines' inaugural 80/35 music festival. There's just one spot remaining for the 80/35 summer music festival, July 4 & 5� in Western Gateway Park. The Des Moines Music Coalition is turning to Des Moines music fans to select the lucky last band in. Activate your street teams and call your adoring fans to get out the vote!
The first round takes place June 15-June 21 at 80-35.com. Fans will vote for who they'd like to see at the festival. The top five vote getters from the online poll will play a set at People's Court Avenue on June 25. Balloted audience voting will decide the winner. The winning band is scheduled to take the stage at noon on Saturday, July 5th.
To nominate your favorite band for the online poll, email 8035playin@desmoinesmc.com by June 13.
80/35 Street Team
May 23 - The 80/35 street team is open for business! To be apart of the street team and help promote 80/35, please contact tim@desmoinesmc.com.
80/35 in Pitchfork
May 22 - Check out the article on 80/35 in Pitchfork. It's not everyday a Des Moines festival gets mentioned on a Web site like Pitchfork!
80/35 Lineup Updates, Popular Local and Regional Acts Added
May 19 - Popular local and up-and-coming regional acts join the bill for 80/35 presented by U.S. Cellular. Local acts The Envy Corps, Dirty Little Rabbits, Maxilla Blue, Jade Reed, and The Dig Angees will play the inaugural festival set for July 4th and 5th at Western Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Family Groove Company, KaiserCartel, Deanna Devore, Tim Grimes, and Ezra Furman have also joined the lineup.
Due to scheduling conflicts Girl Talk will not be performing. A representative for Girl Talk said there are plans to bring him to Des Moines later this year.
The full 40-band lineup and schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.
Tickets are on sale at IowaTix.com at $50 for two-day passes and single day passes are $30. Day of tickets will sell for $60 for two-day or $35 for single day.
Jakob Dylan, Andrew Bird, Black Francis, and More Added To 80/35 Lineup
May 13 - 80/35 presented by U.S. Cellular announces more acts for the music festival on July 4th and 5th in Western Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines. Jakob Dylan, Andrew Bird, Black Francis, Ingrid Michaelson, and Cracker join previously announced headliners The Flaming Lips and The Roots for the inaugural 80/35.
Headlights, Colourmusic, Euforquestra, The Autumn Project, North of Grand, DJ Diverse, and Brad Goldman have also been added to the more than 40 acts planned to play the festival. Twenty additional bands and the schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.
The 80/35 festival organizers, the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition (DMMC), also announce a stage sponsorship with Meredith Corporation. Meredith is one of the nation's leading media and marketing companies with businesses centering on magazine publishing, television broadcasting, integrated marketing and interactive media.
U.S. Cellular Announced as Presenting Sponsor for 80/35
May 8 - The Greater Des Moines Music Coalition (DMMC) and U.S. Cellular have announced a sponsorship for the 2008 80/35. The inaugural music festival will be held on July 4th and 5th in Western Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines.
Five top national touring acts have been named to the lineup including Friday night headliner, The Flaming Lips and Saturday night headliner, The Roots, as well as Yonder Mountain String Band, Girl Talk and Drive-By Truckers. An additional announcement of artists will be made on Tuesday, May 13.
U.S. Cellular has a rich tradition of supporting live music and entertainment events, including the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, the City of Omaha Mayor's Concert, the Emerging Artists Stage at Summerfest and River Roots Live.
"I first heard about 80/35 while listening to 105.1 Channel Q after the announcement about the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation's sponsorship and the scope of the festival. I contacted 80/35 organizers right away and our dialogue on the vision of this event began almost immediately," said Chad Settle, Iowa and Nebraska sponsorship and events manager for U.S. Cellular. "U.S. Cellular believes in supporting community initiatives such as 80/35."
The Greater Des Moines Music Coalition is very excited to have U.S. Cellular involved in 80/35. They have a long standing tradition of sponsoring some of the Midwest's top venues and music events," says Amedeo Rossi, project manager for the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition (DMMC).
Discount tickets available until midnight
April 30 - Get 80/35 discount tickets until midnight tonight at IowaTix.com. The price goes up at 12:01. The early bird rate is $40 per 2-day pass, $30 per 1-day pass.
80/35 Deemed Lollapalooza's Midwestern Baby Sister Festival
April 23 - Paste Magazine is excited for 80/35, and so are we.
The Flaming Lips, The Roots, and Others to Perform at 80/35
April 15 - National headliners will converge with top local and regional acts at 80/35 on July 4th and 5th in downtown Des Moines' Western Gateway Park. 80/35, the inaugural summer music festival, organized by the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition (DMMC), announced 10 of more than 40 acts scheduled to appear the 4th of July weekend.
Acclaimed national acts The Flaming Lips, The Roots, Yonder Mountain String Band, Girl Talk, and Drive-By Truckers will celebrate their Independence Day weekend at the epicenter of Interstates 80 and 35, that is 80/35 in downtown Des Moines. Up-and-comers Radio Moscow, Public Property, Poison Control Center, Mr. Baber's Neighbors: Solar String Band, and The Vandon Arms are among the Iowa-homegrown bands announced. Additional bands will be released in the coming weeks.
80/35 will feature more than 40 cutting-edge, progressive acts performing on four stages - two main stages in a gated paid-area and two free side stages. Both areas will house interactive art, activities, vendors, resting places, food and beverage sales, and plenty more. A fireworks display is planned for both nights. Organizers are expecting 15,000 people to flood the streets of downtown Des Moines for the two-day summer music festival.
The annual festival is poised to become one of the top urban music festivals in the Midwest. Interstates 80 and 35 connect several Mid-western cities. A number of bands and fans travel the festival circuit, touring over the summer between major music festivals in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis. Many pass through Des Moines - 80/35 will catch them at the crossroads, providing the opportunity for a successful annual festival that is expected to grow each year. 80/35 is a chance to put Des Moines on the national music map.
A limited number of pre-sale tickets go on sale Friday, April 18 for the discounted price of $40 for a two-day pass at IowaTix.com. General ticket sales begin May 1st with two-day passes at $50 and single day passes at $30. Day of show pricing is $35 for single day or $60 for a two-day pass.
Des Moines Launches 80/35 Summer Music Festival
December 13 - The vitalization of the Des Moines music scene continues to grow with the announcement of 80/35, an annual two-day summer music festival launching on July 4 and 5, 2008.
On Wednesday, Dec. 12 the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation board approved funding for 80/35 with an initial $50,000 grant and an additional $50,000 matching grant.
"The DMMC is ecstatic that the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation has come on board as the 80/35 founding sponsor," says Loyd Ogle, DMMC board president. "The support from the Foundation and the City of Des Moines will ensure the success of 80/35 and boost Des Moines' reputation as a destination for progressive live music lovers."
Johnny Danos, president of the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation says, "We are pleased to support 80/35. An annual music festival of this magnitude will be a signature event that will raise the cultural profile of Des Moines."
Amedeo Rossi, DMMC project manager notes, "80/35 is a festival that goes beyond the boundaries of corporate radio and MTV. It's an event for true fans of live music, regardless of genre. We're investigating several national, regional and local acts to fill multiple stages."
Des Moines houses the Midwestern connection hub of interstates 80 and 35, bringing a number of bands and fans traveling the "summer festival circuit" through the city. Major, cutting-edge acts that drive through Des Moines for festivals in Chicago, Milwaukee or Kansas City will now have a stop at 80/35.
"The location of Des Moines combined with its recent downtown renaissance and creative economy makes it the perfect place for the next major urban-based music festival," says Mary Bontrager, executive director of community development for the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
The City of Des Moines is making strides to support the music scene. In 2005, the DMMC proposed the City Council establish a music commission to bridge the gap between the neighborhoods, government and music industry to help alleviate some of the conflicts of hosting live music events in Des Moines - the commission was unanimously approved. Now, with the City's support of 80/35 the DMMC hopes the Des Moines music industry will continue to flourish.
"The City of Des Moines looks to grow 80/35 into an event that draws young music fans from across the Midwest to discover a remarkable city where their desired lifestyle is within their reach," says Michael Kiernan, Des Moines City Council.
The DMMC anticipates raising a minimum of $250,000 through private foundation, government and sponsorship funding sources to seed the first festival.