It’s time to load up the playlists. Des Moines’ own 80/35 music festival announced the first of its lineup Tuesday, April 5. The announcement was made by Amedeo Rossi, the festival organizer, on Iowa Public Radio. The two-day, three-stage celebration of the festival’s tagline, the “marvelous musical spectacle” will be held July 2-3 in the downtown Western Gateway Park.
The first act on the music plate on July 2 is the band Girl Talk, with the digital mash-up superstar Gregg Gillis. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros will deliver a new-age folksy punk to the main stage, as will five-man funk band, Galactic.
One of the three 80/35 stages will also play host to solo artists, such as songbirds Jessica Lea Mayfield. She was rated one of Spin Magazine’s “Next Big Things,” and will be a different style than indie-rocker band, Titus Andronicus.
July 3 will see the raw, soulful, bluesy vocal styling of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. The Des Moines music festival supports Iowa bands, like The Parlours, as well. The ’70s-esque band is spreading its indie folk rock tunes at music festivals like the local Gross Domestic Product show, and is ready to take on bigger, better venues.
80/35 will play host to some of the same bands seen at SXSW and the House of Blues, with eight-man group, The Giving Tree Band.
Sunday’s headliner is usually the biggest, most well-known act, and this year’s has yet to be announced.
The Greater Des Moines Music Coalition first organized the festival in 2008. The past festivals have hosted rock acts like Ben Harper and the Relentless7, The Roots, Modest Mouse and Broken Social Scene. The festival grew to an estimated attendance of 17,000 in 2010.
Rossi said the announcement of the first few bands went extremely well.
“I think we’re generating a lot of buzz,” Rossi said. “The lineup reaches to a lot of different corners of interest.”
This is one growing musical festival that should no be missed. It’s not too late to purchase tickets. Early bird ticket prices for the festival went on sale to the general public March 28. Tickets range from $33 for a two-day pass and $100 for a VIP pass. VIP passes include closer viewing areas near the main stage, a lounge, priority entrance and free tickets for food, beverage and merchandise.
Once the early bird tickets are sold-out, prices will raise to $45 and $124 respectively.
Get rhythmic with all the 80/35 acts at 80-35.com. Download free music, read reviews, watch the music videos and purchase tickets online.
Line-up
July 2
• Girl Talk
• Galactic
• Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
• Titus Andronicus
• Poison Control Center
• Thankful Dirt
July 3
• Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
• Parlours
• Bitch
• Bear Hands
• The Giving Tree Band
