AP Photo
July is typically known for Independence Day, a day of fireworks, barbecues and family. Here in Des Moines, that’s not July’s only big day.
On July 6 and 7, Des Moines will host its fifth 80/35 Music Festival. It’s a weekend of music set this year to a birthday theme. According to ticket vendor MidwesTIX, the event is supposed to be “a confetti-filled dream.” With over 40 artists, a kid’s zone, fireworks, street performances and interactive art, this event is sure to be filled with surprises.
“The festival’s main focus is giving people the opportunity to hear the great sounds that these artists are making,” said junior Rebecca Mataloni, campus representative for 80/35.
In the past, the festival has been a great success put on by the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition. Named for the two intersecting interstate highways I-80 and I-35 and sponsored by U.S. Cellular, the event is held in Des Moines’ Western Gateway Park. Since 2008, this concert has drawn over 30,000 people each year. Bands of every genre perform. There are two stages reserved for local bands along with a larger grand stage for bigger names. In the past, bands such as Ben Harper, Girl Talk, The Flaming Lips and The Roots have all played.
This year, 80/35 has an even bigger line-up that includes the popular indie pop rock group, Death Cab for Cutie. There’s also folk rock band Avett Brothers, alternative rock group Dinosaur Jr., punk rock band F***d Up, jam band Leftover Salmon and hip-hop artist Freddie Gibbs. These are only a few of the artists coming to 80/35. More performing artists will be announced in the future.
However, since there are so many attractions at 80/35, it is incredibly popular. The early bird tickets have sold out. Currently on MidwesTIX, there are advance tickets on sale. The all-inclusive VIP passes went from $115 to $139. With this extra price, VIPs will get a special viewing area of the main stage, access to an onsite lounge, three free drink tickets and first-class restrooms.
Early bird two-day passes sold for $35 while the advance two-day passes went for $45. However, these tickets are still cheaper than the two-day passes that will be $65. To attend the concert for one day, it will cost $39, and on the day of the concert, tickets will be sold for $45. If you have a brother or sister who’s under the age of 11, though, you don’t need to worry. Accompanied with an adult, they get in free. However, there’s a maximum of two kids per person.
Still a little too high for your budget? Then you can volunteer. Right now, 80/35 is accepting applications for its street team. Members will be in charge of advertising the concert. They pick an area and a task, from Ankeny to Urbandale. Each task also comes with its own reward. For hanging 30 posters around your zone, volunteers get a free one-day pass. Hanging 10 posters gets you a T-shirt.
You can also hand out handbills. Seven days equal another one-day pass, and three days will earn a T-shirt.
“It’s the perfect opportunity to help the great festival, while also hearing awesome bands,” Mataloni said.
Also, 80/35 isn’t only in Des Moines. There are 80/35 concerts all across the Midwest. They’re also held in Omaha, Kansas City, Minneapolis and the Quad Cities.
If you want to apply to a street team at any of these locations, details could be found on the 80/35 website. Or, you could email the team at [email protected].
Prices may also spike if tickets are sold quickly. So, buying a ticket sooner than later is probably the best idea. They’re available on MidwesTIX, or you can call 515-244-2771.
Go to www.80-35.com for more information, or follow 80/35 on Facebook or Twitter for concert updates.
