Help us keep this going.

80/35. It was magical. Des Moines made it happen. You proved that Des Moines is a music town. You showed non-believers that our city can support quality progressive acts. Thousands of you came out for something that’s much more than just a weekend of entertainment. 80/35 is bigger than that.

You saw acts that you’ve never heard of before and they blew you away. You saw local bands belt out tracks that were just created in the last year. You saw national musicians feed off a hungry audience. What does this mean?

It’s means that with you getting out there and supporting the shows that come into town and latching on to our local talent, anything is possible. Des Moines’ music scene is getting on the map. More acts are stopping here, local bands are touring and recording, and crowds at shows are increasing. We can’t stop now.

Get out there and support local bands and shows coming through Des Moines. We have a vibrant music scene. Take advantage of it. Just because 80/35 is over, doesn’t mean the music and magic has to stop. It’s happening every night at venues like House of Bricks, People’s Court, Vaudeville Mews, 7 Flags Event Center, Simon Estes Amphitheater, Mars Café, Ritual Café, Des Moines Social Club, Blues on Grand, and numerous other venues around the metro.

Music is the cornerstone of a creative, vibrant culture. Music has the power to bring people together, to revitalize communities, and to make cities famous. Let’s continue our upswing together.

If you believe in our mission, please support us through membership and getting involved in the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition. See details below.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! To our sponsors, volunteers, bands, vendors, neighbors, friends, family, and attendees. We appreciate your support for the vision and making 80/35 possible.

Sincerely,

Greater Des Moines Music Coalition

Get Involved.
The Greater Des Moines Music Coalition is a non-profit, grassroots organization, we rely solely on music fans and community leaders like you for sponsorship donations, volunteer hours and essential words of encouragement. We put on events like 80/35, Gross Domestic Product, Little BIG Fest, and Music University. We are a resource for bands, event organizers, and members of the community. We have a mission to grow the progressive music scene in Des Moines.

Donate to our cause by becoming a member. Memberships start at $25 a year and include first opportunity for VIP passes to 80/35, discounts at local businesses, free tickets to our events, and more. Sign up now.

Get involved with us! Volunteer your time. We have a handful of committees that meet regularly and are always looking for more people to help. Click here to learn about the opportunities and contact a committee chair. The best way to get involved is to come to a meeting. New faces are always welcome!

Give us Feedback.
We always strive to produce a better event. Please take a few minutes to take our 80/35 survey and give us your feedback about your experience. Begin the survey.

Happy 4th of July!

Yesterday you got a spoonful of great music now it’s time to keep the party rolling – music independence style! The forecast says rain, but don’t let that stop your fun! We have unfinished festival business: Modest Mouse, The Walkmen, Railroad Earth, The Heavy, The Cool Kids, and many more!

The show goes on rain or shine. Shine was yesterday.

Bring a poncho, raincoat, umbrella, and embrace the rain! U.S. Cellular and Kum & Go will be providing free ponchos at the volunteer headquarters building at 1312 Locust and around the festival grounds.

80/35 Day One: Fun in the Sun
Attendance figures approached 17,000 people who enjoyed crowd surfing, a big chicken, painted ladies, splashing in the urban stream, and plenty of music. Check out photos from the big first day at 80-35.com.

80/35 Day Two: Dancing in the Rain
It’s July 4th baby! Today’s lineup is a reason to celebrate, food vendors are open and ready to serve, the beer taps are ready to flow, and the activities are about to kick off. More than 20 acts will hit 3 stages, don’t miss it!

You can purchase one-day tickets at the gate with cash or credit for $40 or just come enjoy the many free area music and activities.

Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Main Stage
12:00pm – The Workshy
1:45pm – Avi Buffalo
3:15pm – The Walkmen
5:00pm – Railroad Earth
7:00pm – The Cool Kids
9:00pm – Modest Mouse

Kum & Go Stage
12:00pm – Dawes
1:15pm – Family Groove Company
2:45pm – Christopher the Conquered
3:30pm – Sara Watkins
4:30pm – Evangelicals
5:45pm – Califone
7:00pm – Dar Williams
8:15pm – The Heavy

Mediacom Stage
4:00pm – Guerilla Hustle
4:30pm – Gadema & Richie Daggers
5:00pm – Cleo’s Apartment
6:00pm – Kanser
7:00pm – Raj & Leeman
8:00pm – DJ Diverse
9:00pm – Maxilla Blue
10:00pm – Qwel
11:00pm – Brad Goldman & Mimic

Day One of 80/35

Day one of 80/35 started out with a bang! A beautiful sunny kick-off — perfect for a cold beverage and extra loud music. Come down to experience explosive fun with more than 20 bands on the paid and free stages, plus the Meredith DIY Craft Fair and Dahl’s Kids Zone from 12pm-6pm, Do More Village, Natural Living Village, and tons of food and beverages!

You can purchase tickets with cash or credit card at the Ticketing Tent located on 13th street just north of Locust for $80 two-day or $40 one-day. Or just come down to enjoy the free area activities.

Watch our live blog and tweets (#8035LB hashtag) for artist interviews, set reviews, photos & videos, behind the scenes tibdits, and all the insights we think are uber-cool at the 2010 80/35.

Here’s the lineup for today:

Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Main Stage
12:00pm – The Atudes
1:30pm – Omega Dog
3:15pm – Particle
5:00pm – Yo La Tengo
7:00pm – Slightly Stoopid
9:00pm – Spoon

Kum & Go Stage (free stage)
12:00pm – Modern Day Satire
12:45pm – Canby
1:45pm – Psalm One
2:45pm – Cashes Rivers
3:30pm – Zola Jesus
4:30pm – Solid Gold
5:45pm – William Elliott Whitmore
7:00pm – Earl Greyhound
8:15pm – Holly Golightly & The Brokeoffs

Mediacom Stage (free stage)
4:00pm – Tripp Marxx
4:30pm – Adapt
5:00pm – Flatform
6:00pm – Guante and Big Cats
7:00pm – Tim Grimes
8:00pm – Muja Messiah
9:00pm – Mustafa Avdic
10:00pm – St. Paul Slim
11:00pm – Oz and Dave Leo

Final Countdown to 80/35 and Free Area Activities

The third annual 80/35 presented by U.S. Cellular on July 3 and 4 in Des Moines’ Western Gateway Park is tomorrow! This year the festival will feature more than 40 national, regional, and local acts, performing on three stages — one main stage in a gated paid area and two free side stages, including a new DJ/Hip-hop stage.

Get tickets to take advantage of the entire festival or enjoy a variety of activities in the free area. Outside of the great music, there will be interactive art, kids activities, non-profit booths, a wide variety of food, dozens of street performers, a Natural Living Zone, and much more available in the free area. Full details available at 80-35.com/details/activities-and-attractions.

FREE AREA HIGHLIGHTS

MUSIC
Two free stages – Kum & Go Stage featuring national, regional, and local acts from 12pm-9pm on Saturday and Sunday and Mediacom Stage featuring regional and local DJ and Hip-Hop acts from 4pm-12am on Saturday and Sunday.

VENDORS
Food: A wide variety of food vendors, including Hardenbrook Concessions (corndogs, breaded tenderloins, chicken/veggie grinders), Los Primos (Mexican), Alohana Hawaiian Grill (egg rolls, Hawaiian chicken on a stick), When Pigs Fly (BBQ), Scornovacca’s Ristorante (pizza, Italian grinders), Papa John’s (pizza), J’s Pita Grill (pitas), Olde Main Brewing Co. & Restaurant (burgers, sandwiches), Karam’s Grill (kabobs, chocolate covered strawberries), Nadine & Dad’s BBQ (pulled pork, turkey legs), Uncle David’s Mini Donuts (mini donuts), Tropical Snow (Hawaiian shaved ice), and Sapore Pizza (pizza, gluten-free salad). Food prices will vary.

Beer: Ames-based Olde Main Brewing Co. will provide microbrews at the festival including Long Face Amber Ale, Off KILTer Scottish Ale, Clone Pale Ale, Dinkey Wheat, and Gryphonbrau Lager. Beers will sell for $5 each or 5 for $20.

Wine: Jasper Winery will provide Iowa wines. Wine will sell for $5 each or 5 for $20.

Merch: Official 80/35 merch designed by Saturday Mfg. (including t-shirts, posters) and band merch will be available for purchase.

ACTIVITIES
Meet ‘n Greets: Meet and get autographs from 80/35 bands. Schedule and participating bands TBA.

Meredith DIY Craft Fair: Browse for purses, jewelry, and many handmade goods on Saturday from 12pm – 6pm

Dahl’s Kids Zone: Bring down the kiddies for an inflatable play area and several interactive activities from 12pm-6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

YPC Do More Village: A hub for showcasing all things Des Moines featuring interactive exhibits and unique demonstrations, all provided by local organizations. Visit ypcdsm.com for more details.

Natural Living Village: The Natural Living Village is sponsored by Iowa’s Water & Land Legacy. There will be demonstrations in the Home & Garden, Health & Wellness and Green Building marketplace. We will highlight local resources and services providing central Iowans with choices for green and healthy living.

TICKETS
Discount advance tickets are available at MidwesTIX.com at $60 for two-day passes, $35 for one-day passes, and $175 VIP until Saturday morning at 10am. Day of tickets will sell at the gate for $80 two-day, $40 one-day, and VIP will not be available.

80/35 is tomorrow! Last chance for discount tickets!

It’s almost time. Modest Mouse, Spoon, Slightly Stoopid, Railroad Earth, The Cool Kids, Yo La Tengo, The Walkmen, Particle, The Heavy, and so many more! 47 acts, 2 days, and the party is about to begin!

We’ve been working the past couple days getting everything setup. Check out photos of the progress.

Last chance for discount tickets! Hey, procrastinators – you can’t wait any longer to buy tickets! We want you to save money and avoid the ticket lines, so head over to midwestix.com now!

VIP passes $175 (Day of not available)
Two-day passes $60 (Save $20 if you buy now)
One-day passes $35 (Save $5 if you buy now)
Discount tickets are available until 10am tomorrow.

Purchase Tickets

Low on cash? That’s okay. Enjoy the free area of the festival with music, Dahls Kids Zone, Meredith DIY Craft Fair, band meet ‘n greets, Natural Living Village, Do More Village, and the necessities – beer and food. Come down for the street party!