How did 80/35 begin?
Less than a decade ago downtown Des Moines was almost lifeless. Few promoters booked shows. Small venues had poor turnout. And acts simply passed by on the way to Chicago or Minneapolis.
In 2004, the non-profit Des Moines Music Coalition was founded with the goal of creating a live music economy and reenergizing the city. The centerpiece? A major urban music festival.
In its inaugural year, 2008, 80/35 placed Des Moines solidly on the national music map as a progressive force with headliners The Flaming Lips and The Roots. Iconic acts including Public Enemy, Black Francis, Ben Harper, Jakob Dylan, Drive-By Truckers, Modest Mouse, Spoon and dozens more have rocked the city.
In fact, more than 30,000 music fans flock to Des Moines each year for 80/35 from places as far away as Hawaii, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida and New Mexico, generating an estimated $1.3 million in revenue for the metro.
Now downtown bustles with teens, young professionals and couples enjoying live shows. National acts are booked regularly. Regional acts stop to play. Venues have popped up. And local bands are touring Europe.
80/35 is more than a music festival. It’s a rally to celebrate the resurgence of creative inspiration in our city.
What’s 80/35 like?
Expect 80/35 to be a sensational two-day music festival spectacular featuring famous national acts, budding regional performers and local Iowa favorites. Decidedly urban and supremely progressive with stunning stages in the streets and brilliant beats bouncing off buildings, the fourth annual 80/35 is set for Saturday, July 2 and Sunday July 3, 2011 in Western Gateway Park, Des Moines, IA.
Beyond a marvelous weekend of music, 80/35 unleashes the kid in all of us with interactive art activities, DIY booths, meet & greet tents, a kids’ play zone and more. And music fans can savor and devour the best food and drinks from right here in Iowa.
Where is it?
80/35 is in the heart of downtown Des Moines, IA, specifically, Western Gateway Park at 13th and Locust. Although the park is in the city, you’ll find plenty of green space for walking, relaxing or just sitting and enjoying the show.
The perfect setting for a progressive feel-good fest, 80/35 is a few blocks from the famous restaurants and bars in the Court Avenue District and just down the street from the friendly art galleries and neighborhood pubs on Ingersoll Ave.
What types of music?
Nearly 50 astounding acts on multiple stages thrill crowds with spine-tingling sonic stimulation. From wondrous indie headliners and electrifying hip-hop acts to astonishing alt-country and funky fun bands. 80/35 is made for music fans of all ages and genres. And, as a bonus, much of the magical music is absolutely free, including regional and local acts.
What’s with the name?
80/35 is the famous junction of two prominent interstates (I-80 and I-35) that meet at the corners of Des Moines. Locals call it eighty-thirty-five. We figured it’s the perfect name for a fest that brings together a variety of music genres, musicians and people.
What were previous 80/35 fests like?
In 2008 Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips crowd surfed in a ginormous plastic bubble while a dozen Teletubbies danced on stage awash in canon confetti. In 2009 on a perfectly starlit night Ben Harper and the Relentless 7 electrified the main stage and dazzled fans for nearly two hours. And in 2010 headliners Modest Mouse and Spoon made rain-soaked revelers happy to dance in the mud.
In short, 80/35 is wild, weird and wonderful—the most joyous, magical, sensational, frenetic, mellow, marvelous feeling you’ll get all summer. Need proof? Check out these pictures from previous 80/35 fests.
