'Jammers' head for Moondance
by Robby Robinson
Bemidji Pioneer
Friday, July 14, 2006
Some come for the music, some for the party atmosphere and others, just
to get away from the kids.
For whatever reason, 20,000 music fans taking part
in the Biehlohs’ summer
bash in Walker are bound and determined to have a good time.
The second day of the 15th annual Moondance Jam went on as scheduled
Thursday as scorching temperatures gave way to a cooling afternoon thunderstorm.
Despite the rain, campers made their way from the campgrounds to the
concert area to see the major acts.
After 15 years, things moved along very easily, said
promoter Bill Beiloh. Traffic problems were nonexistent as cars moved
along smoothly. Many local “jammers” know the best way to enter the concert grounds
from Highway 200 is from the east. Most, however, if they’re not
camping, park in the lot at Northern Lights Casino and take the shuttle.
Beiloh said campground entry has also been addressed, with prepaid campers
having the option of getting in Tuesday night. About 3,500 of approximately
9,500 campers showed up early, nearly eliminating the lineup Wednesday
that used to take place.
With temperatures expected to reach the 90s each day of the music festival,
Beiloh said they were taking extra precautions by having sprinklers open
around the campground and water available in the concert area. They were
also giving away bottled water to people who looked like they needed
it.
“We don’t want anyone to get sick out here, so we’re
watching people and making sure we have plenty of water readily available,” he
said.
Everybody at the jam has purchased a four-day pass.
Beiloh said they didn’t sell one-day passes this year, mainly
because of complexity of managing the gate. With four days and different
wristbands needed for different ages, they needed eight different arm
bands, in addition to the four-day bands.
“We may not do this again. It was just something we thought we’d
try,” he said. As of Thursday, he said there were about 1,000 passes
left for sale.
For a group of campers from Lawrence Lake, Minn., everybody had his
or her own reason for attending the jam.
“I come for the party atmosphere,” said Kathy Johnston,
who is at Moondance Jam for her fifth year. “You get away from
the real world and spend time with friends.”
Rhonda Neilsen added with a smile, “I like to
get away from the kids for a few days.”
“This is the best place you can go anywhere to hear some real
classic rock music,” Brian Deal said. “That’s what
I like.”
For whatever reason, Moondance Jam – the 1992 party that has become
the premier classic rock festival of the Midwest – is the place
to be in July.
The main stage lineup for today and Saturday is as follows:
Today
-- 4:30 p.m. – Outlaws
-- 7 p.m.-Kenny Wayne Shepherd
-- 9 p.m.-The Bangles
-- 11 p.m. – Poison
Saturday
-- 4:30 p.m.- Y&T
-- 7 p.m. – John Kay and Steppenwolf
-- 9 p.m. – Doobie Brothers
-- 11 p.m. - Heart
MOONDANCE NEWS
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