I have discovered I really like music festivals. I’ve always loved music — listening to it, playing instruments and singing. I have been to concerts, although I didn’t manage that until after I graduated college.
Last year, I attended my first music festival with two great friends, and it’s an experience I won’t soon forget. It was the first year of the Hinterland Music Festival. It was unexpectedly moved to St. Charles because Water Works Park in Des Moines was flooded. It was the best thing that could have happened.
The amphitheater in St. Charles, Iowa was a perfect location for a day of music. You could sit on the hill or go down by the stage to enjoy what the bands had to offer.
Immediately after the festival, I knew I would be returning the next year. I was excited when it was announced Willie Nelson was this year’s headliner. I haven’t seen him live, and he is a legendary singer and songwriter. I knew I would return to Hinterland no matter what.
My friends had intended to go back and recreate the experience we so loved the year before; however, life can get in the way of even the best plans. I was the only one who was free to attend, so I invited my boyfriend to come to the festival with me and enjoy the experience.
It was his first music festival, so I could see what it was like for him to experience this for the first time as I had the year before. It was a beautiful day outside. A sunny day in the 70s — it was the perfect day to sit on a blanket all day and listen to music. You didn’t even have to know the songs to get caught up in the experience.
Hinterland brings together some great folk music artists I may or may not have seen in another setting. Before the big day, I used YouTube to search for the musicians I was about to see. I wish I had given myself more time to listen, but I lost track of time after my time in Branson.
Willie Nelson and Grace Potter were the two artists I knew fairly well. Grace was probably my favorite performer of the night. She really rocked the stage during her set. I could have watched her sing for much longer. Willie was great. His singing voice isn’t exactly what it used to be, but he can still play the guitar. It is amazing to hear his best songs from the man himself.
I’ll be honest, I didn’t know most of the bands playing at the festival. However, that is the best way to discover someone new. Of the groups I didn’t know, Lake Street Drive was my favorite. I enjoyed what I found online and their live set made me a fan. I have been listening to their music ever since the festival. The lead singer, Rachael Price, has a voice I love to listen to. It’s so jazzy and smooth. I’d recommend them to anyone. Give the group a listen if you have a chance.
I enjoyed all of the other artists as well. The Iowa group, Field Division, did an excellent job kicking off the day. William Elliott Whitmore was a one man band on stage. Pokey LaFarge has an amazing voice and band. He was the other one I got excited about after hearing his music online.
The rest of the groups included Hayes Carll, Turnpike Troubadours and Shovels & Rope. If you love folk music, check these musicians out on YouTube or go see them live. It makes for great entertainment.
Hinterland Music Festival has been a blast two years in a row. I can just imagine what next year will bring. If you’ve never experienced a music festival before, grab a blanket and people you love to be around, and experience a relaxing day outside listening to some great music.
Contact Pam Rodgers
at prodgers@newtondailynews.com