PRINTFestivals with flair
The Show-Me state’s obscure music fests offer a different twang
AIMEE WACHTEL
View the locations of these Missouri music festivals on this map.
May 14, 2009 | 12:00 a.m. CST
The secret’s out: National and regional music festivals can be time-consuming and pricey (tickets to Bonnaroo cost as much as $250). Missouri hosts a slew of great music events for all tastes. Although they might not have Bob Dylan or any Phish reunion sets, these outings make for a better time than watching summer TV reruns.
Kansas City Jiggle Jam Family Music Fest
Where: Crown Center Square, 25th and Grand streets, Kansas City
Driving time: 2 hours
When: May 23 – 24. Sat. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Who: They Might Be Giants, Dan Zanes and various children’s acts.
Cost: Ages 2-18 $10 per day, $8 in advance per day; Adults $5 per day
Outside food/drink: No. (although a bottle of milk or baggie of Cheerios for the little ones is allowed)
Visit: Kcjigglejam.com
Why: After more than 20,000 people attended last year, the self-proclaimed largest family music festival in the Midwest returns. The Jiggle Jam is a kid-friendly event, with inflatable toys, face painting and Rockin’ Out Tent for making music videos. They Might Be Giants headlines a repeat show that promises to entertain kids and parents.
Whitaker Music Festival
Where: Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis
Driving time: 2 hours
When: Wednesday nights June 3 – Aug. 5. Music starts at 7:30 p.m.
Who: Tony Simmons Band, Mosby Group, Dizzy Atmosphere and more
Cost: Free
Outside food/drink: Yes
Visit: Mobot.org/events/Whitaker
Why: Every Wednesday this summer you’re invited to picnic in the Missouri Botanical Garden with your sweetie and enjoy performers with styles ranging from jazz to folk rock. Set smack-dab in the middle of the Missouri Botanical Garden, this festival allows people to take in blazing tunes on steamy nights with the scent of 79 acres of flowers behind them. L’amour, ooh là-là.
Legfest
Where: Bearcats Getaway, 8933 County Road 364, Lesterville
Driving time: 3 ½ hours
When: June 19 – 20
Who: Jake’s Leg, The Johnny Hiland Band, Bockman
Cost: $45 for the weekend, which includes camping, firewood and festival access; $50 week of the show
Outside food/drink: Yes, but no glass containers
Visit: Bearcatgetaway.com/2007/legfest
Why: A deadhead’s dream comes true with two nights of open-air tribute to the Grateful Dead by Jake’s Leg. For the past 11 years, Legfest has paid homage to the godfathers of psychedelic rock. During the day, festivalgoers can float the Black River and at night sing “Truckin’” under the moonlight. Bring on the tie-dye, and check out CoMo band Bockman.
Twangfest
Where: The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis on Wednesday; Blueberry Hill in the Duck Room, 6504 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis
Driving time: 2 hours
When: July 10 –13
Who: Asylum Street Spankers, Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys, Alejandro Escovedo and others for each night
Cost: For Wednesday, $17 presale, $20 day of show; Thursday through Saturday, $20 a night
Outside food/drink: No
Visit: Twangfest.com
Why: For the past 13 years, Twangfest has brought Americana music to the masses with lineups, which have included The Avett Brothers and the Old 97’s. This year two venues on the Delmar Loop in St. Louis serve as the festival headquarters, which should offer ample space to get down with classic rock ’n’ roll and roots acts.
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