'We hope to come back bigger': 80/35 announces 2021 festival dates
The 80/35 Music Festival that was set to take over downtown Des Moines in July was canceled because the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Emily Steele of the nonprofit Des Moines Music Coalition told the Des Moines Register that the group is moving forward with planning for its 2021 festival.
"We hope to come back bigger, better and stronger in 2021," she said. "We're looking to the community for feedback and input as we design an experience that really reflects our community and the local artists."
More: 'A sad song in our hearts': 80/35 Music Festival canceled amid coronavirus pandemic
The 2021 event will take place from July 9-10.
In addition to planning the 2021 festival, DMMC will work on keeping fans updated with local artists. "We're creating virtual experiences and making sure that we're supporting the local music community as best as we can at this time," Steele said.
The 80/35 vision was birthed from a group of music lovers who met in bars and after shows. The event came into fruition in 2008 when The Flaming Lips, and the funk-rap group, The Roots, headlined the festival.
The 80/35 festival emphasizes on local talent and producing two free stages with musicians from the greater Des Moines area. Steele said that attendance has grown over the years, with no specific number, but in 2018, the total audience was approximately 34,000.
Throughout the years, the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Modest Mouse, plus more have graced the 80/35 stages.
Sierra Porter covers entertainment for the Des Moines Register. She can be contacted at sporter@registermedia.com or via Twitter @SierraAPorter95. Your subscription makes work like this possible. Subscribe today at DesMoinesRegister.com/Deal.