The popular Moondance Jam music festival in northern Minnesota offered refunds after announcing a major change to its lineup just two weeks before the event. Originally scheduled for July 18-20 in Walker, Minnesota, the annual weekend rock festival was set to feature headliners Kansas, Journey’s lead singer Steve Augeri, and Creed. Other classic rock acts such as Blue Oyster Cult, Foghat, and The Sweet were also on the bill.
However, citing the “present economic climate,” festival organizers announced a significant shift to a lineup featuring only regional acts. The event has been renamed “Camp Moondance” and will now highlight local bands Johnny O’Neil, Mallrats, and Aortic Fire, along with cover bands The Band That Fell to Earth: A Tribute to David Bowie and The Beatles’ tribute band A Hard Day’s Night.
Initially, refunds were not offered despite the late notice. Instead, ticket holders were informed that all purchased tickets would be honored. Additionally, attendees would receive four extra tickets at the gate to compensate for the change in plans and inability to receive a refund. Ticket purchasers were also given the option to exchange their tickets for either the Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos event on August 9 or the Moondance Harvest Moon Festival on September 21. Camping passes would be rolled over to next year’s event. However, in a recent update, Moondance organizers announced that full refunds would now be available for those who choose not to attend the event due to the lineup changes.
“This series of events all transpired within the last eight days. Despite our trying to work through the circumstances, this is the only viable option,” explained Kathy Bieloh, owner of Moondance Jam, in a post on their Facebook page, published in early July. “Everyone who knows me and our Moondance crew knows that we are so sincerely sorry that this decision had to be made. We just did not meet the necessary financial thresholds to produce a festival with national touring attractions.”
“We understand the disappointment this news may bring to our dedicated supporters, and we share in those sentiments,” the Facebook post reads. “Our commitment to delivering an exceptional experience remains steadfast.”
According to the Star Tribune, the comments section under Moondance’s post was turned off so ticket holders could not sound off about the news. Fans made their disappointment known in other posts, though. “Way to screw people over,” one fan, Brian Casey, wrote under a post by country music station 98.1 Country, which called Moondance’s announcement “shocking.” “All we get are just a bunch of bar bands,” Haylee Kosobucki lamented under a post by Creed, which is adding a date in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on July 20 in lieu of the Moondance gig. Creed is also scheduled to perform nearer to the Twin Cities at Treasure Island Casino Amphitheater on August 17.
Despite the changes, Bieloh is asking fans to support the event and join them at Camp Moondance on the same dates. The 2024 edition of the music festival would have marked its 33rd year under the Moondance Jam brand.
The Moondance Jam has been a beloved tradition in the region, attracting thousands of fans who eagerly anticipate the annual gathering of classic rock enthusiasts. The decision to pivot to a more localized lineup has not been made lightly, but rather out of necessity given the economic pressures and financial challenges that have impacted many large-scale events and festivals in recent years.
Organizers have emphasized that the spirit of Moondance Jam remains intact, with a focus on creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for all attendees. The festival’s new format, Camp Moondance, aims to celebrate the rich musical talent within the region, offering a platform for local artists to showcase their skills and entertain the crowd. While the absence of nationally touring acts may be disappointing to some, the organizers hope that the community will rally around the event and support the local music scene.
As the festival dates approach, efforts are being made to ensure that Camp Moondance offers a variety of entertainment options and activities to enhance the overall experience. From food vendors and craft stalls to interactive exhibits and family-friendly zones, the event still aims to provide something for everyone. Organizers are also exploring additional ways to engage the audience, such as incorporating themed nights and special performances to keep the excitement alive throughout the weekend.
The decision to offer full refunds is a testament to the organizers’ commitment to their fans and their understanding of the impact that the lineup change may have on attendees’ plans. By providing multiple options for ticket exchanges and refunds, they are attempting to accommodate as many people as possible and ensure that everyone has a chance to enjoy the festival in a way that suits them best.
Despite the challenges faced, the Moondance Jam team remains optimistic about the future. Plans are already underway for next year’s event, with hopes of returning to the traditional format with national headliners and a broader array of performances. In the meantime, they encourage fans to embrace the new Camp Moondance experience and celebrate the resilience and creativity of the local music community.
As the festival evolves, it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of its attendees, many of whom have been coming to Moondance Jam for years. The sense of camaraderie, shared love of music, and the vibrant atmosphere make it a unique and cherished event in northern Minnesota. With the support of the community and a focus on creating unforgettable memories, Camp Moondance promises to be a celebration of local talent and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Moondance Jam festival.
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