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A Midwest Music Experience With Something for Everyone

La Crosse, Wisconsin, and Winona, Minnesota, are naturally beautiful destinations, located roughly 30 miles apart on opposite sides of the Mississippi River. These historical destinations played a significant role in establishing the region during the mid-1800’s, and today are perfect locations for planning an Upper Midwest adventure. Both cities offer a variety of community events, restaurants, boutique shops, and parks, without the hurried nature of larger, more populated cities.

 

The Mid West Music Fest is a four-day music extravaganza that will feature more than 130 music acts with more than 400 individual musicians. It will take place April 14-15 in Downtown La Crosse, WI, and April 28-29 in downtown Winona, MN. From breweries to coffee houses, the sites are unique and highlight various aspects of the historic downtown area. The event showcases a mix of all ages and 21+ shows, plus a variety of musical genres, making it ideal for every music lover. The event supports Sounds Like School, a local program that works to bring music programming to schools, and it has paid more than $150,000 to local performers. We got the opportunity to interview Dave Casey, Assistant Director of the event, to learn more about this great music experience.

 

RAL: How long has the event been running?

DC: Mid West Music Fest (MWMF) is in its 8th year.

 

RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?

DC: Over 3,000 people attended the 2016 event.

 

RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?

DC: MWMF has opportunities for all ages, featuring both 21+ and all-age venues with a wide variety of musical styles.

 

RAL: What makes this event unique?

DC: MWMF is unique because of it's downtown, river-town setting. Rather that one central stage, MWMF features 130 musical acts across 14 downtown venues during the four days of the festival, allowing festival goers the opportunity hear a tremendous amount of music over a short period.

 

RAL: Take me through the activities of a day at the event.

DC: Each day of the festival offers the opportunity to see 40+ musical acts across multiple venues from coffee houses and theaters to bars, breweries, and large tent stages. This ensures that each festival-goer’s experience is truly unique.

 

RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?

DC: With so many musicians in town (400+ over the course of the festival) there are lots of friendships and connections made among the performers. There are often impromptu unannounced guest appearances within each other's acts.

 

RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?

DC: By having the festival in downtown La Crosse and Winona, we offer a wide variety of locations to grab something to eat and take a break. There are also food trucks and vendors available.

 

RAL: What is the overall environment like?

DC: Downtown setting in multiple locations, so be prepared to be on your feet and dress according to the weather as you walk from one location to the next.

 

RAL: Are there any lodging specials that are set up specifically for the event?

DC: Several area hotels offer discounts that will be posted on the website soon. In La Crosse, I recommend the Charmant Hotel. In Winona, there are several great bed and breakfasts located in short walking distance. The Alexander Mansion and the Carriage House Inn are definitely crowd favorites.

 

RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?

DC: It was estimated that MWMF brought in $1 million to the local economy following the 2015 event. To date, MWMF has paid over $150,000 to local musicians. Beyond the economic impact, it is the goal of MWMF to bring music and community together. This festival has a history of building community-based, community owned experiences that deliver quality entertainment while increasing the economic viability of two historic downtowns.

   

RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?

DC: As a nonprofit, MWMF supports Sounds Like School that brings music programming to local schools.

 

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

DC: MWMF is a truly unique music festival experience that is different for all ticket holders.


For more information about the Midwest Music Fest, please visit the event website.