David Brooks

What a disappointing start to 2010. Sure, we have seen many positive things and 2010 will be a year with ups and downs just like any other. But, c’mon!

The year started out with a bang of an announcement from Rand Levy, the infamous Minnesota music promoter, saying that 10,000 Lakes Festival is going on hiatus for 2010. All signs point to it being a done deal, no more 10klf ever. That really is too bad; it was a great festival too. One of the best.

For me I always looked forward to that weekend in late July in Detroit Lakes, MN. The only other good festival I have been too has been Rothbury festival in 2008 and that was great, but not as good as 10klf.

After I learned that there would be no 10klf in 2010 I quickly looked to find another fest I could go to and I was hoping it would be Rothbury. Well, later on it was announced that Rothbury was also on hiatus for 2010. All signs seem to point to it coming back in 2011, but you never know. The Jamband festival scene is full of promises being broken.

So, as a Jamband fan in Minnesota I was left with few options. I could go to Summercamp in Illinois that featured three nights of Moe and Umphrey’s Mcgee along with Yonder Mountain String Band, Gov’t Mule and many other bands. It looked like a good line-up, until I realized that the late night shows cost extra,that just sucks.

Next I went to look at Wakarusa, especially after Widespread Panic was announced as the headliner. This lineup is amazing and I would love to go! But, it is in Arkansas and sometimes the 18 hour drive is too much to deal with. Not to mention it is also $125, plus the gas. This adventure to Summercamp or Wakarusa would not be cheap.

And then I found out about a little festival in southern Minnesota that looks to be just as fun as any of the other big name gatherings.

Here is the line-up for the Bella Vida festival that will be taking place in Geneva, MN May 28^th, 29^th and 30^th.

Pretty Lights
Keller Williams
Robbie Krieger’s Roadhouse Rebels

• Robby Krieger (The Doors)
• Steve Molitz (Particle, Phil Lesh)
• John Avila (Oingo Boingo, Mutaytor)
• Adam Iscove (Deep Deep Sleep, Allrise)

Bernie Worrell
Synth Lab feat. Steve Molitz of Particle and Phil lesh and DJ Logic
EOTO
Emmitt-Nershi Band
Great American Taxi feat Vince Herman
That 1 Guy
Ana Sia
Boombox
Heatbox
Mark Joseph Project w/ special guests
The Synthesis Lab feat Steve Molitz & DJ Logic
Pert Near Sandstone
Root City Band
Roster McCabe
Kinetix
Shoeless Revolution
Dance Band
Devine Collection
The Hue
The Reef (formerly New Rebelution)
More Than Lights
The Histronic
Nicholas Mrozinski & The Feelin Band
Cymatic
San Souci Quartet
Jake Dilley & The Color Pharmacy
Sovereign Sect
DJ Applejews
Useful Jenkins
North Country Bandits
SOAP
Gypsy Lumberjacks
Jason Dixon Line
Jackson Mare

This line-up it great for a smaller fest! After many hours of intensive deliberation I have decided that this will be one of the fests I attend this year. Harvest Fest will most likely be next on the bill.