Moondance Jam starts rocking Wednesday in Walker

Kid Rock will perform at 9 p.m. Friday at Moondance Jam in Walker. Submitted Photo

By Brainerd Dispatch

July 16, 2018 at 6:00 AM

WALKER-Moondance Jam is gearing up for its annual rock and classic festival set for Thursday-Saturday, July 19-21, at the Moondance Fairgrounds near Walker.

This year's jam will be highlighted by rock, rap and country superstar, Kid Rock who will take stage at 9 p.m. Friday for an extended show that promises to maximize the Moondance Jam main stage with a full set of lights, effects and stage props, organizers stated in a news release.

Nineties rockers Fuel plays at 7 p.m.; '70s glam band The Sweet at 5 p.m.; and Saliva at 3 p.m.-all on Friday.

Thursday and Saturday nights hit heavy on the '70s and '80s with Poison frontman Bret Michaels, Tesla, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Kansas, Ace Frehley, Jackyl, Lita Ford, and KIX along with Minneapolis bands GB Leighton and Crow.

Moondance owner and promoter Kathy Bieloh is expecting a huge turnout this year,

"Ticket sales have been very steady. It's looking like it will be our biggest three-day turnout in the last five years," Bieloh stated in a news release. "All of our reserved and electrical camping is sold out, VIP and Rockstar tickets are sold out. But we still have plenty of general admission and general camping available. And Jammers know that if you get out into the concert area early, you can always get up front for the shows you want to see."

For fans who purchase three-day festival tickets, there is a free Pre Jam Party on Wednesday night that has become a concert experience on its own with four shows in the Saloon, three mainstage shows and fans are encouraged to dress up retro style celebrating their favorite era of rock 'n' roll. This year's Pre Jam will kick off with Moondance house band Mountain Ash, followed by Def Leggend: The World's Greatest Tribute to Def Leppard and then capped off by the band that brought the Pre Jam Party to the main stage, Hairball. Those who purchased three-day camping can upgrade to four-day camping at the gate if they want take part in the Pre Jam Party.

Bieloh stated there's always more traffic when the gates open Thursday, "Plus with Kid Rock, we know Friday will be busy this year, so Wednesday's early camping is perfect for jammers that want to get setup early and really take in the whole Moondance experience. Wednesday night is just a blast with everyone excited for the start of the Jam. I love seeing everyone dressed up and hearing all of the jammers greeting each other with a big 'Happy Moondance!' in the campgrounds and concert area."

Tickets and camping can still be purchased in advance through Monday, July 16 at $15-$20 off of the gate price either online at www.moondancejam.com or by calling 218-836-1055. General Admission tickets, general camping and four-day camping upgrades will be available at the gate.

Concert gates open at 3 p.m. Wednesday and noon on Thursday through Saturday. The VIP tent will open at 5 p.m. Wednesday for early check-in and the Pre Jam Party. VIP check-in starts at noon Thursday through Saturday.

Moondance Jam is held on the 300 acre Moondance Fairgrounds, southeast of Walker on Highway 200. There is $15/day parking available at the Moondance Fairgrounds parking lot just off of Highway 200 and $5/day motorcycle parking near the east concert gate. Northern

Lights Casino offers paid parking in their lot. Moondance Jam provides a free shuttle service that runs to and from 2 p.m. until 1:30 a.m.

Moondance Jam began as classic rock festival with open festival seating for all general admission ticket holders and continues that tradition today over two decades later. All ticket holders at Moondance have equal opportunity to get up to the front of the stage or sit back on the lawn seating area. Concert goers who wish to reserve a spot on the lawn by bringing in a lawn chair need to purchase a chair tag. Lawn chair seating spots are taken on a daily first-come-first-served basis allowing lawn chair tag holders a reserved spot as well as access to the pit in front of the stage for their favorite shows. Accessible seating is available in the concert area with gate personnel and security available for on-hand assistance.

Moondance has four different bars with various specials throughout the Jam-The Lazy Moon Bar & Grill, Billy B's bar, MDJ Saloon and outdoor Tiki Bar. Listen to tribute bands covering The Beatles, Bad Company, Chicago, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, along with bands covering even more fan favorites throughout each afternoon and evening between main stage shows.

Main Stage Schedule

Wednesday

• 10:30 p.m., Hairball

• 9 p.m., Def Leggend: The World's Greatest Tribute to Def Leppard

• 7:30 p.m., Mountain Ash

Thursday

• 11 p.m., Bret Michaels

• 9 p.m., Kansas

• 7 p.m., Ace Frehley

• 5 p.m., Lita Ford

• 3 p.m., Crow

Friday