… And we have a 10KLF winner!

We’re starting to get really pumped up for the upcoming Ten Thousand Lakes Festival – July 23 – 26, 2008 in northwest Minnesota. But I know one guy who’s probably even more excited than me: Adam Simcock of Madison is the winner of our 10KLF ticket contest. For the price of one email, he’s snagged $320 worth of tickets. Not bad! . . . Thanks to all who entered.

The stage schedule was recently announced – have you seen it? It includes links to really interesting band bios and sample tracks. So do check it out.

I’ve been to several music festivals – and I always have a blast. At the larger festivals, you really need a game plan and you always face difficult choices between bands. And I can do that. But for those of us who hate to miss anything, Soo Pass Ranch in Detroit Lakes, MN is a venue that makes it very easy to see all the bands you love. I really love the human scale of 10KLF. It’s not small by any means – there are 60+ bands performing there over 4 days. But the concert bowl is relatively confined, and moving between stages is not difficult or time-consuming at all. And the camping last year was truly sublime. This year, I’m looking forward to seeing:

Phil Lesh and Friends

The Flaming Lips

Michael Franti and Spearhead

George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic

Mickey Hart Band feat. Kimock & Porter

Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood

TR3 featuring Tim Reynolds

JJ Grey & MOFRO

Lotus

Papa Mali

EOTO

Panjea w/Michael Kang

The New Mastersounds

Secret Chiefs 3

Dark Star Orchestra

But undoubtedly, I’m going to be surprised by some band that comes out of nowhere and floors me. It seems to happen every time. And this festival provides the physical psychic space that allows this to happen most freely.

If you haven’t bought your tickets yet, I recommend you do so soon. The event will not sell out – but the prime campgrounds will. We stayed at Lake Sallie last year, and liked it alot. The Northwoods site is also highly recommended.

Hope you can make it out! — Mister Bill