Columbus, Neb., "The City of Power and Progress," and home to bands, artists and other creative minds: Why not host a festival to celebrate them. The Midland Band, an improvisational progressive rock group from Columbus, does just that and invites all to enjoy a day full of music, art and camping on Saturday, Sept. 8.
The four members of The Midland Band have been playing together since the middle of 2008. With their progressive fusion jazz rock sound, they have created a significant fan base over the years. Their intense, high energy music also creates an atmosphere that is enticing to new listeners. This year, they've been hard at work and just released their debut album, Reflections, earlier this summer.
The Midland Band is proud to bring together an eclectic range of music for the event. The anticipated genres include progressive rock, blues, country, rock, bluegrass, acoustic and electronic. The festival will showcase 15 different musical acts including The Midland Band, Kris Lager Band, Young Votta, Pojo, Freedom Road, Dudes Gone Rude, Zed Tempo, Maverick, Djem, Katie Jane, Mr. Hyde, Craigomaniac, Elephantz, Amplify, and RJ and Ashley. The majority of these acts are at least partially composed of members that originated from Columbus.
“There’s nothing like this yet in Columbus,” says Tom Adelman, lead guitarist of The Midland Band. “As far as a festival with camping and bands, this is a first.” The band has wanted to put on a festival of their own for quite some time now, and this Saturday will be the First Annual Power and Progress Festival. “We wanted to provide a place where people can camp out and enjoy music and art within their community.”
The event will be held at Camp Pawnee, located at 2330 S. 16th St., just outside of Columbus. The gates will open at 10 a.m .on Saturday morning, with music starting at noon. The music will continue all through the day and into the wee hours of the morning. There are lots of other activities planned for the event including a showing of the Nebraska vs. UCLA football game, glow-in-the-dark capture the flag, and complimentary breakfast for those who camp for the night. One can also expect to see live interactive paintings, hoop and prop dancers, and perhaps some face painting.
“We chose the name ‘Power and Progress’ because it is our city's slogan," Tom says. "We figured that the people in the community could identify with the saying and would have a better understanding of the meaning behind our festival." The Midland Band (also including drummer, Butch Owens, bassist, Scott Henggeler and keyboardist/percussionist/guitarist Jake Reisdorff) plan on making this an annual event.
“Judging by the response we have gotten so far, people are really excited about this event,” Tom says. “With this only being a one-day event, we unfortunately had to turn away some of the people that wanted to get involved. In the future, we hope to make it a whole weekend event including more regional and even national groups.”
Craig Mustard, lighting director for The Midland Band also looks forward to what the future holds after this first Power and Progress festival. “After this, we will have created a community and have a direct target market that leaves great opportunity for future events,” he says. “I am excited to get people out of the bar and out for the show. This is the perfect chance to network with the people that are interested in what we are doing.”
Presale tickets are $8 or admission is $10 at the door and best of all, children ages 12 and under get in free. For more information about the festival including set times and directions to Camp Pawnee check out the Facebook event page.
Bailey Foss is a contributor for Hear Nebraska. Pack your bags, bring your camping gear and your dancing shoes, and get ready for a real good time! Contact her at baileyf@hearnebraska.org.