The Northeastern
February 21, 2006



Music lovers tune up for Wakarusa
Brian Wheeler - Senior Staff Writer

       As the summer approaches production companies start preparing for the music festival craze in the United States.

       Wakarusa Musica and Camping Festival is one of the most known about festivals in the region and many people enjoy taking off to Lawrence, Kan., for the four-day adventure of a lifetime.

       This year Wakarusa takes place from June 8-11. Beginnin in 2004, Wakarusa has exploded upon the grassroots scene in the nation.

       The four-stage outdoor, footstomping venue will have more than 70 bands on the bill this year: Gov't Mule, Robert Randolf and the Family Band, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Bela Fleck and the Flecktones are just a few of the 70 plus musicians that will be hanging in Lawrence that weekend.

       There are many Northeastern students who love looking forward to the early-June event. Josh Hammit is just one of those poeple. Hammit atten=ded the festival in 2005 with Andrew Winslo, NSU graduate.

       "The festival was 100 percent amazing. Every band that we got to see really played a great set. The venue had something for us to do the entire time we were there which definitely made the trip worth it," said Hammit.

       While not enjoying the music or catching up on sleep, Wakarusa also offers alternatives during the day. Clinton Lake, which is close to Lawrence offers two 25-mile trails of biking and hiking trails. The trails are even for the most experienced rider. For those not digging much physical involvement there is the disc golf course. This year the course will be in full effect with new shots for patrons.

       Another new addition this year for Wakarusa is Battlerusa. Battlerusa ran in JAnuary and earlier parts of this month highlighting many Midwestern cities. The event was basically a "Battle of the BAnds" in each city looking for talent for the summer fest. Tulsa was one of the cities picked for the search. Tahlequah's own My-Tea Kind won the Battlerusa in Tulsa and now will make their way to Lawrence this summer to jam.

       "My-Tea Kind played much better than everyone else at Battlerusa. Much respect to all the bands that got to perform, but My-Tea Kind dominated," said Corey Hope, jam fan from Tulsa. Hope also says that Battlerusa is awesome for local talent.

       "This gives so many smaller bands an opportunity to get their name out there at an awesome festival. Great idea," said Hope.

       The festival is not too expensive at all, even for broke college students. Tickets start at only $99 for all four days of fun.

       According to Wakarusa.com, the $99 tickets are only for the Early Bird special. The special only allots so many tickets, and then the tickets increase to $119. After that allotment the rest of the tickets whether in advance or at the gate will be $139.

       "This festival is by far the best in the west," said Wayne Allett, Green Lemon frontman. Wakarusa promoters and sponsors a4re looking forward to more attendants than ever this year. Fat tire, JarnaBaise org, and New Belgium Brewing are the main sponsors for the event. For more information hit up Wakarusa.com.

Email Brian Wheeler at: KappaSigNoPhi171@hotmail.com