Moondance Jam steps up efforts to ensure no traffic problems
STYX, Doobie Brothers are two bands who will appear at Dream 15
Dean Morrill, Editor
The Pilot-Independent
Last Updated: Tuesday, January 24th, 2006 01:02:55 PM
Moondance Jam 15, the campin' and jammin' event of the summer, has announced the signing of four groups.
But the biggest news about the July 12-15 outdoor rock 'n' roll concert will be the efforts from organizers and local officials to alleviate traffic problems.
Bill Bieloh, the Jam's owner, said he has negotiated with the Cass County Board to allow campers to come in one day early. So far, he said, more than 500 people have already taken advantage of the five-day camping offer.
"We are anticipating no traffic jams this year. The State Highway Patrol will double their efforts to keep the east-west traffic moving more freely at the signal lights at the Y Junction," Bieloh stated.
Jammers who reserve camping will be allowed to arrive one day early. Campers will be able to enter the camping areas between 4 and 9 p.m. Tuesday (July 11). However, jammers must have their tickets and five-day camping passes purchased in advance.
The five-day camping passes, which cost an additional $15 for the extra day, will only be available until April 15. Only the camping areas will be open one day early; the fairgrounds will be closed until Wednesday.
Bieloh said another change this year is that no single-day passes will be sold. "We're are trying to get people to come and stay all four days."
The current lineup for Dream 15 consists of STYX, who were signed last week, the Doobie Brothers, Starship featuring Mickey Thomas and The Guess Who.
STYX have performed twice before at the Jam, most recently back in 2002. Over the years they have scored eight Top 10 singles, including "Mr Roboto," "Lady," "Come Sail Away," "Show Me the Way" and "Too Much Time on my Hands."
The Doobie Brothers' career has spanned more than four decades and includes numerous gold, platinum and multi-platinum albums.
Their unique style of music that blends rock with blues, country, jazz and gospel can be heard in many of their hits including "Listen To The Music," "Jesus Is Just Alright," "Takin' It To The Streets," "One Step Closer" and "The Doctor."
Starship featuring Mickey Thomas recorded a string of hits through the '80s and '90s, including six Top 40 albums. Their big solo hits include "Jane," "Sara," "We Built This City" and "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now."
The Guess Who, the band that became Canada's first international rock music superstars, began in 1962 in Winnipeg and, over the years, has scored several hits. They including "American Woman," "These Eyes," "Undun," "No Sugar Tonight" and "Dancin' Fool."
Tickets for the four-day rock 'n' roll fest can be ordered online at www.moondancejam.com or by calling (877) MOONJAM.
For those who wish to camp out during the Jam, reserved camping is being booked fast and is nearly sold out.
Bieloh said he doesn't know how fast the rest of the reserved campsites will sell out, but less than a quarter of the sites are still available. There are plenty of general camping campsites still available, however.
Reserved camping sites must be reserved by phone, while general camping is ordered online.
For more information on this subject, check out these resources:
• Moondance Jam http://www.moondancejam.com
