After two years off, 80/35 is set to return to downtown Des Moines July 8 - 9 in spectacular fashion.
Mickey Davis, the Des Moines Music Coalition’s new executive director, is at the helm of the planning, and he says we can expect a lot of big energy on stage.
“We were thinking really critically about what bands just put on really good live shows,” he told Studio One. “After a few years off, we really want to capture all that energy. If you walk around 80/35, on the stages, you’ll see bands who are putting a lot of energy into their shows and will bring really unique, diverse sounds to downtown.”
Without further ado, here’s what we know:
2022 lineup
Friday:
Father John Misty
Japanese Breakfast
Guided by Voices
Tkay Maidza
Pachyman
Meet Me @ The Altar
Hannah Marks: Outsider, Outlier
Saturday:
Charli XCX
Future Islands
Jamila Woods
MonoNeon
The Envy Corps
Vended
Evann McIntosh
BLACKSTARKIDS
Haiku Hands
Geese
Miloe
Tickets go on sale 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 25 and start at $95 for a weekend pass. There are VIP options starting at $195 and a music coalition lounge that attendees can access for an extra $25. If you're a Des Moines Music Coalition member, early bird tickets are on sale now.
The event grounds will return to what they were like in 2018, with a single paid stage instead of two in Western Gateway Park. If you attended in 2019, the grounds had been reconfigured to accommodate construction. IPR had a side stage at 13th and Locust, among other changes to the traditional layout. This year, IPR will be returning to our shady oasis in the pocket park by the Des Moines Public Library.
From the sounds of things, Father John Misty is bringing a pretty big band with him, so his show is not to be missed. Davis described the vibe he's expecting as “orchestral.” Given that FJM has a new album out this April, we’re very into what’s going down on Friday.
Then on Saturday, dig out your glitter eyeshadow and your comfiest music festival dancing sandals. Charli XCX and Future Islands are coming to groove with us.
“You might not know Charli XCX’s name, but you know these songs,” Davis says. “I think that will be a crowd pleaser for sure, and get everyone dancing to close out the event.”
More Iowa acts will be announced in March, but for now, we want to point to 80/35 mainstay The Envy Corps, who are returning to the fest, and Iowa metal band Vended, who are both set to play on Saturday.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Davis said about the planning for this year’s 80/35. “Personally, I’ve attended this festival. I’ve volunteered at this festival. I’ve played at this festival. Since 2008, 80/35 has become a really integral part of summer in Des Moines, and after two years off, we’re just really excited to be back.”
We couldn’t agree more. At Studio One, we really feel like 80/35 is an Iowa music family reunion, or some kind of glorious outdoor audio convention. Free stages
Now, let's talk about the free stages.
My rule of 80/35: "you might not have heard of acts on the free stage yet, but you will soon." Think back to previous years; Lizzo played a free stage at 80/35.
The event continues to be unique on the festival landscape as the only nonprofit music festival in the state. As is standard with the event, there will be several free stages, open to everyone.
Tkay Maidza is headlining Friday. She’s a hip-hop artist from Australia who is currently on tour opening for Billie Eilish. On Saturday, Mono Neon will close out the night.
“He’s got a pretty big YouTube and Instagram following for some cool bass work he does. He’s played with bands like Snarky Puppy. He was playing with Prince before he died. He’s really going to bring that funk/jam element to the festival that’s going to be really fun," Davis told us. “Some of my favorite musical memories have happened when I didn’t know a band, and then I walked up to the free stage. I’m just really excited to bring that back — that sonic exploration that is 80/35.”
Stay tuned for more information. And if you don't already, subscribe to the All Access email newsletter for a chance to win a set of tickets in the coming weeks!
