The largest Juliapalooza yet kicks off Friday, May 7, at Powder Ridge Winter Recreation Area in Kimball. More than 27 bands will perform at the outdoor music festival Friday and Saturday. Organizers expect 4,500-5,000 people at the event. More than 3,000 tickets have already been sold to music-goers in 12 different states. “There’s something for everybody,” said Tom Myers, music director of RiplFX Group, Inc., co-organizer of the festival. “There’s more of a hip-hop focus with some rock and jam bands.” The music line-up is filled with mostly local, Minnesota bands, including the headliner, “Atmosphere.” Atmosphere is a Minneapolis-based indie hip-hop group. Juliapalooza is their only concert inMinnesota as they promote their fourth album, “Seven’s Travels,” on their national tour. Atmosphere is gaining international exposure, has won numerous awards, and has had a number-two video on MTV2. Their third album, “God Loves Ugly” sold more than 75,000 copies. Atmosphere will play at 10:30 p.m. Saturday on the main stage. Performers will entertain at three different stages: the main stage, where the biggest acts will be; the bar stage, which is indoors and open until 2 a.m.; and the tent stage. Juliapalooza is usually a very laid back event, Myers said, with people enjoying music as they camp, visit, eat, drink, play and shop. About 14 vendors will sell food, merchandise, body piercing, and alcoholic beverages. Organizers are taking extra measures to discourage underage drinking. Everyone who is 21+ will be required to wear a wrist band and carry their I.D., as well. Those buying and drinking alcohol should expect to be carded throughout the weekend. Security will be provided by RiplFX volunteers and the Stearns County Sheriffs Department. About 10 deputies are expected to be on festival grounds. Juliapalooza started in 2002 by members of St. Cloud band “Hydrophonics.” The first event was more of an organized party with two bands and about 200 people at a cabin on Lake Julia. Since then, members of Hydrophonics’ company Soulful Sounds, have partnered with RiplFX, also based in St. Cloud, to put on Juliapalooza twice each year. It is the largest semi-annual music festival in Minnesota with events held in the spring and fall. Last fall Juliapalooza attracted a little more than 1,000 people. Juliapalooza IV tickets cost $40 in advance or at the door. Camping, which is nearing capacity, costs $20 per person and vehicle passes cost $5. Tickets are available in St. Cloud at Electric Fetus, Java Joint, Movies Etc. Al’s Music and the RPLFX office. For more information and policies go to www.juliapalooza.com.
