The Flaming Lips to headline inaugural Middle Waves Music Festival downtown
The Flaming Lips to headline inaugural Middle Waves Music Festival downtown
The Journal Gazette
Today Fort Wayne community leaders announced the first ever “Middle Waves,” a destination music festival coming to the riverfront at Headwaters Park this September.
Middle Waves is Friday, September 16 (5–11PM) and Saturday, September 17, 2016 (11AM–11PM) on the East and West riverbanks of Headwaters Park.
The festival will feature three stages with an eclectic lineup of more than 20 musical performers, including The Flaming Lips, Best Coast, Doomtree, JEFF the Brotherhood and local acts Either/Or, Metavari and Heaven’s Gateway Drugs. Additional acts will be announced this summer.
The all-ages festival will also offer interactive river and art activities, local food trucks and vendors, artists, culture-makers, VIP experiences, and more.
Festival co-chairs Alison Gerardot, Director of Programming and Events at Riverfront Fort Wayne, and Matt Kelley, Owner of One Lucky Guitar, along with presenting sponsor Chuck Surack, Founder and President of Sweetwater, announced the festival this morning at The Brass Rail.
“There is an undeniable momentum in Fort Wayne. Today, our community—particularly those in the 18-34 demographic—have a powerful demand for quality of life assets and events that are passionate, diverse and authentic,” Gerardot said.
Ticket sales went live shortly after the announcement at middlewaves.com and at the Arts United ArtsTix box office. “Early bird” ticket prices are $65 for a two-day General Admission ticket and $125 for VIP tickets.
“There’s a growing excitement and energy for all things riverfront. The community has made it clear they are hungry for events in the heart of Fort Wayne, specifically on the banks of our rivers,” Gerardot said.
“Middle Waves will complement the existing festival and music scene in Northeast Indiana, and offer a unique twist as a two day destination festival. We intend this to be a draw beyond our region, and to be a signature event in the Midwest. We’re taking square aim at the so-called ‘brain drain,’” Kelley said.
Middle Waves is a non-profit community event (part of Cultural Advancement Projects, LLC) that relies on the financial support of local businesses. Sponsorship information is available at middlewaves.com.