On the Fence for the Jam

[Twocankids]

I have been attending the central Wisconsin festival for the last 14 years, but am considering about a change this year. I am on the fence, and think it will come down to the band line-up. Approximately when do the bands get announced for Moondance? Are there any other advantages to this festival vs the other that I should be aware of?

Thanks!

[HalfPast6]

Two -

Since I've never been to the other festival, I can't really compare the two based on my own experiences. However, I'd be totally surprised if you didn't enjoy MDJ. The people are friendly (both staff and other jammers) and the musical lineup is always solid. There IS one major advantage that I'm aware of in the MDJ vs. 'otherfest' debate, and it is that Moondance Jam does not have 'VIP seating' right in front of the stage. So you can get up close and stay there for as long as your bladder will allow. My crew doesn't typically rush the stage, choosing instead to grab a spot in the pit that is comfortable yet close. And if I had to guess, our normal 'hang spot' is well inside what would normally be a VIP area.

Hope that helps.

[Lisa!]

Hi twocankids! Like HalfPast6, I haven't been to the other Jam, but I'm the biggest cheerleader for Moondance! Like HP6 said, the concert grounds set up is awesome, you can get up close or sit back in your chair on the grassy knol. The VIP sitting is great, too (been there once but we are more sandpit/hill Jammers... the freedom to Jam wherever is the greatest perk!). The line up is always great ~ someone for everyone ~ and we should be seeing the band grid fill in now that we are stepping into the new year. We lost the owner of the Jam, Bill Bieloh, earlier this year so we are making Jam 20 Tribute 20, for Bill...

Other than the bands, we are there for the camping and merrymaking with all our friends! Camping at Moondance is like nothing else! The greatest people, friendly and awesome!! I just can't say enough about them. We are almost half way there!!

Happy New Year... keep us posted on your decision and when you choose, we hope you'll choose Moondance! Make sure to come on by Camp Howler, there's always a spot to belly up for ya! Cheers!

[dano]

Hey T and C,
It's Dan and R. We went to Moondance instead of RF this past year and it was great! One advantage of MD is that they have electric campsites. It's not cheap ($200 for a regular electric site or $250 for an XL electric campsite plus the normal camping fee) but it's nice if the weather is hot and you want to run AC. We had an XL electric site and ran the AC a lot of the time. We renewed our same site for this year and got GA tickets for the shows. They do have VIP but knowing you two, you would probably want to do the GA as well. Hope to see you there!

[The Jam Web Guy]

The lineup usually starts rolling by the end of January and is filled by April. Every year is a little different. Some years it is a steady pace, others it is a barrage of bands here and there.

Once you go Moondance, you climb off the fence.

[Davage]

Once you go Moondance, you climb off the fence.

Since I've started going to Moondance Jam, I haven't even looked over the fence to see what's over on the other side... No need to.

[IanR]

You cant sit on a pond can you, it's either one side or the other!!!!