The Driftless Music Festival

07/24/2024

❤️🔥Rensa Fire

07/20/2024

Keeping the great music rolling! Live in Viroqua ! Tonight July 20 — gates at 5, Music 6-9pm
See you soon friends!

07/13/2024

Full fest swing and parade through the crowd!! Yay!

07/13/2024

Everyone helps make a festival go!! Let’s do this!
Music 12-930 today! Free

07/13/2024

07/13/2024

07/13/2024

Twas the night before Driftless Music Festival 2024 - VIROQUA and all through the town…we can’t wait to fill this park with joyful music and boogie down!!
Music starts at Noon!
All the details at — www.driftlessmusicfestival.com

07/12/2024

We Love Seeing Our Festival among all these wonderful events! Thank you Hidden Valleys of Southwestern Wisconsin for the shout out! Driftless Music Festival 2024 - VIROQUA

Driftless Area Weekend Events
▪ Friday, July 12th:
8-5: Bender Outdoors Flash Sale - Lancaster
11: Growers Produce Auction Produce Auction - Cashton
3-8: Ontario Market - Ontario
4-7: Site 7 performing at Wa Du Shuda Days Festival - New Lisbon
4-7: Joe iaquinto Music at Hawk's Mill Winery - Browntown
5-8: Wine Down Friday w/ Corey Mathew Hart at Wild Hills Winery - Muscoda
6: Jammin on the Porch w/ Gin, Chocolate and Bottle Rockets at Orchard Lawn - Mineral Point - Mineral Point Historical Society
7: Stock Car Races at Laf. Co. Fair - Lafayette County Speedway - Darilngton
8: Kelly Smith performing at Eliza’s Lounge - Mineral Point
8-Midnight: Pacific Coast Highway at Wa Du Shuda Days Festival - New Lisbon
10: Fireworks - Wilton

▪ Saturday, July 13th:
8-Noon: Boscobel Farmers Market - Depot Park
8-Noon: Potosi Tennyson Market - St. Andrew Thomas lot - Potosi
8-6: Seneca Community Club Ridge & Valley Rally - Seneca
10: Prairie du Chien Historical Society Pie's A Plenty Auction at PdC Airport - Prairie du Chien Rotary Club
10-2: Argyle Christmas in July - Events and Activities around Argyle, Wisconsin
10-5: Hidden Hill Park Fundraiser - Potosi
11-6: Branches Winery - Westby Quilts in the Vineyard - Westby
Noon-6: Huli Huli Chicken & Shrimp Boil Depot Park Market - Boscobel
Noon-10: The Driftless Music Festival - Viroqua
1-4: The Bruce Bearinger Band at Eagles Landing Winery - Marquette, IA
1-4: Big Cat Eddie at Potosi Brewing Company - Potosi
3-6: The Ghosts in the Room Band at Hawk's Mill Winery - Browntown
4-7: Tony Walker at Son Chasers Social Club LLC - Cassville
6: Badger State Tractor Pullers at Laf. Co. Fair - Darlington
8-1am: K.Sterling and the 85 Silver band - Wilton We**ie Days
8-1am: Rising Phoenix performing at Wa Du Shuda Days - New Lisbon
- Dusk: Fireworks

▪ Sunday, July 14th:
8-?: Cruisin' WI Car Show - Blanchardville
11-2: The Camp Douglas Vendor & Farmer's Market - Camp Douglas
11-5: "Whiskey's" Chicken BBQ at Whiskey Row Saloon,LLC - Avoca
1-4: Rianna Marie Music at Potosi Brewing Company - Potosi
3-6: The Resistors at Son Chaser's Social Club - Cassville
3-6: Shekinah King Music at Hawk's Mill Winery - Browntown
6-8: Tunes at Twilight Darlington, Wisconsin w/ Ron Lubbers Entertainment - Veterans Memorial Park
7: TNT Demolition Derby & Kids Power Wheels Competition at Laf. Co. Fair - Darlington

▪ Weekend Long Events:
Wa Du Shuda Days Festival (Fri & Sat) New Lisbon Area Chamber of Commerce
Lafayette County Fair (Fri-Sun) - Darlington
Wilton We**ie Days (Fri-Sun) - Wilton

07/12/2024

Thank you La Crosse Local for the shout out!! We're soooo excited to celebrate tomorrow July 13 Driftless Music Festival 2024 - VIROQUA

07/11/2024

We are Soooooo Thankful for our individual and business Sponsors Driftless Music Festival 2024 - VIROQUA We absolutely could not do it without you and your support means the world to us!! Thank you so much for believing in the power of live music and community! WE LOVE YOU!
Our business sponsors include -- Holistic Health Center METCO Viroqua Parks & Recreation City of Viroqua, WI - Government/City news. Viroqua Chamber. Citizens First Bank GFL Environmental Running Inc. Viroqua Area Foundations. Vernon Communications Cooperative. Organic Valley. --- and of course thank you to our individual community supporters! Let's have the best fest yet! See you July 13!

www.driftlessmucisfestival.com

07/11/2024

Whatever will I EAT at the Driftless Music Festival 2024 - VIROQUA this Saturday July 13?? Well - We have got you covered for lunch, supper and snacking in between! From tacos to gourmet grilled cheese to pizza to egg rolls to organic popcorn to gelato to cheese curds to calzones and.. and ...and...!! Vegetarian & GF options available as well. Local food vendors will be ready to serve at Noon!
Not only will the festival be a treat for your ears, but for your tummy as we well!!

RC Tacos
Grilled Cheese Incident
Udder Brothers' Creamery
Dave’s Pizza
Magpie Gelato
Plenty Viroqua
Cecelia's

More information on Food & Beverage offerings can be found at www.driftlessmusicfestival.com

07/10/2024

Driftless Music Festival History
Picture this...13 years ago - Joel and Charlie were having a casual lunch at the Driftless Cafe in Viroqua and Charlie says, "It sure would be nice if someone would close off Court Street and hold a music festival." Joel said, "you could do it!" Well, Glenn Drake was sitting at a table near them and said, "Hey fellas, I used to do security for a music festival in Pennsylvania count me in.”
(He was security until 2019.)

Later that month, the Viroqua music festival idea was still percolating and as Charlie was taking his daily walk through Eckhart Park he remembered how his father sang with the local barbershop group and played with the city band right there in in the park and how lovely it was. Looking at the big beautiful oak trees and the way the sun sifted through the trees - the idea morphed into having a music festival for the community at Eckhart Park. Charlie called his friend John Thompson; as he was a city council member and chairman of the Park and Rec Committee and says "Hey John, what do you think of this idea?" John said - "That sounds great, let's do it!
(Although the first year he forgot to tell Boone (parks and rec director...but we overcame that obstacle!)
The City of Viroqua has been a supporter since the start and we are so thankful! A couple ideas of what to name the festival were tossed around, including Charliefest (HA!) -- but Driftless Music Festival rose to the top of the list and has now become a name people recognize and look forward to every single year!

Ok - back to the history....
One year later, on the second Saturday in July of 2012 - the first Driftless Music Festival was held. The total budget was $5000. This paid for the bands, hospitality, fees, marketing, etc...the intention was to keep the festival Free and accessible to all - so donations from generous, supporting community members and local businesses was obtained to make this happen.
Fourthstream (an already established 501(c)3) was transferred over from Bill Neil and Tom Gullion. It took a year to get the non-profit reinstated, but it happened. The mission to bring live music and art to enhance the community in the heart of the Driftless has stayed the same.

That first year, Joel, a music lover and musician himself, was stage manager and Charlie directed traffic, cleaned bathrooms, pick up trash, etc. Around 500 people came to the first festival in 2012! Seeing all those smiles from the community and the joy that ensued when live music and community collides, was beyond inspiring - so they decided to do it again!
Year two, Charlie and Joel asked Bill Motlong to join the board and along with the thoughtful, intentional organizing, they started a strong and mighty volunteer force.
From 2013 to 2019, Charlie, Joel and Bill were the Driftless Music Festival dream team...working behind the scenes by organizing local food vendors, selecting top-notch bands from many different genres, volunteer coordination, working with the city, marketing, raising dollars, the works... Many pieces need to come together to put on an amazing music festival, as you can imagine!
Every year the attendance of the festival has grown, bringing our wonderful community together and out of town visitors of all ages enjoying Viroqua and the Driftless region.

In 2017, or so, Christina moved to town with her family and jumped right into the live music scene and community. With her previous work building up a music venue as an event coordinator, and as a musician herself, she was no stranger to this type of work...and was recruited to be on the Fourthstream board. Charlie, Bill and Joel showed her everything they did made the DMF magic happen year after year. They were always gracious with their time, generous with sharing their experience and open to new ideas.
With COVID in 2020 there was no festival that year as well as the following year of 2021.
Bill and Joel left the board, Charlie stayed with Christina.
Justin and Brandie, true Viroqua cultural entrepreneurs and community heroes, came on and have been serving on the board since 2022. Then Justin had an idea..."What if we could close off Court Street and have a music festival?" Well, that's when Live in Viroqua under Fourthstream was born. (SEE?! It IS happening on Court Street!)
Fourthstream now does both Driftless Music Festival in Eckhart Park (since 2012) and Live in Viroqua on Court Street (since 2022)...

Attached is a picture of the ORIGINAL Dream team, L to R, Joel, Charlie & Bill. THANK YOU!! Your work, passion, kindness and love for community and music will indeed carry us through for many years to come! Thank you for leading the way!

Christina, Justin, Brandie & Charlie are very excited to see you and bring you the Driftless Music Festival 2024 - VIROQUA this Saturday July 13! Live music all day 12pm-9pm...Eckhart Park Viroqua!
If you have the financial means and believe in our work, we will be accepting donations at the festival and online at www.driftlessmusicfestival.com - Together we can make the community we love to live in!

Lastly, here's a little something about what our non-profit aims to do...
FOURTHSTREAM (501c3) is committed to enriching the Driftless region through live music celebrations (such as Live in Viroqua and the Driftless Music Festival.) Our mission is to build community, celebrate culture, and foster economic vitality by providing high-quality, accessible live music and art experiences for all. Through collaboration, innovation, and a deep love for our Driftless region, we aim to create a thriving music scene that enhances the social fabric and inspires creativity in our community and beyond.

07/10/2024

And just as the sun drops down on Viroqua town July 13 - Rensa Fire 🔥 puts will deliver an unforgettable performance Driftless Music Festival 2024 - VIROQUA !!

Rensa Fire is a fire performance group based out of Viroqua, WI.

07/09/2024

Thanks for the mention Viroqua Chamber!! Let’s get Groovy!!

Every 1st & 3rd Saturday

07/09/2024

WOW! Headlining the fest Saturday July 13 is Davina and The Vagabonds 730-9pm at the Driftless Music Festival 2024 - VIROQUA !! You are going to LOVE LOVE LOVE this band!

Davina and The Vagabonds offer “a modern take on old-time blues and jazz” (PennLive). They’ve created a stir on the national music scene with their high-energy live shows, level A musicianship, sharp-dressed professionalism, and Davina’s commanding stage presence. With influences ranging from Fats Domino and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to Aretha Franklin and Tom Waits, the band is converting audiences one show at a time.

“Davina Sowers creates her own Americana mishmash — a little Amy Winehouse-worthy neo-soul there, a little Great American Songbook-influenced songcraft there…” – Rolling Stone

learn more at https://www.davinaandthevagabonds.com

Full festival line-up and details at www.driftlessmusicfestival.com

07/08/2024

YOU GUYS! Backyard Tire Fire will be pretty much in YOUR Backyard playing their alt rock-country-blues at Driftless Music Festival 2024 - VIROQUA??! It's true! 530-7pm - Eckhart Park Viroqua!
The rebirth of Backyard Tire Fire springs forth with an undeniable burst of musical energy, radiating a spirit of renewal, like a John Deere tractor turning over a patch of rich soil. And the musicians pack more passion into the material than a team of horses in their prime, eager to work. The recordings show how much bandmates Edward David Anderson, Matt Anderson, Scott Tipping and John Ganser are happy to play new songs together after a decade-long hiatus.

BTF were darlings of radio stations like Chicago’s WXRT-FM in the early 2000s. Grammy Award-winning producer Steve Berlin of Los Lobos produced their 2010 album, Good To Be. Johnny Hickman of Cracker compared them to Wilco. The music rings with crisp guitar tones, tight harmonies and pointed lyrics. Anderson and Tipping (The Mighty Blue Kings) create the core vibe with skillful guitar work. Anderson’s brother, Matt, plays bass with new guy Ganser (The Something Brothers) on drums. From the hard driving “House of Cards” to the country ballad “Truck Stop Shower,” the songs on Black Dirt Blue Sky make the new sound familiar and the familiar sound new.

Making the new sound familiar and the familiar sound new…
BTF has toured with everyone from Gov’t Mule to Rev Horton Heat and has played high profile festivals like Mountain Jam in NY & High Sierra in CA, which garnered the band critical praise and a national audience.
Their timeless music in the early aughts informs the present-day joyous energy…Comparisons to alt rock-country-blues Jay Farrar and Uncle Tupelo abound, BTF will nail you with a scorching ballad, then hammer you with a punk-tinged anthem. Backyard Tire Fire has also been lumped into the Drive By Truckers/Widespread Panic genre, what you might call tasteful Southern rock…and boy, we are in for a real treat!
More info: https://www.edwarddavidanderson.com/backyardtirefire

Full line-up at www.driftlessmusicfestival.com

07/08/2024

Thank you Hidden Valleys of Southwestern Wisconsin for the share of our festival this Saturday! It's to be a good one!! Driftless Music Festival 2024 - VIROQUA

The Driftless Music Festival
FREE concert
Saturday, July 13th
Eckhart Park, Viroqua WI

▪ Times & Lineup:
- Noon: South Street Band
- 1:30: The Freaks of Nature
- 3:30: Kommuna Lux
- 5:30: Backyard Tire Fire
- 7:30: Davina and The Vagabonds
- Dusk: Rensa Fire

▪ Food & Beverage Trucks:
- Udder Brothers' Creamery
- RC Tacos
- Magpie Gelato
- Dave’s Pizza
- Grilled Cheese Incident
- Cecilia's

Enjoy the musical performances, tasty food and good company!

07/07/2024

Tshirts!! Grab yours at the Fest Saturday July 13 in Eckhart Park!
They are super soft and breathable…This is the fun heather orange one, we also have them in Galapagos blue! See you soon!

07/02/2024

Recognize some of these cool cats from the Freaks of Nature?? They'll be playing at 1:30pm Saturday July 13 at the Driftless Music Festival 2024 - VIROQUA!

BAND SPOTLIGHT - and my goodness-- these fellas SHINE BRIGHT! The Freaks of Nature! 1:30pm, July 13 at the Driftless Music Festival 2024 - VIROQUA

The Freaks of Nature hail from the heart of the Driftless and the Kickapoo Valley...these local legends have had crowds dancing in the groove for over 25 years now! All seven of "the Freaks" are highly accomplished artists and musicians in their own right and when they come together, their talent and energy is a freakishly astounding experience! They play something for everyone -- Vibrant horns and harmonies, from global beat to soul and dub, jazz and jams, they bring a kinetic comfort that just makes your heart smile. The infectious joy they bring to their music is an experience to be shared. The Freaks of Nature are a wild rumpus on a summer day!
David Gibbs-horns, keys, vocals
Dave Bruce-vocals, guitar
Dave Ware-lead guitar, vocals
Adrian Hudson-bass
Clovis Larson-drums
Mickie Keeley-hand drums and vibes
Barry Jenson- horns
secret special guests....

Further fest details and full line-up can be found at www.driftlessmusicfestival.com

07/02/2024

BAND SPOTLIGHT - and my goodness-- these fellas SHINE BRIGHT! The Freaks of Nature! 1:30pm, July 13 at the Driftless Music Festival 2024 - VIROQUA

The Freaks of Nature hail from the heart of the Driftless and the Kickapoo Valley...these local legends have had crowds dancing in the groove for over 25 years now! All seven of "the Freaks" are highly accomplished artists and musicians in their own right and when they come together, their talent and energy is a freakishly astounding experience! They play something for everyone -- Vibrant horns and harmonies, from global beat to soul and dub, jazz and jams, they bring a kinetic comfort that just makes your heart smile. The infectious joy they bring to their music is an experience to be shared. The Freaks of Nature are a wild rumpus on a summer day!
David Gibbs-horns, keys, vocals
Dave Bruce-vocals, guitar
Dave Ware-lead guitar, vocals
Adrian Hudson-bass
Clovis Larson-drums
Mickie Keeley-hand drums and vibes
Barry Jenson- horns
secret special guests....

Further fest details and full line-up can be found at www.driftlessmusicfestival.com

07/01/2024

Ukrainian Band Featured at Driftless Music Festival

Bringing a highly popular band from the Ukraine to Vernon County, WI is no easy task. But, after contacting the Ukraine Ministry of Culture and Information and plowing through some international red tape, the Driftless Music Festival got it done.

The Ukrainian ensemble Komunna Lux is one of the featured bands at the 2024 Fest, which will be held in Eckhart Park, Viroqua on Saturday July 13. Kommuna Lux celebrates the heritage music of their beloved seaport hometown Odesa. As lead singer, Bagrat Tsurkan, says “In Odesa, people find togetherness. In Odesa, all will laugh and sing." The band validates those words, performing in an energetic and infectious style they call "Odesa Gangsta Folk.” Odesites have always been known for their great tolerance, easy-going lifestyle, and very special sense of humor, all of which translates well to the group’s music.

Since the War with Russia, Kommuna Lux has widely toured Europe to enthusiastic crowds, and has been fundraising for the people of Ukraine at its shows since 2022. In 2023, they raised $16,000 in donations on their first 2023 tour to the United States. All of the income they raise is funneled into a 501(c)3 charity, ensuring that 100% of funds received at their concerts are used to donate money and goods to agencies and people affected by Russian aggression.

To aid the band in its mission, the Driftless Music Festival will be donating a percentage of raffle proceeds to the charity. And Kommuna Lux will be accepting tax-deductible online donations on the website https://kmlx.org/

The Driftless Music Festival will run Saturday, July 13th from 12:00 noon until 9:00 PM, and is free to attend. Eckhart Park is located on East Decker Street in Viroqua, just a few blocks West of Main Street. In addition to a diverse lineup of live music, the festival offers a spacious lawn, a playground, shaded areas with Oak trees, and a picnic area. Local food vendors and a beer garden will also be available. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets for seating.

More information on the event is available at driftlessmusicfestival.com.
To learn more about the performers visit https://driftlessmusicfestival.com/bands-schedule.
Questions about the Festival can be directed to Christina Dollhausen at [email protected].

06/30/2024

Woohoo July 13th Viroqua! Driftless Music Festival 2024 - VIROQUA
Thanks Isthmus for the coverage!!

https://isthmus.com/events/driftless-music-festival/?occ_dtstart=2021-07-10t12%3A00f&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0Kz5CZcF37nb5xPSiXb0Rb1FoVyrn27EjOm298rTpk1KLsFjaHZHxQDm0_aem_bd0gmvCKDZ70tkb4MxUqNw

Annual event, noon-9 pm, 7/13, Eckhart Park, Viroqua, with South Street Band 1 p.m., Freaks of Nature 1:30 p.m., Kommuna Lux 3:30 p.m., Backyard Tire Fire, 5:30 p.m., Davina & the Vagabonds 7:30 p.m., Rensa Fire at dusk. Free.

06/25/2024

The MUSIC is what it's all about Driftless Music Festival 2024 - VIROQUA Saturday July 13th Eckhart Park!
Kicking off the festival at high noon in a groovy, jazzadelic way - is the South Street Band!

12pm - South Street Band

South Street Band is a collection of transplanted Viroquans, hailing from the east coast and midwest. Their sound is an instrumental blend of trance groove, jazzadelic epistles mixing obscure standards with lively originals.
frank wildingway on upright bass
Evan Blattner on drums
Jeff MIller on Tenor Saxophone
Mark King on flugelhorn
Jon Passi on keys and
Matt Shortridge on guitar.
Two of our members live on South St. thus the name.
Let's get grooving!

More information and full-line up can be found at www.driftlessmusicfestival.com

06/23/2024

Here’s a taste of Backyard Tire Fire ! July 13 at Driftless Music Festival 2024 - VIROQUA
The count down has begun and we’re incredibly excited to bring the musics and community love to you!
More info: www.driftlesmusicfestival.com

Provided to YouTube by The Orchard EnterprisesEstelle · Backyard Tire Fire · Edward AndersonGood to Be℗ 2009 Kelsey Street RecordsReleased on: 2010-02-16Prod...

06/19/2024

Do you or someone you know want to vend delicious foods on July 13? We had a vendor drop out last minute and looking to fill the spot or two. The Driftless Music Festival always has great attendance and a happy, hungry crowd! It's always a good day for a vendor/organization to raise funds. If there is interest email [email protected] or message us here! Please share and Thank you!!

06/17/2024

Have we told you lately how much WE LOVE YOU? And how much we love putting together this free live music festival for All to Enjoy?! Well we do!! Coming right up, that genuine Driftless love of giving and sharing will shine through Saturday July 13 at the Driftless Music Festival 2024 - VIROQUA. To bring that joy to our community takes not just time, but money too - and we would love if you considered giving some dollars to keep our festival...ahem, YOUR Driftless Music Festival Viroqua - Free for All! No amount is too small or too large and we would so appreciate your donation! Thank you so much for considering! We can't wait to see you soon...please share!
Here is the link to donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=AVF7LD69B45MN&source=url&ssrt=1718634263661

06/13/2024

Davina and The Vagabonds are not to be missed July 13 Driftless Music Festival 2024 - VIROQUA ! www.driftlessmusicfestival.com

06/11/2024

More good press! It’s going to a great day! Thanks Vernon Broadcaster

The Driftless Music Festival returns to Viroqua's Eckhart Park, Saturday, July 13.

06/11/2024

The count down has begun to July 13th! Thank you for the great coverage VernonReporter !!

VIROQUA, Wis. - Organizers for the Driftless Music Festival announced their lineup for the 2024 festival this week and it includes a wide variety of acts including the Ukrainian group Komunna Lux. The festival was started in 2012 and has become a staple of summer events for Viroqua and the…

07/11/2023

Thank you so much for bringing the Salsa & the SOUL Orquesta SalSoul Del Mad ! Wonderful!