Halfway Jam 2011 – What Rock is All About Pt. 1

***Initially Posted on RadioRiff.com***

Under the warm July sun, in an open field nestled between the crops just outside of the sleepy town of Royalton, MN, a transformation is taking place. A stage is erected, and speaker arrays are hung from lifts, where they will stay over the course of a week. Barrels are placed out for trash and vendors move trailers in with hopes of profit from the event to come. The grass is littered with giant empty wire spools to serve as makeshift tables, and an electricity begins to permeate the air. The Henry farm is about to play host to 3 days of rock and roll, focused on bringing back a bygone era of screaming guitars and carefree attitudes.

Halfway Jam is a young festival, having just completed it’s 7th year. The lineup, however, has become rich and full of talent. People are noticing, and numbers of attendees are increasing yearly. What once was a party for a few hundred friends has grown, and now attendance runs into 5 figures. It is a magical time for the festival, seeing it “turn the corner” from a small regional collection and hit that sweet spot between size and talent; keeping the close-to-home feel while bringing in nationally known acts.

Driving into the festival, it’s hard not to be struck by it’s certain charms when compared to the “big festivals” occurring elsewhere. The same faces attend the gates, and recognize yours. The entire setup is easily viewable and provides quick access to what the festival has to offer. The blue collar sensibilities of central Minnesota dominate, making for a mix of practicality and hospitality for everyone who comes. The production may not as yet be on the grand scale of the national fests, but it has a grass roots feel. Rock is the thing, as much of it as can be packed into each of the 3 days, and it is good.

The drive up to Halfway Jam (complete with an emergency recorder purchase in a Guitar Center and a share of traffic scares) ends pulling into the understated entrance off Highway 10 and parking in the traditional grass festival lots. Upon piling out of the vehicles, it’s immediately apparent that the party is in full swing. When Halfway Jam packs the schedule, they mean business. Two stages are alternating at all times, the Main Stage and the Rhino Deck. From noon until after midnight the sound never stops in the main areas, and is quickly picked up in the various campsites tucked into the woods behind the fest until the small hours. The stages stand opposite each other across a center clearing, and the audience merely has to turn and walk a short distance to continue their entertainment. For those who want as much music as they can get, it’s hard to beat this setup.

Around the main area are scattered various vendors selling their assortment of food and drinks, as well as a central beer tent to provide shade and libations for the festival crowd. Our group hustles backstage behind the main stage to begin trying to catch interviews and photos immediately, while still being able to listen quite well to the Rhino Deck bands. Backstage is already buzzing as well, with food and refreshments for staff and bands both, hemmed in by the trailers reserved for performers’ use during their stay at the fest.

The main stage acts on Thursday are scheduled to be heavy metal pioneers, Quiet Riot, followed by the closer, Firehouse. Thursday itself is new to Halfway Jam in 2011, the festival having previously been 2 days instead of 3. Even as an added day, the crowds are already gathering in force to hear one of the original kings of metal perform. Looking at the crowd, I can’t help but notice the increase in size even on a “new day”, as well as the enthusiasm. It’s a good sign for this weekend, and the festival as a whole.

Quiet Riot delivers. Their new singer, Mark Huff, belts out powerful vocals hitting the entire register of Kevin DuBrow. Mark is a humble man, overjoyed at the opportunity to play with one of the bands that were his musical heroes. You can tell in his actions during the performance that he relishes being on stage and is determined to give the fans their money’s worth. During the performance, Frank Banali delivers a short, but stirring tribute to DuBrow, calling for a moment of silence. Afterwards, the band crushes out some of their classics, finishing with passion and emotion.

The night ends with Firehouse. I am, admittedly, on the fence about Firehouse… rather I was. Backstage, they are an incredibly friendly and hospitable band with guitarist Bill Leverty more than willing to take pictures, interact and even interview. On stage they change my mind completely. This is not a band cashing in on previous stardom. These are hard working, dedicated performers who still roll out their tunes with gusto and power. Everything is high energy and filled with drive and zeal. Firehouse pulls the crowd into one enthusiastic roar after another, capping the night with a brilliant performance.

Afterwards, like every night, the woods behind the stage are filled with revelers who haven’t gotten enough out of their night as of yet. It seems everywhere one walks, there is one camp or another free with music and drinks for those walking by. The atmosphere is very non-exclusive, everyone seems a brother in rock, and all are willing to share in the good times. With the upcoming bands on days 2 and 3, this festival will only get better.