The ninth annual 80/35 musical festival starts today in Des Moines. The two-day event in Western Gateway Park features nearly 40 local and national acts.
80/35 project manager Amedeo Rossi of the Des Moines Music Coalition handles much of the booking.
Rossi says he likes bringing interesting musicians to Des Moines, who have yet to tour in central Iowa.
"That’s kind of the purpose of the festival, in part. One is to bring in these acts that maybe haven’t been paying attention to us. A lot of them return," says Rossi. "And then, you know, giving a hand up to a lot of the local and regional acts to help build what they’re doing."
Rossi notes that headliners Nas and the Decemberists will be making their Des Moines-debut this weekend. About 15,000 people are expected to attend both days of the festival.