Labor Day Music Jamboree set for Sept.
LEE ZION, EDITOR
HarrisonCountyTimes-Reporter
This Labor Day music jamboree will return to Missouri Valley for the third time. And who will be the breakout star, the headlining act? Maybe you!
“Rayne’s Muzic Fest” will be Sept. 4 through 7 at Missouri Valley Park. The weekend will feature raffles, dancing, musicians from nine states, vendors and more. All the events are free.
“It’s all by donation only,” said Rayne McGill, a local musician who stages the annual festival. “It’s a family event. No alcohol. It’s very friendly to everyone.”
Her event is different because there is no set schedule for performers. People sign up for a slot when they arrive, she said.
“It’s kind-of off that open mic concept,” said fellow organizer Dan Hoffman. “It’s a pretty informal set-up.”
Last year, about 400 people attended, about half of them musicians. This year, she expects similar numbers. A wide variety of genres will be represented.
“We’re always looking for new artists, younger artists,” Hoffman said.
The festival will be from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday through Monday. Those are the official hours; sometimes, smaller groups form and might play all night.
All levels of expertise are welcome; all ages are welcome. Sometimes, a child might come up to sing, and the musicians will back up the little one with “Baby Shark” or a hymn from church, Hoffman said.
Gospel music will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday. Another interesting challenge is the “Band Scramble.” Anyone who wants to join in must sign up before noon, and McGill will draw names from a hat at random. Musicians will have a few hours to practice, and then each group, composed of strangers, will perform, she said.
Sunday morning will be church, McGill said.
As an added attraction, a teepee village will set up at the park. The people who are part of this take on an 1820s lifestyle. On Saturday night, they invite everyone attending the event to a 1820s-style dinner, and cost is freewill donation only, McGill said.
For questions, call McGill at 712-642-4788.
