Moon Dance Strong

To say that Moon Dance 2019 faced its share of adversity is an understatement. Of course the WIJAM crew had an amazing lineup set for this years fest as they usually do, but the powers that be had other plans for this festival.

It started off with smooth sailing for these guys when they got the Travelin’ McCourys on the lineup as well as Marcus King Band, The Kitchen Dwellers and several other top-notch bands. Little did they know, this was the start to what would be a rough next few months leading up to the festival. Within a few weeks of announcing the lineup, the McCourys dropped out, leaving the guys without a headliner. Luckily they were able to secure Jeff Austin to headline the fest in place of the Travelin’ McCourys. Not long after they announced that JA would be headlining, the terrible and shocking news of Jeff Austin passing rocked the bluegrass community.

This now left the guys with holes in their hearts and a hole in the lineup. After much thought, hard work and dedication the guys were able to pull out a great lineup for the festival including a tribute to Jeff Austin.

Now that the guys had a secure line up they were ready to make to Moon Dance 2019 happen. The start of the festival went great, until Friday afternoon when the festival got hit by what felt like was a tornado. 80 mph winds and rain ravaged the main stage and the side stage. The sound and lighting equipment was destroyed. The festival was without power and without several bands to perform, including their headliner.

Because of low attendance, the storm, and losing several bands, WIJAM and Moon Dance Music Festival has taken a great loss.

I know that we, as a bluegrass community, can come together and help to make up for the terrible loss that was endured. So please consider donating to this cause. It would mean a lot.