Justin Bailey
Sitting on the banks of the Mississippi River, Red Wing, Minnesota boasts a modest population of around 16,500 people, about 3,000 fewer people than can fit inside the Target Center in Minneapolis. Because of this, residents of Red Wing are no stranger to the task of trekking into the Twin Cities or its surrounding areas to catch a concert. However, all of that changes next weekend, when Big Turn Music Fest takes over the city.
Referring to the sharp bend the Mississippi River takes as it flows through Red Wing, Big Turn Music Fest is kicking off its inaugural year next weekend. With over 100 bands performing at 18 different venues across the city, it’s unlike anything that has Red Wing has ever seen.
Featuring top performers from around the region, such as Porcupine, Caroline Smith, Heiruspecs, Toki Wright, and Jeremy Messersmith, Big Turn is going to be an incredible experience you don’t want to miss!
In preparation for the weekend, we sat down with one of the festival’s founders, Sam Brown, and asked him a few questions in an effort to learn as much as we could about this first-of-its-kind event!
MIM: Where did the idea come from?
Sam: I worked on some community events right out of college out in Salem, OR. That would be the direct antecedent. Then I moved from Oregon to Winona, MN where I started the Mid West Music Fest (MWMF) and I just always wanted to bring something large scale to my hometown.
MIM: Who are the people behind the making of Big Turn Music Fest?
Sam: Brooke Herling, Chris Warrington, Olivia Otterness, Hans Hovelson, Elly Williams, Adam Brown and myself. This group is our steering team. There are more helpers but this is the core group that meets weekly over video conference.
MIM: Explain the support you’ve received from the city of Red Wing.
Sam: It has been phenomenal, we’ve received more than $40,000 in grants from community-based foundations, the Sheldon (a city entity) has been super supportive and the Mayor is volunteering as a venue captain.
MIM: Has Red Wing hosted an event of this size before?
Sam: Not to my knowledge.
MIM: What is needed to prepare for an event like this?
Sam: There are many loose ends to tie up before the 16th. You need to keep your eye on the ball and not let small things get in the way of the big vision.
MIM: Why February?
Sam: Because we, as Midwesterners, still love live music, even if there is snow outside!
MIM: Please talk about Red Wing’s strong interest in celebrating music in their town.
Sam: Red Wing has long been considered an artistic community, with strong community theatre and visual arts. I think BTMF is going to fill a need or desire for live music in an unprecedented way.
MIM: Are all the artists on the bill Minnesota natives?
Sam: Not all of them, probably like 60-75{a43c2147d37bcf8b898f59ebaaf066dc60bd9fbfc7430ae40ed3f9adbaab469e} are from Minnesota.
MIM: How many venues will be participating?
Sam: Eighteen I believe… a couple are pop-up venues loosely affiliated with the fest (no wristband required).
MIM: What are the ticket options and prices?
Sam: $60 for VIP (hub access and pancake breakfast on 2/17)
$40 for a 2-day pass
$25 per day for a day pass.
All ticket prices go up by $10 if you wait until the weekend of the fest to purchase
MIM: Will there be food trucks?
Sam: No, we did not think this would be popular given the Winter. Not to mention economic development is a big part of the BTMF mission so we want to support local restaurants.
MIM: What separates this event from others?
Sam: The time of year. Many festivals build a stage in a field, this is not the model of the urban festivals that I have started.
Big Turn Music Fest is taking place next weekend, February 16th & 17th in Red Wing, Minnesota. Tickets and any and all information pertaining to the event can be found at BigTurnMusicFest.com.
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