First things first, have a look at the lineup! Mrs. Jones zigged and zagged across the Great Midwest to park her RV at Hinterland for the weekend. And it was worth every mile…
This festival is made up of great music but most of all the greatest people. The central location brought music lovers and families from Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City, South Dakota…. to a field in the middle of St. Charles, Iowa. Well mannered fun loving peoples! Every music festival has it’s vibe and the vibe at Hinterland was goodness all around, at least most of the time…
To VIP or not to VIP? Mrs. Jones, attempting to budget, made the mature decision to forgo the VIP this time and was slightly pissed off about it all weekend. The viewing area for VIP was large and directly on the front right of stage… but most importantly there was a big shade tent for everyone else to pine for. Us peasants were gathered under one big shade tree, or hiding back in the A/C RV. The venue is a well set up bowl amphitheater, only one stage but apparently there is a late night venue in the woods for the young and hearty! Also, every drink is $7.00 – very fair price compared to most. One of the best things about this venue is that the staff is really easygoing and you can leave in your car and do day trips, pick up ice, find cell reception, etc…
Another great detail about this location is that it is in Madison County, Iowa as in The Bridges of Madison County – and it’s loaded with historical covered bridges throughout the countryside to hike around and enjoy.
But most importantly, Mrs. Jones likes her music! And what discoveries did she find! The Dead South, a band from Saskatchewan, so unique and talented, really connecting with the audience… dressed like gentlemen regardless of the heat. Go see them!
And, going out on a limb here – if you haven’t seen Brandi Carlile, you should because she’s one of the best shows out there right now. Mrs. Jones has watched her perform enough times throughout the years to know that she has found her voice – she’s a rockstar! How cool can you make a three part harmony? Both Mr. and Mrs. Jones get a hall pass if we find her in our tent… just sayin’
Bring along a great blanket to sit on the hillside, and dear God if you bring one of those air chairs – do a little practice at home first… Watching folks wrestle with those things is pretty entertaining!
Goodbye beautiful Iowa! Mrs. Jones heads to the Badlands to try and be good… One shot of diet lemonade and off we go!
Mrs Jones on the Road 