Photos and Article by: Casey Steinmiller

Zerkapalooza, a three night music festival held in Downtown Joplin, Missouri hosts a wide range of music from 80’s tribute music to tub-thumping hootenanny’s. It has something for everyone. The festival was created to help raise money for the city’s memorial hall building and revitalize its usage. It brought the community together and was a wild success.

On the main stage Members Only was the opener that kicked off the festival. An 80’s cover band based out of Springfield, MO. Members Only go all out with the hairband theatrics, longhaired ripped jeans, and lots of lights. They opened with a cover of Guns and Roses “Welcome to the Jungle” and played other songs like “Whip It” by Devo. The crowd was very energetic and excited, as everyone knew each song by heart. Who doesn’t love to re-live the 80’s?

On the Second day The Too’s, a local Garage Folk band, kicked things off, followed by several other local bands. Joplin’s very own Ben Miller Band closed the night, a “Mudstomp” group that showcases a bunch of fun instruments, from a washboard to a box guitar. After their set, many of the local bars continued the festival into the late hours of the night.

On the final day, Conway Jackson, Red Dirt inspired country-rock band opened up the main stage followed by 2 Steps Back, The Bo Phillips Band, and Corey Smith, another country artist. Other local musicians continued the party way into the night at local bars around downtown Joplin.

Overall, Zerkapalooza was a huge hit. The hope for the festival is to make it an annual event bringing in larger bands and a bigger crowd each time. Planning for next year has already commenced.

Read more about the festival here: http://www.zerkapalooza.com