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Cutline and Photos by Matt Schwenke Despite heavy rains that caused a change in venue just days before the festival and flooding that cut off major routes from the other side of the state, the first-ever Bandit County Fair Music Festival just south of La Crosse, WI drew more than 300 campers and festers from throughout the upper midwest for two nights of music centered around bluegrass along the Mississippi River.It took festival organizers The Smokin' Bandits and a crew of their friends to complete construction of the half-built permanent stage the day before the festival, but the sound was dialed in as the acts got going Friday and the lighting was adjusted in between acts. A host of volunteer staff helped keep the logistical side of things in check, and somewhere between the laid-back environment and all the sunny weather, all the bands turned in quality, and some even inspired, sets. |
Smokin' Bandits |
Fester |
Bombay |
Stealin' Strings |
Shoeless Revolution |
Two Many Banjos |
Festers |
Smokin' Bandits |
Fat Maw Rooney |
Chuff |
Smokin' Bandits |
Two Many Banjos |
Houses in Motion |
Down Lo |
Clock |
Paulie |
Shoeless Revolution |
Grounds |
Too Many Banjos |
Campgrounds |