Stormy weather won't stop the rock at Moondance Jam

George Fairbanks
The Pilot-Independent

1999

The weather may have caused the Moondance Jam grounds crew to work some serious overtime, but the weather has been unable to slow the Jam down.

The Jam is likely to continue its incredible growth pattern this year. Moondance Jam I drew around 500 people. Last year's Moondance Jam VII drew 50,000.

People are likely to come from all over the place to catch this year's Jam, which features acts like Hank Williams Jr. and Lynyrd Skynrd. Williams takes the stage on Friday night at 9 p.m. Skynyrd hits the stage after Williams at 11 p.m.

In addition to Williams and Skynyrd, nationally known acts like REO Speedwagon, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Cheap Trick, and many others will perform over the three-day event.

A new feature to this year's Jam is the Wednesday night Prejam warm-up party which begins at 7 p.m. and features Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels as well as regional acts.

Moondance Jam VIII will also feature greatly expanded parking areas and fairgrounds as well as wider gates. All this makes Jam developer Bill Bieloh confident that the event cannot be oversold. According to Bieloh, the Jam will be able to accomodate 25-30 percent more people than last year.

The Moondance Jam site is located seven miles east of Walker on Highway 200. Turn left onto Turtle Lake Township Road 46. Signs will be posted and parking is free at the Jam site.

The Jam camping area will open at 8 a.m. on Wednesday. The Jam camp sites are considered primitive with no running water or electrical hook-ups.