Moondance Jam to honor service members

by Dean Morrill, Editor
The Pilot-Independent

Friday, July 12th, 2002

Thousands of jammers are expected to flock to the Walker area this week for the 11th annual Moondance Jam.

Jam promoter and owner Bill Bieloh said despite Sunday's rainfall, the site is in great shape. He is also pleased with the weather outlook for the four days of the Jam. Weathermen have predicted sunny and low humidity over the course of the Jam.

The theme for the 11th annual Jam is red, white and blue. There will be a special video clip recognizing Armed Service members from the area.

Bieloh is also working on a flyover the Navy Blue Angels or the Air Force Thunderbirds. The flyover, if it is approved by the Pentagon, will take place Saturday night between 7 and 8 p.m.
Moondance Jam has also joined forces with the Walker American Legion by supporting Operation Hometown Proud. Bieloh is supporting the efforts of the War of Terrorism by forming the Moondance Jam Army. The goal is to raise $10,000 to purchase items for the adopted soldiers in Afghanistan.

As far as music goes, the Jam will feature 16 national acts and 24 regional acts.

Bieloh, who has made it his mission to bring the best bands he can to the Jam, has a lineup that he considers to be the best ever.

The first day will feature Gary Puckett, Paul Revere & The Raiders, The Little River Band and .38 Special. Thursday night Black Oak Arkansas, Gin Blossoms, STYX and Meat Loaf and Friends will perform. Gypsy, Indigenous, Blondie and Journey will play Friday, while Loverboy, DIO, Deep Purple and the Scorpions take the stage Saturday.

Regional bands like Mountain Ash, The Mighty and Cold Front will make appearances while The Ramona Fritz Band, King Me, Incognito and The Mighty Roostas will also perform.
Local acts will be playing both the main stage and the VIP tent.

The festival area will feature the largest ever stage to appear at the Jam. The 140-by-80 foot stage features another 180 cans of lighting over the old stage.

Bieloh said the music will be flown rather than projected as well. This change will help keep the sound from traveling as far and will also produce a higher quality sound.

Camping is still available in the general camping area. About 700 to 800 units are still open.

Bieloh said Monday that there are one-day and four-day tickets still available. Tickets can be purchased at the gate at press time.