It's a big fundraiser for Youth Go, but with this gusto it's not out of fear.
The Neenah nonprofit known for having an annual haunted house in the fall that serves as a major fundraiser will get a boost this weekend without the help of ghosts and ghouls. The sixth annual Midwest Sunsplash music festival, with a little help from the July sun, will bring hordes of happy patrons to Main Street in Menasha for two days of summer fun.
Founded in 2013 by Kay Halbrook and Pita Katobalavu (of Unity the Band), the festive community festival is in its second year supporting Youth Go, a free after-school center in Neenah that provides a safe gathering space and opportunities for underserved and students at risk.
While admission to the festival is free, money raised from ID wristbands, soft drink and water sales and a portion of food sales will help Youth Go carry out its year-round mission.
Youth Go Executive Director Kelly Hicks said the opportunity to partner with an event like Midwest Sunsplash is important because it not only helps raise money for their program, but also gets their name in front of thousands of people in Menasha. (Although Youth Go is based in Neenah, they serve children and teens in Menasha as well.)
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Hicks said last year the proceeds were about half of what was raised during the three-week haunted house, the biggest fundraiser of the year. For this year's expanded event, Halbrook said she's hoping for an increase for 2018.
Here's a little more about what you should know before you go.
HISTORY: While this is the sixth Midwest Sunsplash, it's really the second in this format. The event originally started as primarily a private outdoor party with live music at Willie Beamons Bar and Grill. After two years there, he moved to Tustin Shores in Fremont and was then stationed in Sister Bay.
For 2017, organizers moved it back to the Fox Cities and made the connection with Youth Go. Last year's event was a one-day party at Curtis Reed Square in Menasha and was so successful that it has been expanded for this round.
Part of Midwest Sunsplash's ethos is diversity. Co-founder in person of Unity the Band, the Fox Cities' most prominent reggae group, Katobalavu ensures that the artist lineup includes a mix of musicians of different backgrounds and styles. Beyond the party and fundraising, the goal is to bring the people of the Fox Cities together.
“The community is becoming more diverse and we want people to feel accepted,” Halbrook said.
THIS TIME: Midwest Sunsplash is now a two-day event and again is a benefit for Youth Go. Friday's activities run from 5 to 11 p.m. There will be three musical acts on stage at Curtis Reed Plaza, and four Northeast Wisconsin breweries — Fifth Ward Brewing Co., Lion's Tail Brewing Co., Emprize Brew Mill and Stone Arch Brew House — will be on hand for an evening of tastings.
An after party is planned at the Attic, 200 Main St., beginning at 9 p.m. It's a techno night with DJs B. West and Lance Matthews. There is a $5 cover charge and it is open to all ages.
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Saturday is the all-out blitz, with 16 acts on three stages. The night-closer is a set from 8 to 10.30pm by Unity the Band. On and around Main Street there will be approximately 40 vendors of all kinds, including food trucks, drinks, artists and more.
The Saturday after party is a disco drag show at the Attic called “Milwaukee Divas, Sashay Away!” Tickets for the 21 and over show are $30. It will be hosted by DJ Mixchief. Doors open at 9pm and the show starts at 10am.
WHAT ELSE? The event will be held rain or shine. As of early in the week, the National Weather Service is calling for temperatures in the 70s with partly cloudy skies — so nearly ideal for many festival-goers.
The festival will be held on Main Street from Racine Street to Mill Street. It will also make use of the Faith Technologies parking lot.
Hand luggage is not allowed. (There will be plenty of food and drink vendors around.)
For more information, visit midwestsunsplash.org or find Midwest Sunsplash on Facebook.
MUSICAL DEVICE
Friday
Curtis Reed Plaza
5-5:50pm: Appleton Rock School
6-7:30pm: The Dirty Martinis
8-10:30pm: Ask your mother
SATURDAY
Curtis Reed Plaza
Noon-1:40pm: Copper Box
2-3:40 p.m.: The Swingin' Johnsons
4-5:40pm: Soul Symmetry
6-7:50 p.m.: J-Council
Mills Street
Noon-12:40pm: Kurt Stein's School of Music
12:50-1:50pm: Jody Gaines
2-3pm: The Band Eden
3:20-4:30pm: Green Screen Kings
4:40-6:10 pm: The Chocolatiers
6:30-8pm: FEATherWOLF
Racine Street
Noon-1:30pm: Bobby Evans
1:50-3:20pm: Miss Molly
3:50-5:20pm: Art of Ill Fusion
5:50-7:20 pm: Salsa Manzana
7:30-7:50pm: Appleton Rock School
8-10:30 p.m.: Unity the Band
