For the next three days, 200 acres of private property will be home to more than 30 bands, three stages, one circus tent, six vendors and an estimated 2,000 attendees. However, it only took one person to turn that dream into reality.
"So many people complain about having nothing to do in Muncie, and I used to be one of those people," Ball State alumnus James Nimmer said. "Then I decided to do something about it and throw a music festival."
After a successful debut last fall, Nimmer is providing the Muncie community with the second Wuhnurth outdoor music festival. The festival will take place at the Water Bowl, located seven miles from campus. Nimmer described the property as a "diamond in the rough," because of its natural amphitheater, beautiful scenery, campground and open fields to accommodate parking.
The Water Bowl is a private, family-owned property. However, Don and Barbara Irving have been allowing public access since 1957. The Irvings offer both membership and day admission opportunities, allowing camping access, swimming and other outdoor activities. Barbara Irving said she recognizes the Water Bowl's potential as an outdoor music venue and is happy to allow events such as Wuhnurth to take place on their property.
Nimmer attributes private donations and the efforts of countless volunteers to his ability to plan such a large event. More than 1,000 people attended the festival last year, and that number is estimated to double this weekend. Word spread quickly about Wuhnurth, resulting in more than 500 band submissions. Nimmer also put together a large street team, spanning all over the Midwest. The street team's promotional effort increased Wuhnurth's exposure nationwide, and tickets have been purchased from all over the country.
In an effort to transition Muncie into an arts- and entertainment-oriented community, Nimmer said he plans to continue Wuhnurth as an annual event to expand the local music scene.
Aside from his passion for live music and support of local artists, he is also an advocate of environmental awareness.
By combining his two passions, Nimmer said he hopes to spread environmental awareness through the festival and inspire attendees to do the same in their own communities. While selecting both entertainment and vendors for the festival, Nimmer took their dedication to environmental awareness into consideration. Only merchandise and food vendors that utilize eco-friendly materials and practices were chosen for Wuhnurth. In addition, the bands chosen to perform share Nimmer's advocacy in "going green" and encourage others to do the same.
"All the bands that are performing have either donated their performance completely, or have offered a generous discount," Nimmer said. "The majority of the bands that are performing are doing so for free, just to support the cause and help build the music scene."
Wuhnurth's lineup includes local, regional and national acts from an array of genres. The three headlining acts are The Kyle Hollingsworth Band (member of the String Cheese Incident), Cornmeal and Pnuma Trio. Local bands will also take the stage, including Midwest Hype, MC Sparkplug, Eight Stories High and Third Floor Meeting.
Shaggy Wonda kicks off the festival at 5 p.m. tonight, and the music will continue until late Sunday night.
Nimmer's dedication to improving the Muncie community doesn't end when the music stops. All proceeds from Wuhnurth will help fund next year's festival as well as a couple of Nimmer's environmental initiatives. His initiatives include plans to create more community gardens around Muncie and to educate local businesses on how they can "go green" by using more environmentally friendly materials and practices.
As Nimmer continues to dedicate countless hours to Wuhnurth, he remains optimistic.
"Two of my passions are going to live concerts and the environment, so I mixed the two together. I do it because it's fun," Nimmer said. "I do it because I want to make a difference around this community."
Information
Entertainment:
35+ bands and DJsLight showsFire dancersMini golfBeach volleyballCamping/tailgatingFood and merchandise vendors
Water Bowl address:6811 N. State Rd. 3. Muncie, IN 47302
Ticket Pricing Information:
Presale 3-day weekend pass: $30Gate price 3-day weekend pass: $40Gate price 1-day pass: $20
Presale tickets available at:
www.wuhnurth.com420 UndergroundWishbone GiftsVillage Green Records
(Band list/schedule- www.wuhnurth.com)
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
