On February 11, the cold and rainy weather was beginning to dampen the spirits here at Ideas in Motion Media. So, we began to dream of summer and about one of our favorite warm weather events: the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival. We talked about favorite candy and food booths, the fun floats parading down the street – we cannot wait to see what Donna Flanagin and the Flanagin Fairies have in store this year – and of course, the tunes.
Consequently, we asked our fellow Valpo residents in a Facebook post: “Who do you want to see on stage this year?” The responses we received were numerous, diverse, and full of excitement for the 39th annual event held September 9th.
In 2015, the bands playing at the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority stage were The Indigos, the Max Allen Band, The Crawpuppies, and Poi Dog Pondering. In 2016, Matthew Sweet, The Mudsharks, Planetary Blues, Digital Hair, and The Crawpuppies took the stage. This year Valpo residents called for bands and singers joined together in a set to mix it up.
Bryan Truitt said, “A quadruple set of The Crawpuppies, Anne Hills, Peter Frampton Solo and They Might Be Giants. Would be affordable and satisfy all tastes. Also, a lot of talent.” Julie Campbell Moore agreed saying “They Might be Giants would be fun. Try something different with Straight No Chaser.” The Straight No Chaser is a professional a cappella group, something more unique than what is typically seen at the festival.
Other commenters focused on the local bands and artists who sing in bars and restaurants throughout Northwest Indiana. These bands include Toni Clouse Mullins suggestion, “Stop, Drop, Rewind.” Dawn Czekala said, “I’d love to see all my favorite Region Bands! The Crawpuppies, Mr. Funnyman and NAWTY!”
Barbara Kruszynski-Rea told people to check out the local band called The Picks. “They play at The Track Lounge in Crown Point. I guarantee you will love them. Multi-talented,” she said.” Outside the region but local to the Midwest includes Kathy Houchen’s suggestion: “The Menus from Cincinnati. They are the best entertaining band that plays everything from Tom Petty, Frank Sinatra, fantastic! High Energy, changes into crazy costumes between sets!”
Nation-wide know bands that could be viable Valpo performers are the Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Steepwater Band, Local H, and singer Jackie Greene.
Other suggestions that may perform for Valpo’s festival… in our dreams… include: Ed Sheeran, Darius Rucker, The Who, John Mellencamp, Joss Stone, Iron Maiden, Twenty One Pilots and Blink-182. The Wallflowers would be enjoyed, as well as Los Lonely Boys, Bryan Adams, and Garth Brooks, the Valpo community said.
A few people called for Megadeath, while others yearned for Culture Club’s fun, pop tunes.
Tribute bands were also scrambled in the mix. Echoes of Pompeii, a Pink Floyd tribute and Christine Rains said, “Kashmir – Chicago’s Led Zeppelin Show…this town needs some Rock!”
The list of singers from country, to reggae, to Christian singers, to blow-your mind metal, are all enjoyed by the Valpo community. This post allowed us to catch a glimpse of what our neighbors are listening to on their home speakers on Saturday afternoons.
However, when the amplifiers are set up on the 2017 Popcorn Festival stage this summer, the community will be bobbing their heads along even if the band is not their first choice because they will be enjoying not only the tunes, but the special Northwest Indiana environment.
So, let’s hear from you. Who do you think would be awesome to see rock this year’s Popcorn Festival?