The Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival begins June 7. Chat with organizer Brett Mosiman about this year’s event.

topflight

80 arrests is a pretty small number when you are talking 15,000 plus festival goers. My questions is this. Do you think Law Enforcement should just turn a blind eye to the MAJOR amoung of illegal drugs being used? Should this festival be termed a free for all for theses drug users?

topflight

Mr. Mosiman, have you actually walked around the festival and seen the amount of illegal drug use and drug transactions going on? Would you let you child go to this festival?

mike_blur

Mr. Mosiman, thanks for hearing my concern. Please address the somewhat wordy, yet succinct question I’ve outlined below.

from the Friday, Sept 15 issue of the LJW comes this quote:
“At least a month before the festival began, (Clinton State Park manager Jerry Schecher) said, promoter Brett Mosiman was notified of the plan for security cameras. Mosiman did not return phone calls Thursday seeking comment.”

Then you break out with a quote attributed to you: (9/22 LJW chat)
“Brett Mosiman: I personally found out about the hitech surveillance stuff when I read the article last friday.”

So, which one is it? Did you have advance knowledge of the “hitech surveillance stuff” a week before Wakfest as Mr. Schecher asserts, or will you claim no knowledge about the surveillance until September?

Will you call Mr. Schecher a liar if you feel that his comment about Wakfest camera presence last year was untruthful?

mike_blur

In addition, to clarify the air, have you, Mr. Mosiman, as of right now, been notified by anyone in any law enforcement capacity, or anyone in any sort of supervisory capacity over Kansas state parks, of the presence of technology-enhanced visual surveillance at this year’s Wakarusa fest?

(Off-the-record to moderator–you may hold this question toward the end of the chat.)

booze_buds_03

Can you explain how the law enforcement will be “kinder and gentler” or more peaceful than in years past. That is a strong statement and if this turns out to not be the case, I think all the trust that you had to regain from many annual attendees will be lost forever.

stubby493

what will security for single day concert goes be like, and where will be parking for singe day?

bullistic

What can Lawrence citizens do about the unwanted hippies that plague our downtown asking for money?

I think that the checkpoints last year were justified. I don’t mind having the concert, I just don’t like having to deal with the bad elements that come with it.

imastinker

I see that this year the LPD will not be taking an active role in security and law enforcement for the festival. What is the festival doing to ensure that people are safe and drug use isn’t rampant this year? Should patrons feel less secure than they did last year?

ike1519

Can you tell us if there will be as many departments of law enforcement as there was last year and if you have done anything with all of them as to ensure not only our safety, but our rights?

Neal

Hello Brett. What sort of communication have you had in the final stages with the security and highway patrol and the police that will be patrolling the festival this year e.g. how is it all going to differ this year?

milehighhawk

Is the director of security john langestein or someone else from the phish crew?

bogmonkey

Brett, what kind of environmental cleanup takes place after the festival? Does Wakarusa leave much of a footprint after the event is over?

hpguy85

What bands are you most excited to see this year??? Again, congrats on the great lineup, this is my second year and will not be the last. Youve put together one of the greatest festivals in the country. Thank you for what you’ve done for this scene. It is appreciated and will be forever remembered.

Neal

What does this statement from KCTV5’s website mean, under the title “Less aggressive security planned”, “We are trying to be more courteous, more responsive. We have also amped up our security forces so it will be a safer event for everybody,” he (you) said?

topflight

Would you like to address the large amount of illegal drug use in the festival? And, what do you expect Law enforcement to do, ignore it?

trent00

Who was responsible for placing the hidden cameras on the street that was designated as “Shake down street” last year?

WereAllMonkeys

It seems to me that Omega and MegaKeggar were the inspiration for Wakarusa, is correct and are there any plans to pay homage to those two great Lawrence events?

Spearhead555

thanx for the reply….best of luck to you brett. and thanx for putting this festival on. it makes my summer.

Spearhead555

what’s your favorite Dead song?

wakarappa

Is it true that the new belgium beer being served will not be the same abv as the original recipe because of state laws? Is Kansas a 3.2 abv state?

100ProofDrummer

I play for a reggae, skaish group called 100 Proof. Someone from lawrence told us to ask if you had any open spots for bands. Seeing as how I don’t know how to go about getting in any earlier. I was wondering if you had any bands cancel?
If so I can replace them for up to 4 hours if neccessary. You can contact me at 479 544 6389 My name is Rick, I’m with 100 Proof inc. Hopefully you have a spot. thanks for you time mr mosiman

Spearhead555

what were offical ticket sales for ’04 – ’05 – ’06? just curious…

100ProofDrummer

how do I get on this list for next year.
I sent a press pack already. Do you need me to send one to the bottleneck? I’ve always wanted to be a part of wakarusa.
Please tell me how, I dream of playing a festival such as yours. I promise we are worth the time to check us out. Thanks
Rick – 100 Proof inc.

jayhonk

How is the high lake level going to effect the swimming area? And, what other impacts will the wet Spring have?

wakarappa

Will there be a special park entrance for VIP’s, or will it be first come, first served? Also what kinds of snacks will be offered outside of the catered meals and is it 24 hours service?

Moderator

Greetings chatters. I’m Jon Niccum, Entertainment Editor of the Lawrence Journal-World, and I’ll be moderating this chat. Please welcome Brett Mosiman, organizer and founder of the Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival.

Brett Mosiman

good day
beautiful people

alm77

Brett, I’m wondering how you can assure festival goers that the security will be “kinder, gentler and more respectful” when you have no control over what the county police can do on public land? It is my understanding that you had no knowledge of their undercover work last year. How do you plan to keep the promises you’re making this year?

Kudos on hiring a seasoned Director of Security. You’re definitely making steps in the right direction.

Brett Mosiman

We have worked very hard all year to address concerns like this. We have implemented several new programs to the festival like St Bernards, Serenity and new security director and we have also done extensive training with all of our security. We have spent a fair amount of time working with Law Enforcement also to create a safer and friendlier event. i am confident that that will take place this year.

Neal

There was an online chat a few weeks ago with a police officer who never really said how they will be patrolling the festival. Do you have any information on that front for any festival goers? Plus, is there going to be a huge shakedown for glass containers this year? Where did all of those glass containers go from last year?

Brett Mosiman

I can’t tell you about conviscated items from last year but we will have relaxed enforcement of the parks regular glass policy this year. We have been told that there will not be ATV’s in the campground (big plus). I believe most LE will be on foot, in golf carts or in their primary vehicles.’

sibkiss

I am interested in helping out the event planner of the festival, to learn more about the event planning careers. I have done some association meeting planning and other social events, but am interested in learning how to organize and assist the manager of more events that feature entertainment, so are there any paid positions open for an assistant?

Brett Mosiman

In general, contact the festival at info@wakarusa.com. There are hundreds of paying postions every year. We are covered for this year however.

slowburn

Hey Brett, thanks for bringing this whole shindig to Lawrence… What act(s) are you most looking forward to seeing?

Brett Mosiman

I (like almost everyone of our staff) am a huge music fan. Some of my most anticipated acts:
Citizen Cope, Ben Harper, Son Volt, Sam Bush, New Mastersounds, Tangleweed, Yonder Mountain, Ozric Tentacles, Grace Potter, John Butler Trio……….Way too many to name.

The_Original_Bob

Why did you all remove one of the main stages this year?

Brett Mosiman

There were several considerations that went into that. Sound bleed between the two main stages was an issue. Competition between headlining acts & cost were also considerations.
We also wanted to add true headliners – which we did (Ben Harper & Widespread Panic). Also, the fans really love the covered stages for overall comfort – so Sun Up was sent to pasture and we added the Prairie stage and have expanded the Homegrown and Campground stages too.

drewfuss

If you could choose any active band, who would be your ideal Waka headliner? As far as selling tix and putting on a great show, who has been the best act in the festival’s rather short history?

Brett Mosiman

I think to date Wilco, String Cheese & Flaming Lips have been our most anticipated acts. We certainly feel Ben Harper and Widespread join that list this year. I would say Neil Young is my dream headliner. Come on Neil – come to Kansas!

Spearhead555

good day to you Brett and Jon. i am attending my 4th wakarusa fest this year and wonder how the St. Bernards are going to stop police hassling of folks on the grounds? i ask this because i roll my own smokes, and last year as i sat in the main concert field rolling a cig, 2 officers rolled right up and demanded i hand it over. they then demanded i empty my pockets, found nothing, then left, visibly upset i was not breaking the law. this was an isolated incident and i dont feel everybody was treated this way.

as Waka staff, you are all required to say—“We have spent a fair amount of time working with Law Enforcement also to create a safer and friendlier event” what does that actually mean to us? it’s not a guarantee and it would be foolish to think it was. it being a state park, the police can really do what they want, and not keep their word if they so choose. do you think they will?

lastly, i hate to dwell on the negative only. just had to ask.

everything else about Waka is what makes it a blissful weekend for me. you are doing everything right for me as far as a festival goes. i cant wait to see the changes you have implemented this year. see you then….

Brett Mosiman

I have been at the LE meetings this year and the message has been one of customer service not confrontation. If you have a negative experience the St Bernard’s and info desks are there for you to let us know about it and we want to know. But I am very confident that the atmosphere of the festival will be very much improved this year.

wakarappa

Hi Brett, thanks to you and your team for all of your hard work. We’re very much looking forward to our experience at the festival. This is our only large fest of the summer and we chose Wakarusa because of the stellar lineup including MMW and The Motet, as well as Obsidian’s Dream from Iowa. We’ll be in VIP, what extras make this ticket classification so special?

Brett Mosiman

We think VIP is the ultimate weekend. Included are meals, beverages, snacks throughout the event. You also get front row viewing, concert field camping, private air conditioned restrooms, free showers, a welcome/goodie bag and on and on. New this year is a single day VIP which I highly recommend if you can’t join us for 4 days.

Zubunation

So what’s the weather forecast for Lawrence that weekend? Does the Dopplar 8 Ball know yet?

Brett Mosiman

Weather is a state of mind. I’m sure it will be outstanding. The park is lush and beautiful as we speak. Avg temps – low 80’s in the daytime and low 60’s at night are expected.

sustainabilitysister

Hi Brett. I saw that the Wakarus Festival was a sponsor at the Lawrence sustainability meeting. What are you doing to make the festival more eco-friendly?

Brett Mosiman

We are in a state park and want to be invited back each year so we have always had a “leave no trace” mentality. Since year one, we have recycled. Last year we added elements like offsetting our power consumption totally with renewable energy credits. This year we are using biodiesel in all generators and biodegradable silverware for the vendors and implemented a cool reusable cup program with New Belgium who has been a big inspiration to us to fully explore all the sustainability angles for the festival. Also new this year, we are presenting several world class speakers on varuious sustainability topics. Counsult your program. We hope to be a beacon in our community and add more elements of sustainability to our event as we go forward.

sunflower5

My child is 11 & I was wondering what activities including day/times are planned for kids his age?

Brett Mosiman

First, this is a family friendly event and kids under 12 are free. The park has trails, beaches, disc golf etc. There is a marina and lake so boating & fishing are available. Lawrence Arts Center is handling our children’s tent and activities tent with lots of fun stuff there too.

marco23

How are ticket sales doing this year compared to Waka’s 1-3?

Brett Mosiman

Ticket sales are good – although we are slightly down from last year we are ahead of 2 years ago. I’m not sure anyone came the first year.

HippieStudent

Hey Brett, first of all thank you for taking time out of your certainly busy day to talk. I have two questions, first in terms of arrival what will the security searches consist of, and also how will our campsite location be determined if we are general campers, will we just take the next available spot or will we have flexibility?

Brett Mosiman

You will be searched by festival staff for banned items (fireworks, pets, weapons) like any other concert. This is for everyone’s safety. As far as campsites – we do park those in an organized way so it is not a free for all.

dwave

When will the gates open for general camping? I have heard conflicting reports of 12:01AM and 8:00am Thursday.

Brett Mosiman

Basically, if you arrive after 12:01 thursday AM you will not be turned away. There will not be roadside parking allowed this year so don’t show up before then. We don’t anticipate any long waits or long lines this year as we have tripled the entrance capacity from last year.

100ProofDrummer

Mr mosiman have you had any cancelations from bands?

Brett Mosiman

Like every year, there are a few cancellations. Just the odds of booking nearly 125 bands. This year the only two I can think of are Grant Lee Phillips and Alejandro Escovedo both of which hope to be back next year.
BTW We added Great American Taxi (feat Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon) and Luna Angel to replace those bands which are stellar additions.

spencident22

My band is playing on Thursday
many have asked,
“Why is the Festival not selling single day thursday passes?”

Brett Mosiman

You will be able to get a single day thursday pass at our box office. We don’t advertise this but it is the same policy as previous years.

The_Original_Bob

Bottles are allowed this year but there is still that ridiculous 3.2% rule. As you know, for the most part only domestic cold beer comes in bottles. Is the rule relaxed this year where we can bring in craft/import beers and I dunno, Jim Beam?

Brett Mosiman

I do not believe that will be a point of enphasis this year. I agree with you. We need to put pressure on our legislators to fix some of these archaic laws.

nickmc

Will the state troopers search cars on the way into the festival like last year?

Brett Mosiman

NO

statelax

I am coordinating a big group of old friends coming to the festival. Can you give us a little more detail on who will be accepting credit cards at the festival?? I assume the merch stands (T shirts, posters, etc) will but what about beer stands within the festival, food stands, etc. I have told everyone cash is key, but any feedback would help us as we plan!

Brett Mosiman

The box office, merch stand, 24hr general store and a beer booth or two will have credit card acceptance. We will also have several ATM’s on site for yur convenience.

100ProofDrummer

If we just show up could we play if another band cancels? I’m just goin out on a limb here

Brett Mosiman

Doubtful, as there is a long list of acts that have been on such a list,
but we encourage you to play your hearts out in the campground as long as you are respectful to your neighbors.

WereAllMonkeys

Another family question, there has been a familay area to camp, without extra charge, it was really made smaller last year, is the family camping area going to be there this year?

Brett Mosiman

yes
Family camping is available in campground 3. Just tell your friendly parking attendent you want to go there. It has expanded quiet hours and should have plenty of room to acommodate you.

wakarappa

With the installation of a surrounding fence, will this inhibit police to spy from inside the trees? Also with the new St. Bernard program will the police be escorted around the facility by the new security program? What preesence will the state, local and sheriffs offices have in regards to this year’s festival?

Brett Mosiman

There will be no spying. Our concert field fences are there for safety and security and have always been there. LE will patrol the event and the park and have a positive presence that we all will appreciate in keeping the event safe and secure.

albarton

Why do guy hippies wear man-skirts?

Brett Mosiman

better air circulation for the lack of underpants????????????????????
scottish heritage???????????????????????????
because they can!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Moderator

Thanks to Brett Mosiman for spending time with us chatting. And apologies to our readers if we didn’t get to your questions. We received far more questions than we have time for replyng to them. Join Mr. Mosiman and Wakarusa a week from today. Brett, any final words?

Brett Mosiman

Come and have the time of your life at our little world class event.

If you have any other questions you can always email us at info@wakarusa.com and we’ll try to respond.

See you at the festival!