From July 19-22, Detroit Lakes, MN will host the fourth annual the 10,000 Lakes Music Festival. In addition to performances by O.A.R., the String Cheese Incident, Umphrey’s McGee, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Keller Williams, Medeski Martin & Wood and the Everyone Orchestra, 10, 000 Lakes will serve as the final stop on Phil Lesh Friends summer tour. As of the now, the multi-band bill is also the final announced date on Trey Anastasio and Mike Gordons inaugural outing with the Duo. Below promoter Dan Shaw sits for five questions about his popular summer gathering.
*Do you have a favorite festival memory? *

Thats a tough one. Last years 10,000 Lakes Festival in general was really amazing. Dark Star Orchestra playing on the Barn Stage with a fat, full moon shining behind them was a great way to kick things off. And having Chris Kuroda twisting the lights around during Treys sets was amazing. Oh yeah, and in 2004 String Cheese hotwired my golf cart and disappeared into the forest for an afternoon. I like telling that story. The memories start to get jumbled together, but they mostly include lots of smiling and happy people and me being sunburned.

*Whats new this year? *

We have greatly expanded our campground merchant areas this year, including acoustic performance stages right next to the lakes and all kinds of activities and workshops all day long. The 10KLF General Stores are now open 24 hours a day with Wi-Fi, ice, fest merchandise, ATMs and camping supplies everything you need for a pleasant weekend. There is a new Disc Golf course this year, as well as golf-cart taxis, great food vendors and hundreds of artisans and merchants. The campgrounds end up being as fun as the shows.

*What performance are you personally most excited to see? *

Another tough one because this year is just about my personal dream lineup, but Phil Lesh for sure. It has been a dream of ours from day one, and now with all of the Trey/Phil/Mike/Duo collaborations going on and with both of their tours ending at 10,000 Lakes, I cant help but let my imagination run a little bit. I guess that most festival promoters are really failed rock stars at heart, so we are standing there during the second set with our jaws on the floor like everyone else. Phil, if you
happen to read this I would respectfully like to request Unbroken Chain. Thank you.
*Do you have any tips for fans? *

Be safe, be smart and be responsible for your own actions. A little common sense is all it takes for everyone to have a hassle-free experience. Minnesota is a very friendly place, and there is a great respect for the environment here. We ask that all of our guests be stewards of the land by helping us recycle and collect all garbage from the campgrounds. Whatever you do, take care of your shoes. And wear sunscreen and drink lots of water. And you should probably get some sleep, you look kind of tired. Amen.

*How has the festival grown over the years? *

As we head into our 4th year there are many familiar faces that we look forward to seeing, and the sense of family and community here has really expanded. Its becoming a tradition, which is exactly what we hope it will be. And with this experience we feel we can offer a better and better fest every year. The venue is second to none with wooded and lakeshore camping, multiple entrances for short lines, modern and permanent restroom/shower facilities with hot and cold running water, great sound and lights and a friendly staff. Theres plenty of room, so we hope well see everyone up at 10,000 Lakes.