By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
Every year, Rockalooa gets a bit bigger, and this year promises to be no different as bands from across Kansas, Oklahoma and Colorado will descend upon Hays on Saturday, Sept. 21, in Municipal Park for a music event like no other in the area.
“It seems that every year we do it, there are more bands coming out,” said Matt Isley, organizer.
The event is an opportunity for bands to bring their musical talents to Hays.
“It’s a showcase that features local bands and other bands from regional hubs like Kansas City, Denver and Wichita,” Isley said. “It also features visual artists and food.
“It’s something interesting and out of the ordinary that people can enjoy in Hays,” he added.
This is the second year the event will be held outdoors after the event outgrew venues available in Hays.
“It will be 20 bands at the park and there is going to be an after show at the (Golden Q, 809 Ash), that’s going to be three bands,” Isley said.
While the event will feature several genres of music, rock will be the primary music showcased at the event.
“As the name suggests, it’s mostly rock music,” Isley said. “You’ve got indie rock, you’ve got harder rock, there are some covers in there.
“There are some other genres too,” he said. “We have some singer-songwriters, we have some folk music, there’s some hip-hop music, so it’s pretty diverse and a little bit of everything.”
After being involved in bands in the area, Isley created Rockalooa after seeing an opportunity to bring a music festival to Hays that is a draw in other cities across the state.
It also gives the bands exposure outside of the normal late-night scene at local bars and venues.
“I really feel like it’s a place for local bands have a place to be and showcase them in a light that isn’t just at the bar, on a larger platform than usual,” Isley said.
Outside of the musical acts, art vendors use Rockalooa as a way to showcase their work.
“They are showing art, they are selling art,” Isley said. “You can buy big, nice paintings or you can buy prints of the paintings. There are all kinds of things that people bring out.
“Local artist can show off a little bit and promote their thing,” he said, noting it’s not just visual artists that will be there, but jewelers and handmade bookbinders have been apart of previous events.
Some local organizations also use the event as a fundraising platform through games or sales, Isley said.
While the music will likely appeal to a young adult crowd, Rockalooa will be a family-friendly event.
“It’s all ages, and there are kids activities,” Isley said. “Kids under 10 will get in free with a parent or guardian.”
For more about the show, volunteer, or buy tickets visit rockhays.com.
Tickets are also available at local Cervs locations, the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the downtown visitors center.
