Despite the threat of torrential rain, The Workshy branded their 80/35 performance a success. They left with optimism and experience, which they hoped would help them find new opportunities.

“I felt really great after the set. Everything went really well and we pulled it off without a hitch,” said guitarist Danny Kratzer.

The band was happy with their performance, and couldn’t complain about any major technical difficulties. The guys were surprised by how comfortable they felt onstage and how easy it was to adjust to the new venue: The biggest stage at the festival.

They said they had a good time, for the most part, and learned a lot from the experience; having the opportunity to reach out to a broader, more diverse fan base, as well as treat the fans that followed them there.

“We learned a little bit about how much production goes [in], because it was the first time we had to deal with stagehands. We’d dealt with sound guys and stuff, but we’d never really been a part of something like that before,” said bassist Jiho Han.

Overall, 80/35 offered many smaller bands the opportunity to participate in a major venue and get the exposure they work hard for. Other featured bands with Ames roots were Omega Dog and Christopher and the Conquered.

Music went on practically nonstop during the festival. At least one of the three stages had a performance going the entire weekend, even if the other stages were in-between sets.

The Greater Des Moines Music Coalition put forth effort to be green this summer. There were free 80/35-branded water bottles and refill stations that provided free, reusable hydration for attendees and even provided a complimentary bike valet service.

Among the other attractions were a few nonprofit organizations like Avoid the Stork — who made an appearance on the main stage — local churches and of course, merchandise stands.

80/35 also offered other experiences for attendees, ranging from foods, do-it-yourself crafts and other booths, which included giveaways and even a Japanese acupressure specialist.

A soft and somber monologue of rolling thunder preceded the headlining performance by Modest Mouse on Sunday. As the intermittent rain sliced through the colored spotlights, the crammed bodies of the pit pushed closer and closer as the show charged through the night. Almost everyone in the crowd was standing; perhaps due to the waterlogged lawn, or perhaps as a sign of the shared experience of a summer music festival.