Lollapalooza ’96 has been titled Continuing In The Fine Tradition Of Delivering What You Least Expect, a theme perfectly matching the surprising bill scheduled to tour this summer.

“Last year the first artists signed were Sonic Youth, Pavement and Beck, and we were criticized that the line-up was all Indie rock,” co-organizer Marc Geiger said in recent press release. “This year the initial reaction was that it was all hard rock. Since we’ve announced more of the attractions, it’s obvious the festival is just as much in the Lollapalooza spirit as ever.”

The spirit of Lollapalooza began when Geiger (then a booking agent), agent Don Muller, Perry Farrell (then singer of Jane’s Addiction) and Farrell’s manager Ted Gardner made a visit to England’s Reading Music Festival. The foursome were so impressed they decided to replicate the idea in America, but have it travel from city to city.

“We never dreamed it would develop into as large as a thing as it has… and continues to be,” Geiger said.

Since then, Lollapalooza has aided in the development of such acts as Nine Inch Nails, Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, Beastie Boys, Hole, Tool, Ice T, Ministry, Beck and Primus, among a massive list of others. Farrell’s own Jane’s Addiction played the first Lollapalooza but has since given up his duties as co-organizer.

Lollapalooza also established the Lollapalooza Fund in 1992, which has given support to organizations and causes such as the homeless, rain forest protection and AIDS. Lollapalooza Fund ’96 will be creating the first-ever fund specifically to support community development as it relates to emerging technology.

Central Iowa’s KKDM has contributed to this cause with their efforts to encourage internet users. Numerous booths will be set-up at Lollapalooza allowing concert-goers a chance to become educated on computer technology.

Lollapalooza’s technology focus has also allowed fans direct access to virtually every element of the festival via their website (http://lollapalooza.com). Cyberspace has also been used for the first time ever as a ticket sales tool.

Among non-profit organizations working hand-in-hand with Lollapalooza is the San Francisco based H.E.A.R. (Hearing Education and Awareness for Rockers). H.E.A.R. has donated 60,000 ear plugs for local radio stations to hand out at their booths.

Although Lollapalooza’s characteristic of other activities and attractions, the main focus of ’96 hails on the Main Stage acts of Metallica, Soundgarden, The Ramones, Rancid, Screaming Trees, The Shaolin Monks and Psychotica.

The theatrical Patrick Briggs with his Manhattan-based Psychotica kicks off the festival with a scheduled 2 p.m. performance. Psychotica marks the first act to hit Lollapalooza’s Main Stage before releasing a record.

Washington’s Screaming Trees, supporting their latest release Dust, follow Psychotica with their pioneering grunge sound lead by baritone singer Mark Lanegan. The long-awaited follow up to Sweet Oblivion came out in stores Tuesday.

The Shaolin Monks bring the first ever religious ceremony to the Main Stage, while Rancid follows with their hard-thriving punk routine. Punk founding fathers The Ramones make their final mark on the Lollapalooza Main Stage, supporting their semi-recent album Adios Amigos.

New to Lollapalooza is the special guest slot, which brings legendary country singer Waylon Jennings to Des Moines. Jennings, who’s recorded well-over 50 albums, is most known for his voice-overs and theme song recording for The Dukes Of Hazard.

Returning to Lollapalooza for the second time is Seattle’s grunge pioneering quartet, Soundgarden. Fresh off the release of Down On The Upside, Chris Cornell and crew bring Lollapalooza a dose of the festival’s founding musical style.

Headlining Lollapalooza ’96 is the world-renowned Metallica. The Grammy award-winning heavy metal act set a record with their last tour, reaching out to 202 cities in 37 countries. Metallica’s touring in support of their latest release Load.

Second Stage acts coming to Des Moines include Girls Against Boys, Ben Folds Five, Ruby, Cornershop, You Am I and The Beth Hart Band. Both Ruby and Ben Folds Five have received considerable air play on alternative stations in the Midwest.

Also new to Lollapalooza this year is the Indie Stage. California’s Chune and Lutefisk are scheduled to play in Des Moines as well as Moonshake and Capsize 7. According to organizers, the Indie Stage is taking on the role the Second Stage had two years ago.

Lollapalooza will play 25 dates throughout the United States and Canada with estimated audiences of between 35,000 to 50,000 people. The festival runs through July and into the first week of August. The tour will catapult from the wide-open expanses of Longview Lake in Kansas City, Missouri today.

“Staging an event of Lollapalooza ’96’s magnitude in non-traditional venues presents a monumental challenge,” Geiger said. “However, we are prepared to overcome any obstacles and are taking added measures to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone, while providing a festival experience.”

Lollapalooza ’96 comes to the Iowa State Fairgrounds tomorrow for an all-day event. Gates to the festival open at 11 a.m., with Second and Indie Stage acts appearing at noon. Tickets are still available though Ticketmaster for $37.50.