69 Cents is Worth Every Penny

In the music business, there is nothing worse than getting short-changed. That is not the case with 69 Cents, a high-energy band that is worth much more than the name implies. They are wroth every penny.

Born out of Mankato, Minn. – a college town known for its vibrant music scene – 69 Cents has gained massive popularity and acclaim in the Twin Cities and throughout the upper Midwest. Its signature high-energy live rock shows quickly promoted them to be a top draw ‘party band’ at countless clubs, festivals and street dances. “We like to engage the crowd,” says Dale Wolters, guitarist and a founding member of 69 Cents. “We try to cover as many bases musically as possibly for everyone in the crowd, young or old.”

It is this energy, flexibility and crowd interaction that has paved the way for an invitation to perform for a third-straight year at Rock the Groundz, west central Minnesota’s only outdoor rock and camping festival – a distinction no other band can match. “It’s a pretty good feeling, Morris has been pretty good to us.”

But this time, 69 Cents will be playing to an exclusive audience as part of the campground festivities on Friday, July 8th at 9:00 p.m. Persons who purchase the Rock the Groundz camping and concert package automatically get to enjoy this unique free concert directly inside the campground, a concept that has been popular among concert goers. Although they are not playing the big stage, the crowd is as wild as ever. “Last year we had over 250 people enjoying the campground concert and we’re expecting the draw of 69 Cents to really get people excited to kick off the entire weekend,” says Doug Storck, camping specialist with Rock the Groundz.

69 Cents brings a large catalog of music – one anyone will enjoy. From Aerosmith to Train, from Buckcherry to Poison, 69 Cents performs to crowds who end up wanting more. Awarded ‘Favorite Local Band’ by the Mankato Free Press, 69 Cents has been making some waves in the party scene. In 2007, According to Guitar Edge Magazine "They've established themselves as one of the most rockin’ party bands in southern Minnesota and the upper Midwest." Applauze Magazine countered and upped the ante, saying “One set with these guys and you will soon know why they are in high demand on the local scene.”

Joining Wolters as co-founder is Wolter’s bassist brother, Nick, who is often revered to as the ‘fifth Beatle’ where according to sources is extremely energetic until about four songs from the end of the night, when Rock and Roll – plus too much beer – makes Nicky Poo get the 'deer in the headlights look.' So make sure to come early.

On lead vocals is Kevin, who is the face of the ‘niners’, and an extremely gifted vocalist with magnetic crowd appeal. Greg is on keyboards and ‘Fish’ plays drums and joins in on vocals. All five look forward to the summertime when they can work the crowds on hot, summer nights. “We love outdoor shows,” says Wolters. “The energy is higher, the stages are bigger and everything is more polished.”

That itself is worth the price of admission.

Tickets for the camping and concert package are on sale on the event website [www.rockthegroundz.com]. Patrons purchasing tickets on or prior to May 31st will enjoy ‘early-bird’ pricing of $40. After June 1st, concert and camping package increases to full price of $60.

To enjoy the music of 69 Cents, patrons must purchase the camping and concert package. There are no Friday-only ticket sales for this event.

Rock the Groundz is a two-day, outdoor rock and camping festival held annually in Morris, Minnesota July 8th and 9th, 2011. Six bands take the stage underneath the sun and stars at the Stevens County Fairgrounds. This year’s event is sponsored by Morris Auto Plaza, The Morris Eagles Club and Dakota Magic Hotel and Casino, among many other area businesses and services.

For tickets and more information, visit www.rockthegroundz.com.