The inaugural Chroma 63 Midwest Art & Sound Festival in Waterloo was a resounding success, drawing in crowds of all ages to witness a diverse lineup of musical acts. One standout performance came from the hometown thrash metal band Guilty Of Treason, igniting mosh pits and showcasing the vibrant local music scene.
On June 14, the festival unfolded at the Waterloo Center for the Arts and Riverloop Amphitheatre, fulfilling its mission to provide a platform for regional creatives to thrive. Despite my personal preference leaning away from hard rock and heavy metal, the enthusiastic turnout for bands like Jim Jones and Guilty Of Treason underscored the robust heavy metal community in Iowa.
Illegal Smile, a veteran band from Des Moines, marked their 19th year together with a spirited performance at Chroma 63, hinting at a possible return for their 20th anniversary. Meanwhile, Apollo’s Death from Marshalltown debuted with their first live show, setting a promising tone for their musical journey ahead.
The festival’s lineup catered to a wide range of tastes, encompassing rock, hardcore, metal, chill-hop, and punk genres. Acts like Lipstick Homicide and Greg Wheeler & The Poly Mall Cops from Iowa City and Des Moines injected high energy into the event, complemented by the laid-back vibes of Jim Swim from Iowa City.
Headlining the event was the Missouri-based band Radkey, known for their collaborations with industry giants like Jack White and appearances in documentaries. Their presence at Chroma 63 highlighted the festival’s growing reputation and the evolving music scene in Waterloo.
Notably, the inclusion of skateboarding added an extra layer of excitement to the festival, showcasing a diverse range of artistic expressions beyond music. As the day unfolded, it became evident that events like Chroma 63 are pivotal in nurturing alternative music scenes and fostering community support for underground artists.
Reflecting on the day’s events, it was clear that Waterloo had embraced a unique opportunity to showcase its cultural vibrancy and artistic talent. Despite being a less conventional location for such gatherings, Chroma 63 proved that the city harbors a thriving creative community eager to engage with unconventional art forms.
As the festival concluded, attendees and performers alike expressed optimism for future editions, highlighting the potential for Waterloo to emerge as a hub for alternative music and underground art scenes. Chroma 63’s success underscored the importance of such events in fostering creativity, community spirit, and cultural diversity.
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