Brew Fest Looks To Make Major Splash

KEZO's "Z Bash" may be on hiatus this summer, but the station's main competitor isn't backing down from promoting a similar concert event of its own.

KQBW'S "Brew Fest" is Saturday, Aug. 12 at the Westfair Amphitheater in Council Bluffs. The line-up includes:

- Dennis DeYoung, The Music of Styx
- Lou Gramm, Lead singer of Foreigner
- Warrant
- Blue Oyster Cult
- Starship, featuring Mickey Thomas
- Brian Howe, former Bad Company lead singer
- Firehouse

KQBW (96.1 FM) program director Michelle Matthews said Brew Fest plugs a hole created by the Qwest Center's inability to host shows during its seat addition renovation.

"So the idea that we could bring seven bands in, at a $28 ticket price in the middle of this, has been really thrilling," Matthews said. "The lineup is a great reflection of the variety on the station, and from several genres - from classic rock to hair."

Matthews also said it has been refreshingly easy to preview each act on the morning show she co-hosts with "Mookie" from 5:30 to 10 a.m.

"We've been interviewing all of the artists, and we're thinking Dennis DeYoung and Brian Howe could do a half concert/half stand-up routine," she said. "We're pretty excited, because in an age of new music acts that have posses and entourages, this is a group of really down to earth, really cool musicians that truly see this as an opportunity to spend time with their fans. It's going to be a special day."

Tickets are $28 in advance (includes parking) or $38 the day of the show. Children 10 and under are free. For more information, visit the Brew website.