The Flip Side of Soundset

From local acts like Atmosphere and Lizzo (Hey, Girl!), to global idols, such as The Roots and Common, Soundset Music Festival is one of the biggest festivals of the summer. Rain or shine, this event takes place May 29th, 2016 on the Minnesota State Fair Grounds on the Midway, opening at 11:00am and closes as the sun sets over the main stage (approximately 9:30pm). Because Soundest 2016 is technically for all ages, there are strict security guidelines. No weapons (not even squirt guns), no drugs, no outside food or beverages, and as always, no fireworks or explosives. As one might assume, given an extensive list of do’s and do not’s, there are even security guards posted at every entrance and exit.

Soundset Lineup 2016

However, it is not unusual for acts to take to the stage, light up, and/or drink during their performances. How contraband gets in for the band is less surprising than how individuals bring it in. Woven into dreadlocks, hidden between flip-flop levels, or taped beneath the underside of a breast, we’ve heard all sorts of stories from individuals arrested on the scene. Moms, kids, college students, and even security guards, all frequented our office in previous years. Charges ranged from DUI’s to disorderly conduct, drug sales to drug paraphernalia. Police outside the grounds also keep an eye on the departing concertgoers, putting up DUI checkpoints as people driving attempted to re-enter Minneapolis.

Soundset 2015 Crowds

Our point isn’t to promote sobriety at the festival, but rather to foster awareness from what we’ve seen in past years. Do you know the phone number you would dial from jail? Is it a cell phone—because some jail’s won’t connect to some mobile numbers? Do you have pocket cash for toiletries in custody? Do you have a buddy that will come bail you out? Going into an event having with the mindset to have a great time is only have the battle. No matter what happens, or which night of the week, have your Plan B thought out. Right the number of a criminal defense attorney, or you best friend, in permanent marker somewhere on your body. Just in case. You never know what might happen.