DEECEFEST
- Simply Human Productions
- Jul 28
- 5 min read
By Kristine Joseph
I had my car completely packed before I went to work that day so I could leave for La Crosse Wisconsin right at lunch. It was one of those weeks that by Tuesday it felt like it was Friday. My work screen time was turning my brain to mush, inspiration was depleting fast, and my soul was in desperate need of some energy. I needed a sanctuary to recharge.
In November of 2024, I started working on a film project about La Crosse Wisconsin’s own local musician and creator of DEECEFEST, Gregg “Cheech” Hall. I originally met Gregg when I lived in La Crosse over fifteen years ago. Working on this project brought me back to visit La Crosse and through the process it reminded me how much I love the city.
This year would be my first DEECEFEST. I couldn’t wait to leave the work mode mentality and leave the city skyline in my rearview mirror.
I work a corporate job and live a little outside the city of Minneapolis. Don’t get me wrong, I love where I’m from, but lately I find myself wanting to be away from city chaos, surrounded by nature and small-town vibes. Above all I am a writer and crave inspiration. That is what La Crosse has been for me. Being outside city limits for me alleviates the pressure of anxiety that builds in my chest and in the pit of my stomach. It is as if the universe carved the city’s grand entrance between the bluffs along the winding roads of the Minnesota Wisconsin state boarder to welcome me there. This time it would be DEECEFEST calling me.
DEECEFEST is not a typical music festival. I say this in a positive way. The festival was created with the mission to bring midwestern musicians and vendors together for a three-day family friendly music festival at an affordable price, while giving back to the local community of La Crosse. That is exactly what Deecefest does, however, it is just a small piece of what DEECEFEST is all about.
The festival takes place at Bluebird Family Campgrounds on a stretch of land that the locals refer to as God’s Country nestled cozy in between the surrounding bluffs. I booked a campground and set up my tent, but many decide to drive and plug in their RVs or popups to camp for the weekend. Either way the campground is clean, family friendly (including dogs), and provides it guests with easy access to showers and bathrooms. Other amenities include an air-conditioned restaurant with all day menu, game room, and bar. Campers have access to a swimming area, playground, and basketball courts. This is all a short drive away from civilization.
DEECEFEST, now in its sixth year, typically kicks off Thursday evening with local musicians. This year a local band made up of only high school students called the La Crosse Confluence kicked off the festival showcasing Gregg “Cheech” Hall’s son on bass Shay Hall who is an up-and-coming musician that can't go unnoticed. The talent of the high school students in the area is unbelievable and the festival gives them a chance to showcase their talents. DEECEFEST closes off late Saturday evening with one of the city’s headlining bands, like the legendary Smokin’ Bandits or the unforgettable Javier Trejo.
After attending DEECEFEST 2025, there is no doubt that I will be coming back. The festival is everything it claims to be. It is well organized, affordable, and family friendly. The security staff take their jobs seriously to ensure everyone is safe and has a wonderful experience. The musical talent consists of numerous genres with astounding abilities that continue to evolve with each new generation.
Above all, DEECEFEST is a place where you can go, be yourself, and feel welcomed by everyone. Staff, volunteers, attendees, vendors, and musicians are all friendly and happy to be there. The relationships you build while attending the festival is the major take away. It is one of the reasons that will keep me coming back for years.
Please look below to see this year's lineup and sponsors. I hope to see you all there next year. Be Deece.
Line up and Sponsors for DEECEFEST 2025
July 24 -26th
Thursday, Local Night Schedule
July 24, 2025
*Sponsored by Recovery Room Sports Pub and Grill
Governmental Employees Credit Union (G.E.C.U.) Stage
5:00–6:30 PM – The La Crosse Confluence
7:30–9:00 PM – The Lavender Project
10:00–11:30 PM – TUGG
Super Deece Stage
6:30–7:30 PM – The Luke and Cheech Show
9:00–10:00 PM – Ironstill
Friday Schedule
July 25, 2025
Governmental Employees Credit Union (G.E.C.U.) Stage
2:30–4:00 PM – Joe and Vicki Price
5:00–6:30 PM – Toaster Ghost
7:30–9:00 PM – Gregg Hall and the Wrecking Ball
10:00–11:30 PM – Javier Trejo y Caballo Cósmico
Super Deece Stage – Sponsored by South Lanes Pizza & Wings
1:00–12:00 PM – Allison Sky Music
12:15–1:15 PM – Derek Ramnarace (of Old Soul Society )
1:30-2:30 PM – Amanda G
4:00–5:00 PM – Alexandra Green & Kale Reed
6:30–7:30 PM – Luke Callen
9:00–10:00 PM – Dellwood Band
11:30 PM – The Pistol Whippin Party Penguins
Saturday Schedule
July 26, 2025
Governmental Employees Credit Union (G.E.C.U.) Stage
12:00–1:30 PM – Kit Mayer Music & Design & The Pack
2:30–4:00 PM – The Mayfield Experience
5:00–6:30 PM – Wise Jennings
7:30–9:00 PM – Knee-High July
10:00–11:30 PM – The Smokin Bandits
Super Deece Stage – Sponsored by South Lanes Pizza & Wings
10:00 – 11 AM – Tim Emmons
11:00–12:00 PM – Fayme Rochelle (of the Fayme Rochelle & The Waxwings) & Tripp Evenson
1:30–2:30 PM – Under Paris Skies
4:00–5:00 PM – Don Harvey Duo
6:30–7:30 PM – Demitri Rallis & Annie Frazier
9:00–10:00 PM – Ryan Hanifl & Sammy Allen
11:30 PM – Javier Trejo
SPONSORS
Community Sponsors:
Tree Huggers Co-op, Hurry Back Productions, RTB & Associates, River Travel Media, Hancock & Robinson CPAs, Governmental Employees Credit Union (G.E.C.U.), Tom's Tent Rentals - La Crosse, WI, Explore La Crosse, Wisconsin Public Radio
Super Deece Sponsors:
New Castle Title, Elite Electric Solutions LLC., Twin Cities Merch, Cannabiz Depot La Crosse, The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor & Confectionery, TC, Jason Wang, Authenticom, The Breakfast Club & Pub, Driftless Area Magazine Dave's Guitar Shop Dahl Toyota Winona
Individual Sponsors:
On3 Print + Design, Hanson & Associates, Insty-Prints of La Crosse, Poellinger Electric, Inc., Pizza King- La Crosse, Favre & Co., atproperties La Crosse
Friend Sponsors:
Bond Drywall Supply, Inc., Haugen & Keck Team, Vision of Light Stained Glass, Garden Of Eatin', The Butcher Shoppe - Hokah, MN
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