In 2009, one phone call left Lou Campbell with an idea to help homeless and jobless veterans. That idea soon became tribute fest, which fifteen years later is still rocking along.

Campbell received a call about a young woman who had recently returned from serving in Iraq. Upon returning home, she went through a divorce and was left to raise her two children alone. After losing her home, the woman eventually asked for help – and her life turned around for the better.

This story influenced Campbell to create an event centered around supporting veterans who need help and persuade them to ask, and soon enough Tribute Fest was born.

“We’re here at Tribute Fest listening to some really good music, trying to raise funds for homeless veterans. Lou Campbell and Mike Donahue have been great. Been doing this for years and what a great venue, what a great day at Bayfront Park, the sun’s out and we’re just trying to raise awareness for a very serious topic,” said Paul Pederson, who came to the event with the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans.

Veterans and their families were able to attend the event for free and were given free food.

“Anything that turns profit, we give it over to Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans. Sometimes it’s not a lot. You know, $5,000 or $10,000 can be a lot of money to somebody, and it certainly goes a long way. But not only is it money, but we give them a lot of exposure. And we try to keep the whole thought of homeless and jobless veterans in your mind,” said Campbell.

The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans have both supported and collaborated with Tribute Fest to offer their services for the veterans who find the courage to reach out.  

“It’s a great way for us to share what we do. Obviously, we’re going to support Lou. This is his great idea and what we need to be here to talk about it. Veterans get in free, veterans and their families, so we’re here to talk to those that come here. They might be here listening to music, but everybody knows somebody out there that might be struggling and needs a little help. Getting through the door, making that first phone call and just asking for help. That’s what we want. We want to raise awareness of what we do so we can help the next vet that’s struggling,” said Pederson.

The event brought in top tribute bands including Jett Threatt, Janelle Kendall’s Perfect Storm, Duluth Transit Authority, Xpedition, Rock Gods, Halfway There, Zed Leppelin, Chained Lightning, The Hybrid Theory, Almostsmith and many more.

But the end goal for the event is to bring veterans in need to those who can help, and show them the support and love the community has for them

“Homeless and jobless veterans are just not those people who are asking you for their money on the side of the street. They’re out there living on friends’ sofas and living in cars and places like that. But they have to ask. It’s time that if you are a veteran and you need some help financially, legally, mentally, health-wise, ask. Ask for help.” said Campbell.

To learn more about the event and their mission, go to The Tribute Fest – Raising Funds for Homeless Veterans Through Music

If you or someone you know is a veteran in need of help, you can reach out to the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans at MACV’s Mission is to End Veteran Homelessness in Minnesota (mac-v.org) or call their Duluth location at (218)-722-8763