Total Score:  29

When I was preparing to go to a bluegrass festival called “The MACC” earlier this month,  I asked myself – Is there an app for that?  It turns out there was.  The MACC app is a festival goer’s dream come true. It offers a totally green element – no need to worry about a printed schedule.  All of the information you need (and a lot more) is available in the app.  Even though the event is in the past, this app is filled with great music and videos and worth a download while you wait for the 2013 info to be added.

In case the bluegrass festival, Musicians Against Childhood Cancer, is something that is interesting to you, It is held in Columbus, Ohio each year usually in late July. The musicians involved donate their time and the proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.  This event is well-run and great care is given to make sure the festival goers enjoy the experience.

Price Rating = 5     Free.  There aren’t any intrusive ads, but there is an option for you to buy songs.

Ease of Use Rating = 5      It is a simple app and does the job well.

 Readability Rating = 4      The font on the iPhone is a reasonable size in some places and bigger in others.  It is larger on the iPad, of course.

 Will You Use It Rating = 5     If you plan to attend the festival, or if you just want to watch some good bluegrass videos, this app will be just what you need.

 Downsides Rating = 0     I have not found anything that detracts from the app.

Consumer Review Rating = 5     There have not been enough reviews of the app to create an official rating.  I am giving it my “unofficial” one.

Why Do You Need This App Rating = 5     If you are attending the festival, this is a must.  If you like bluegrass music, you will find interesting avenues to explore.

How does it work? 

1. The Home screen gives you the basic information about the festival.   You will find the dates and general information about its mission.
2. The Line-Up tab provides you with an hour-by-hour listing of the entertainment.
3. The Music tab takes you to a list of songs priced at 99 cents each.  All you have to do is click the “Buy” button and it takes you to iTunes.
4. The Videos tab has videos of previous performances and one interview sequence.  It requires a WiFi or 3G connection to connect to YouTube.
5. The MACC social button links to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.  This works pretty much like you would expect.   It provides a direct link to these venues.  Note:  There is not a tab for social on the iPhone; you click the “More” button to get to that info.
6. You can click on the “Purchase Tickets” tab to, well; purchase tickets or buy a raffle ticket for a guitar.  The raffle is over for 2012, but I understand they do this each year.
7. The Information tab provides you with information about the sponsors and the festival.  This page is a crowded with info and would benefit from a redesign.

This is a good example of a single-purpose app that does the job.  I am glad I had it at the MACC this year and recommend it to future festival goers.  Or just to people who like bluegrass and want to watch the videos, listen to the music and see who appears at this festival.

Devices:  This app can be used on either the iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad.  It requires iOS 5.1 or later.  App developed by LMBR LLC.

One of my photos from the festival