Staff member uses passion to give back to community at Montipalooza

Photo: Monticello Times

College of Pharmacy staff member Andy Duszynski lives out the college’s values of creativity, innovation, and joy both in and out of the workplace, dividing his free time between a multitude of passions and pastimes, from leading scouts and coaching sports to playing in cover and tribute bands. Within each of those spheres, the underlying theme is the same— serving his community. One of his most well-known contributions is the creation of Montipalooza — a music festival of tribute bands in his long-time home of Monticello, Minnesota, from which all profits are donated to the local food shelf. Duszynski described the festival as a combination of “music and community and good will.”

“Last year was the first year and with donations, sponsorships, and ticket sales, we were able to raise $10,000 for the Monticello Food Shelf and Help Center,” Duszynski said. “We are doing it again this year, hoping to double our attendance and raise more money.” 

The idea originated from a conversation with the mayor of Monticello, who hired Duszynski for an event. Duszynski, who is in three tribute bands himself (honoring Nirvana, Green Day, and Deftones), described his idea of putting on a music festival using a lineup of tribute bands, given the amount of them based in the area and the many connections between them. With the mayor’s enthusiasm for the idea, the two chatted with the owner of Nordic Brewery, who agreed to host the festival at the brewery.

Duszynski and his family also have a personal connection with the Monticello Food Shelf. 

“We started out as a young couple with a baby when we were in our early twenties, so things like food shelves were essential back then and the Monticello one was one that helped us,” Duszynski said. “So, this is also for me selfishly to give something back and do good for them, hopefully beyond what they did for me.”

Last year’s success has led to an influx of inquiries about the festival’s return. With the first year under their belt, the planning committee— still composed of just Duszynski, Monticello’s mayor, and the owner of Nordic Brewery— is finding the process much smoother. Now gearing up for the second annual Montipalooza, which will take place on October 5, 2024, they’re hoping to attract closer to 1,000 people in attendance. The team intends to continue Montipalooza as a yearly community event long into the future. 

“As long as we can do something cool and fun, bring people together, and do some good for the community, we're gonna keep doing it,” Duszynski said.