Best of the Fests

June 14, 2006

Strum along at one
of the region’s many
music festivals
Music festivals have had their ups and downs through in Northern Michigan through the years. For many promoters it’s been a long, hard lesson that local talent alone often doesn’t produce the crowds generated by name-brand headliners. Happily, such is the case this year as national talents such as Greg Brown, Poco, Bob James, Johnny Winter and Iris Dement are set for local stages.
Major folk fests in the region all offer camping, with the Blissfest and Dunegrass both being close enough to Lake Michigan to take a cooling dip in between shows. Here’s the rundown on what’s up at festivals around the region:

Spirit of the Woods
June 17 • Brethren

What: The granddaddy of folk festivals in the region offers its 29th event this year in northern Manistee County. If you’re looking for the stringband purity of folk’s roots, this is the festival for you. Bring your lawn chairs and coolers.
Who’s Playing: Harvey Reid, Steppin’ In It, Robin Lee Berry, Two Hearted String Band, Peacemeal, and Same Ol’ Two Step with Li’l Guyland.
Admission: Free
Info: www.spiritofthewoods.org
Blissfest
July 7-9 • Cross Village

What: Northern Michigan biggest folk festival is celebrating its 26th year with its most eclectic lineup of sounds ever, including rockabilly, worldbeat and plenty of dance bands while still preserving the tradition of the solo singer-songwriter.
Who’s Playing: Poco, the missing link between Buffalo Springfield and The Eagles, is the headliner this year. Other performers include Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams, Rani Arbo and Daisy Mayhem, Samite, Harry Manx, Eliza Gilkyson, Todd Snider, Robin Nolan Trio, Kevin Collins & the Kuungana dance Troup, The David Munnelly Band, Otis Taylor, Bio Ritmo Salsa Machine, Ritmo Flamenco, James Hill, Mustard’s Retreat, Seth & Daisy Mae, Breathe Owl Breathe, Nu-Tones, Horton Creek Bluegrass, Potato Moon, Vincent Hayes Project, Benzie Playboyz, Something Different in the Homemade Jam, Cold Water, Earthwork Project, Garbha-Grha, Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra, Mudbugz, Petoskey Steel Drum Band, Satin Peaches, Rhythmic Adventures, as well as Harmony & Grits.
Admission: Advance weekend pass: $68 for adults, $35 for teens and $58 for seniors. At the gate: $80, $40 and $65. Daily passes are available for $30-$35 adults, $15 for teens and $25 for seniors. Camping fee is $20.
Info: www.blissfest.org or ph. 231-348-7047.

Petoskey Blues Festival
July 27-29

What: New this year is a blues-rock blast at the Emmet County Fairgrounds just south of Petoskey.
Who’s playing: Johnny Winter, Mountain, Koko Taylor and other top blues acts.
Admission: Details to be announced.

Hoxeyville Music Festival
July 28-30 • Coyote Crossing Resort

Held at a resort in Hoxeyville near Cadillac, this show is popular with the disc golf crowd; they’ve even got their own course on the “back 40.”
Who’s playing: Airborne or Aquatic, Daisy May, Greensky Bluegrass, Pops Walker, The Mudbugz, Seth Bernard, Four Finger Five, Dave Taylor, Rachael Davis, Smokestack, Steppin’ In It, Ultraviolet and Hippopotomus.
Admission: $35 for a two-day pass.
Info: www.hoxeyvillemusic.com

Suttons Bay Jazzfest
July 29

What: This is the 14th annual Jazzfest, back after a year off. As in the past, the one-day festival will be held under a big top tent in Suttons Bay Marina Park with Leelanau County’s best foods and wines available. Bring your swing dancing shoes and attitude.
Who’s playing: Bob James Quintet, Harry Goldson Quintet, Epsilon Jass Band, Betty Joplin Quartet, Interlochen Jazz Band.
Admission: $25 advance, $35 gate.
Info: www.leelanau.com/jazzfest

Sleeping Bear Dunegrass
& Blues
Aug. 4-6 • Empire

What: The Dunegrass & Blues Fest has the best location we’ve seen yet with a dip in the beautiful waters of Empire beach just a short stroll down the road. The festival’s new management has also made a commitment to bringing in national acts. Be sure to bring a hat, well-stocked cooler and sunscreen: this is typically the hottest weekend of the year.
Who’s playing: Greg Brown, Iris Dement, Harper and Electric Hot Tuna headline this year’s show. Also playing are Peter Rowan & Tony Rice, Slaid Cleaves, The Neptune Quartet, Steppin’ In It, Song of the Lakes, Detour, Greensky Bluegrass, Rootstand, Potato Moon, The Rag Birds, Cornmeal and Cabin Fever. Sadly, Vince Welnick won’t be returning as promised this year: the former Grateful Dead keyboardist died at the age of 51 in early June.
Admission: $75 for the 3-day weekend in advance or $45 for Fri-Sat and $55 for Sat.-Sun. Camping pass is $10 with day passes at $25-$30. Gate prices are $90 for three days, $30 for Friday, $35 Saturday and $35 Sunday.
Info: www.leelanau.com/dunegrass

Farmfest
Aug. 10-13 • Johannesburg

What: Nestled in Northern Michigan’s heartland just east of Gaylord, the Farmfest has a true “down-home” feeling with a barn for a stage and a natural amphitheatre for enjoying the show. Said to have the most mellow folk-fest vibe in the north.
Who’s playing: Rachel Davis, Ignorant Mob, Steppin’ In It, Kirby, Ron Fowler, Mustard’s Retreat, Peter “Madcat” Ruth, Blue Water Ramblers, K. Jones and the Benzie Playboyz, Seth Bernard & Co., Sweet Water Women, Twister Joe, Straight Forward Bluegrass Band, Freshwater, and Whit Hill and the Postcards.
Admission: Advance by mail: $50 for a weekend pass, including camping. At the gate or by internet: $60. Day passes at the gate are $30.
Info: www.farmhousemusic.org

Porcupine Mountains
Music Festival
Aug. 25-27 • Porcupine Wilderness State Park

What: If you’re up for a roadtrip, this festival in the western U.P. offers some top players and fabulous scenery amid the Porcupine Mountains.
Who’s playing: Willy Porter, Rory Block and Melissa Ferrick headline the roster of 20 performers, rounded out by local musicians.
Admission: Advance tickets range from $20-$30 for day passes, or $40 for a three-day pass. It’s $50 for a three-day pass at the gate.
Info: www.porkiesfestival.org