Foever young in Hoxeyville

July 25, 2007

If you’re looking for the best new acts on Michigan’s acoustic and jam-band music scene, then don’t miss the Hoxeyville Music Festival, which has spent the past five years cultivating some of the hottest -- and youngest -- artists in the state.
Packing more performers than ever -- 26 and counting -- the event takes place this weekend, July 27-29, at Coyote Crossing Resort, a few miles west of Cadillac.
“It gets bigger every year -- last year we had 200 or 300 people attending from Kalamazoo alone,” says founder and creative director Jake Robinson. “We kind of call it an ‘away’ home game.”
The Kalamazoo-Cadillac connection is key to the success of the festival. Robinson, 29, is a native of Cadillac who graduated from high school there in 1996. He’s since created a career as an acoustic guitar maker in Kalamazoo and has tapped into that city’s rich musical talent to supply Hoxeyville with top-notch entertainers.
Some of those acts, such as Greensky Bluegrass and Steppin’ In It (of East Lansing) have become nationally-known entertainers in their own right since Hoxeyville was launched five years ago. It’s a dynamic that Robinson has cultivated and counted on.
“We try to have a strong local contingent of acts, but also blend in national acts that people wouldn’t be able to see,” he says. “A lot of regional groups have grown a lot bigger through the years.”

WHO’S WHO
This year, there are three headliners with national credentials, including the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, which is one of the top acts in New Orleans. “They’re a house band for some of the bigger clubs in New Orleans, such as the Pleasure Club,” Robinson says. “They have a big band sound -- but a little more modern and funky. “New Orleans even has a special day named after them.”
Also on the bill is Canadian folk artist Richard Buckner, performing with Six Part Seven, a band from Kent, Ohio, which has a new album out called “Meadow.” Buckner is exploring a new sound with a progressive country rock twist. He’s a big hit with the gang who put Hoxeyville together.
Another top act is New Monsoon, a jam band from San Francisco. The band is fresh off some big shows, such as the 10,000 Lakes Festival in Minnesota and Bonnaroo in Tennessee. “I hate to stereotype anyone, but they’re kind of like a cross between the Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers -- they play real intense rock and roll and are a great up-and-coming band.”

HANDS ON ORGANIZER
Robinson is also getting in the mix, performing with several bands on all three days of the festival. A skilled luthier, he launched his Robinson Guitars business in 2003, making custom acoustic guitars.
“I make a line of high-end Brazilian rosewood, finger-style guitars that run from $4,500 to $25,000,” Robinson says. “They’re specialty, boutique guitars.”
His guitar craft led to introductions with many noteworthy Michigan music acts, including Greensky Bluegrass, Steppin’ In It and Seth Bernard, who have been regulars at Hoxeyville through the years.
Robinson performs on dobro as well as guitar and will be sitting in with Michael Erlewine & the Rescue Boys, the Mobile Chiefing Unit, Airborne or Aquatic, and with his fellow luthier Matt DeGrace.
As with most Northern Michigan music festivals, Hoxeyville will offer camping, workshops, fun for kids, food & crafts vendors and an open mic. Bonus attractions include a disc golf course and canoe trips.
Tickets for the event are $50 for the weekend in advance, or $60 at the gate. To get there, head west on M-55 from Cadillac and turn left at S 13 Road. For more details, check out www.hoxeyville.com.

Who’s Playin’:

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, New Monsoon, Richard Buckner, Six Part Seven, Greensky Bluegrass, Boombox, Airborne or Aquatic , Seth Bernard & Daisy May, Steppin’ In It, Rachel Davis, The Ragbirds, Mobile Chiefing Unit, 40 Piece Choir, Pops Walker, Jen Sygit, Mossy Mountain String Band, Michael Anne Erlewine & the Rescue Boys, Brandon Foote & Laura Bates, Detour, Ian Gorman, Jay Gavin & Ira Cohen, Matt DeGrace, Ken Dague, Sprout, Corn Fed Girls, Mark Duval & Two Track Mind, Soul Synapse, Sprout, UV Hippo, Great Lakes Grass and more.