Willkommen zurück, Alpenfesters!
Gaylord’s summer tradition runs July 13–17. Here’s what to see, hear, and do.
In 1964, when U.S. Plywood announced plans to build a plant in Gaylord, the town decided to celebrate the opening with a gala event. To make it even more special, the town opted to embrace an alpine theme for both the event and the city as a whole. That was the beginning of what today stands as Gaylord’s signature summer event, Alpenfest, and its reputation as the Alpine Village.
Alpenfest is returning this year after the pandemic scuttled the event last year for the first time since its inception. It will feature five days of festivities, including a walking parade, carnival, kid's games and contests, ethnic food, and live entertainment. Board member Ken Mattei said this year’s version will be somewhat scaled down, but the family-friendly festival will remain a true community celebration.
“It takes four to five months to put it all together. We made the decision [to move ahead with the festival] in early May, so we got a late start,” he says. At that time, there were still restrictions such as social distancing in place, vaccines were just being rolled out, and no one was sure just how things would look and feel this summer. As a result, “It will be a little smaller,” he says, noting that some popular draws — most notably, the big parade, car show, and art tent — will not be held this year.
Nevertheless, much good and fun remains. Importantly, all events (except for carnival rides) are free of charge — if you purchase an Alpen pin for $5 to help offset festival costs. Find the full schedule at www.alpenfest.com or take our advice and check out the following:
MUSIC MANIA
There’s no lack of things to do — or music to listen to — at Alpenfest. Not only will bands perform each night at the Pavilion on Court (corner of Main and South Court streets), other acts and entertainment will take the stage throughout each day.
Kenny Thompson, 1pm Wednesday
An alumni of the Young Americans, Thompson has performed across the Midwest in the decades since then. He fronted Ruckus for 15 years in the ’90s and early 2000s. Today he plays about 180 shows per year, many of them locally, often with the four-piece blues band Down-N-Out, which features two other former members of Ruckus. Thompson says the band now performs 15 or so shows per year in the area but is always looking for more. While its forte may be bluesy rock — or rockin’ blues, if you prefer — Thompson himself performs songs from a huge variety of sources, from Bobby McFerrin to Eric Clapton to George Strait, so expect an amalgam of rock, pop, country, and blues. All this in his “spare” time, as he runs a computer consulting business as his day job. But maybe not all that much longer. “I’m working on slowing the computer part down and keeping the music flowing in time,” he tells Northern Express.
Alpenfest Idol, 1pm Thursday and Friday
The long-running singing contest returns with one-time contestant and judge Stacey Rosin coordinating the festivities. “Festive” might be the keyword, as Rosin says it is enjoyable for both those performing and the audience there to watch and listen. “It’s a fun contest. I love how positive it is. They [contestants] get good positive feedback,” she says.
The event kicks off Thursday. Registration begins at noon, with the show starting at 1pm on the Pavilion stage. Singers will compete in two divisions and several age categories: soloists ages 2–7, 8–12, 13–17, and 18 and up; and duo/group in juniors (ages 2–17) and senior (18 and up).
Judges will select a maximum of three in each category to move on to the finals, which begin Friday at 1pm. Contestants are judged on their diction, stage presence, audience participation, and, of course, their voice. The songs must be family-friendly, and contestants must provide their own backing music, whether pre-recorded or accompanying themselves.
Gaylord Community Band, 1pm Saturday
Made up of local musicians of all ages, the Gaylord Community Band performs a wide range of music. Military marches, classical transcriptions, Broadway medleys, and novelty pieces all find their way into the band’s repertoire, which straddles compositions from the 18th century to the 21st. Among the band’s traditions is the performance of “Edelweiss,” the city song of Gaylord, at the end of each concert.
Erin Zindle & The Ragbirds, 6pm Tuesday
Part folk, part rock, and all fun, Erin Zindle and the Ragbirds meld indie-rock melodies with rocking guitar riffs and virtuosic fiddling with various world-music influences and beats, creating their own unique sound. Hailing from Ann Arbor, the group is fronted by Zindle on fiddle, keyboards, guitar and vocals. The band’s music is by turns danceable, wistful, toe-tapping and always intelligent, appealing to the heart, mind, and feet. The edgy guitar riffs are courtesy of her brother, T.J., with the rhythm section coming courtesy of bassist Shannon Wade and drummer Loren Kranz. Together the foursome performs powerful songs penned by Zindle that bounce from Americana to Mideastern, Gypsy jazz to Celtic sounds, all serving songs mean cultivate hope in the midst of a crazed and jaded world. The band has released five studio albums, two live records, and one single, all self-produced and independently released.
Fifty Amp Fuse, 6pm Wednesday
The Detroit-based, award-winning rock band formed in 2004. Its jam is producing soundalike versions of music by artists from across all genres, from Barry White to Bruno Mars. Rock, funk, new wave, grunge — it doesn’t matter, the band handles it all with aplomb. Fifty Amp has earned a reputation for thrilling audiences in cities across the country with high-energy performances and a knack for taking the audience on a roller-coaster ride of medleys and mash-ups.
Your Generation, 6pm Thursday
The band presents a live multimedia spectacular, which celebrates five decades of pop, rock, dance, and R&B hits. With multiple vocalists and muscular musicianship, Your Generation takes the audience on a true magical musical tour, from Prince to the Spice Girls, the Who to Pharrell Williams, Ike and Tina Turner to Sly and the Family Stone to the Temptations to — well, you get the idea. Think of it as the soundtrack to your life, whatever your age. Flashy costumes and flashing lights, choreographed moves, and impassioned vocals give the audience what it wants and more.
Kenny Chesney & Carrie Underwood Tribute, 6pm Friday
If not quite a rags to riches story, it would at least make for a great country song. Keith Ormrod of Tempe, Arizona, was delivering Budweiser when he was told he looked like country star Kenny Chesney. So he did what any self-respecting delivery man would do: He shaved his head and headed for Vegas. Called up on stage at Toby Keith’s bar, he sang the only two Kenny Chesney songs he knew, and that was enough for him and the audience. He’s since has been doing shows across the country ever since as a professional Kenny Chesney tribute artist.
Double your pleasure, double your fun: Nashville recording artist Kaylee Starr struts her stuff and showcases her powerhouse vocals in her tribute to Carrie Underwood. She’s equally at home with her own original material or that of country stars like Underwood and pop divas like Pat Benatar and Taylor Swift.
Simply Queen, 6pm Saturday (pictured above)
If there’s one thing that was never simple, it was the music of Queen. Equal parts pop and pomp, the iconic songs are brought to life by the Canadian tribute band Simply Queen. It faithfully recreates the grand scope of Queen's live shows, both musically and visually, capturing the amazing live Queen experience that filled stadiums around the world. It’s fronted by Freddie Mercury impersonator Rick Rock, a vocalist, pianist, and guitarist who revels in the over-the-top style that made Queen one of the most legendary rock bands of all time. He’s supported countless acts, including Edgar Winter, BTO, Burton Cummings, Mitch Rider, Kansas, The Turtles, and Three Dog Night. Rock launched the tribute band after performing “The Freddie Mercury Rock Show” at a North American Queen convention; guitarist Bob Wegner was hand-picked by Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor to play guitar in several productions of the award-winning Queen musical, We Will Rock You. Drummer Phil Charrette and bassist Mitch Taylor are veterans of the southwestern Ontario and Detroit circuits.
OTHER CAN’T-MISS EVENTS
TUESDAY, JULY 13
10am Alpenfest Walking Parade
The walking parade will follow a new route this year, starting and ending at the Pavilion on Court (corner of Main and South Court streets), where participants and audience alike can enjoy the Gaylord Alpine Band. Wear your finest Alpenfest attire for a chance at best-dressed prizes. Awards presented to best-dressed male, female, children, and family.
11am Wurst Wagon
Hot dogs and chips for all, sponsored and served up hot and fresh by officers from the Gaylord Michigan State Police post. Free (with Alpenfest pin!) under the Pavilion.
9pm Burning of the Boog
A twist on an old tradition. Put your troubles on paper, slip them inside the Boog, and then watch them go up in smoke.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 14
12:30pm–2:30pm Tennis on the Strasse
The Alpine Regional Tennis Association (ARTA) will offer beginners of any age tennis instruction (equipment provided) at the Pavilion. Anyone interested in learning the game is welcome.
SATURDAY, JULY 17
9am Alpenfest 5K Run
Work off all that beer and wurst; this fun run takes place at the corner of Court and 1st Street. Early registration is $20; day of race, $30. Register at runsignup.com/Race/Gaylord/AlpenfestRun