Summer of song... and an earful of music festivals

   Northern Michigan isn’t known for its thundering rockfests or three-day electronic or jazz jams.  About the best we’re capable of is the Blissfest in Cross Village which draws 4,000-5,000 people.
   But we are good at keeping on, with several local festivals such as the Blissfest and Spirit of the Woods headed for their third decade.  And some, such as the Dunegrass & Blues in Empire, manage to evolve into something bigger.
    Following is an earful of what to expect ‘round the region this summer:

Spirit of the Woods
June 18 • Brethren, Manistee County
www.spiritofthewoods.org

   The grand daddy of Northern Michigan folk fests has its 28th outing this year.  Remember the days when it used to be held at the Onekema Fairgrounds?  No? Well maybe you were lost in a cloud of something.
  Anyway, as in the past, the festival runs from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., wrapping up with a square dance and contras at Dickson Township Park in Brethren.  Donations are appreciated.
   This year’s lineup includes Annie Gallup, Company of Strangers, Jen Sygit, Jim Crockett and New Third Coast, Jody Gaskin, K. Jones and the Benzie Playboyz, Kinsfolk and Madison Greene.

Michigan Legacy Art Park
July 1 - August 5 • Crystal Mountain 
www.michlegacyartpark.org


  
This series of six summer concerts makes up in atmosphere what it lacks in size.  It’s located on a tiny woodland stage at the start of the exceptionally creative sculpture trail at the Michigan Legacy Art Park at Crystal Mountain in Benzie County.  Concerts are held each Friday at 7 p.m., with admission $8 adults, $5 kids and $20 families.  This summer’s lineup includes:

 • July 1: John Wunsch -- classical guitar
 • July 8: Ron Getz Quartet -- jazz.
 •  July 15: Biakuye Unity Ensemble – music of Ghana, West Africa   •    
 • July 22: Iowa Rose - folk
 • July 29: Patty Clark -- historical stories & songs
  • August 5: Sally Rogers & Howie Bursen – folk & blues 


National Cherry Festival
July 2-9 • Traverse City Open Space
www.cherryfestival.org

   In terms of music festivals, the region’s best buy is surely the National Cherry Festival which offers a major concert each night at the downtown Open Space on West Bay.  The purchase of a $3 commemmorative pin gets you in each night for the full week.
  Let’s hope you like classic rock, because other than a smattering of country and oldies, the Cherry Fest has a tradition of being mired in acts which had their hey-day decades ago.  Here’s who’s playing when:

• Little Feat - the Band -  Saturday, July 2
• Three Men and a Tenor (a cappela) -  Sunday, July 3
• Encore Society (local  orchestra) -  Monday, July 4 
• Dierks Bentley (country) - Tuesday, July 5 
 • 1964 The Tribute (Beatles) - Wednesday, July 6 
• Eddie Money- Thursday, July 7  
• John Waite of The Babys - Friday, July 8 
• Gregg Rolie Band (Santana vocalist) -  Saturday, July 9  

The Blissfest Folk & Roots Festival
July 8-10 • Cross Village
www.blissfest.org

  This year heralds a bigger Blissfest celebration than most because it’s the event’s 25th anniversary.  Held on a farm just east of Cross Village, the Blissfest has moved well beyond its folk roots to more of a world music event, with cajun, roots, celtic, blues and African drum sounds.  Dance bands have also grown in importance in recent years as the beat goes on.
   One treat for this year’s festival is an appearance by Claudia Schmidt, who opened the first Blissfest 25 years ago.  Schmidt too has changed with the times, concentrating on jazz in recent years, rather than the folk of her early days.  Other performers will include Railroad Earth, Harmonious Wail, Inner Visions, RootStand, Burrito Deluxe, Jack Williams, Ritmo Flamenco, Rita Chiarelli, Catie Curtis, Dick Seigel Trio, Steppin’ In It, Pierre Schryer Band, Ahsoo cann nah nah, Thayrone and the Witch Doctors, Karen Savoc & Pete Heitzman, Jutta & the Hi-Dukes, Hardtack & Pigsfeet, Up North Big Band, Seth Bernard & Daisy May, Jan Krist, John D. Lamb,  The Mud Bugs, Breathe Owl Breathe and more.
  Advance tickets are $67 for the weekend, $35 for teens and $57 for seniors, with a $17 charge for weekend camping.  Tickets at the gate are $75 adults, $40 teens and $65 seniors for the weekend, with daily rates of $30-$35.

Suttons Bay Jazzfest
Late July • Marina Park, Suttons Bay

  The Jazzfest is taking a year off in the wake of a headliner dropping out of the lineup.

Manitou Music Festival
July-August • Leelanau County
www.manitoumusicfestival.com

   Held at locations around Leelanau County, the festival’s focus is on string quartets and chamber music.  One highlight you won’t want to miss is the opening Dune Climb Concert held on July 17 in the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore with the California Guitar Trio and Song of the Lakes performing at 7 p.m.  The Dune Climb makes for a glorious background on a summer’s evening.  Other performers include:
  • July 24 -- Neptune Quartet
  • July 21-22 -- Fry Street Quartet
  • July 28-29 -- Stellar Piano Trio
  • July 31 -- Susan Werner
  • Aug. 4-5 -- The Prairie Winds
  • Aug. 11-12 -- The Renaud String Quartet

Beaver Island Music Festival
July 22-23 • Beaver Island
www.beaverislandmusicfestival.com

   Denny and Carol Burton have put together what looks to be a pretty groovy music festival on beautiful Beaver Island, which is worth the trip even without the music.  Their imaginative website is loaded with funny postcard and book jacket images from the ‘50s and the mostly unknown performers in their lineup have that lean and hungry look that can produce great music.
   One standout is Prisoners of Paradise, featuring Victor De Lorenzo of the Violent Femmes.  Mike Moran of TC rounds ‘em out with Simplicity, Glowb, D’Carlo, Ed Palmer & Friends, Beans, David Molinari Band, LLE, Earnie Douglas, the Sowa Bros. and more.
   Prices are among the lowest of NoMich festivals:  $25 for a weekend pass in advance, or $30 at the gate with $5 per person camping.  $20-$25 for teens.

Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival
July 22-24 • Marquette
www.portup.com/~hiawatha/

   Many of those who attend the Blissfest just keep heading north after the festival to attend the Hiawatha in the U.P.  Held at Tourist Park in Marquette, the locale makes for easy camping and a chance to check out the town.
   This year’s performers include Maura O’Connell, Jonathan Edwards, Rhythm In Shoes, Blue Moon Rising, The Wilders, Bohola, Seth Bernard and Daisy May, In Process..., Big Garlic Ramblers, Jim Stedman and David Betts.  
   Advance tickets are $45 for a weekend pass, adults, or $35 for teens.  Add $10 for tickets at the gate.

Sleeping Bear Dunegrass & Blues
August 5-6 • Empire
www.leelanau.com/dunegrass
   
  The Dunegrass takes a huge leap forward this summer with some honest-to-gosh major headliners.  In the past, the festival has offered primarily local talents from Leelanau and Benzie counties, but this year’s event will feature Hot Tuna with Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady as well as Chris Smither -- nationally known acts.  
   Other performers include Mr. Blotto, Leadfoot, Two High String Band, Rootstand, The New Third Coast, Claudia Schmidt, Potato Moon, Neptune Quartet, Cabin Fever, and K. Jones and the Benzie Playboyz.
   It’s by far the best lineup the Dunegrass has ever put in the field (literally).  Held in a field just outside the village of Empire, the festival is just a few blocks from a fabulous Lake Michigan beach.  Details on tickets to be announced.

Farmfest
August 11-14 • Johannesburg
www.farmhousemusic.org

   A natural amphitheater and an organic, mellow vibe characterize the Farmfest, which is located on a farm east of Gaylord.  Many in the region say it’s their favorite festival because of the laid-back ambiance that really feels like down-on-the-farm with camping and a cool craft exhibition.
   This year’s lineup includes Claudia Schmidt, Cabin Fever, The Mud Bugs, Darlene, Madison Greene, Blue Water Ramblers, Fresh Water Dolphins & Seth Bernard, K. Jones & the Benzie Playboyz, Robert Jones, Peter “Madcat” Ruth, RootStand and more.
   Weekend tickets are $50 in advance, including camping, or $60 at the gate.  Day passes are $30.


Harbor Celtic Festival
August 27-29 • Harbor Springs
www.blissfest.org

   Northern Michigan’s most ethnic festival features Celtic music, crafts and traditions in downtown Harbor Springs.  Last year’s event included an Irish film festival, pub crawl and concert in Jean Jardine Park.  Details for this year’s festival are still being finalized and will be announced later this summer.

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