Homegrown Hoxeyville: Secluded Jams and Scenic Views

By Kristi Kates | Aug. 12, 2017

Hoxeyville might be the only music festival where attendees boat with their favorite band. But set as it is on 150 acres of farmland inside the Manistee National Forest and near the banks of the Pine River, informal canoe excursions, morning swim sessions, and mounting biking are as common as hammock naps in the trees. But what reigns supreme? Music — heavy on folk, roots, and blues — made by an expansive mix of local up-and-comers and regional touring musicians.

Hoxeyville’s early days brought in such big-ticket acts as The Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart and Bruce Hornsby, but in spite of the star power, that kind of roster didn’t suit the crowd, so festival founder and director Jake Robinson stepped back and decided to focus on local talent, with a few carefully selected regional draws.

Today, annual crowds of 3,000 show Robinson’s prescription was a certain success. This year, two stages — the Main and the Mitten — will play all weekend. Headliners for 2017 include Greensky Bluegrass, who will wrap up the main stage Friday and Saturday night, and familiar Traverse City-face-gone-Nashville Billy Strings (pictured) on Sunday night.
        
Leading up to those names will be area faves like May Erlewine, Eric Engblade, Biomassive, The Go Rounds, The Stepladders, Big Dudee Roo, Seth Bernard, The Accidentals, Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires, Airborne or Aquatic, The Whistle Stop Revue, The Crane Wives, and Luke Winslow King.
         
If You Go
The 15th Hoxeyville Music Festival takes place August 18­–20 at the festival grounds in Wellston, Michigan. Weekend wristbands are $60 for teens, $125 for adults, $185 for adult with camping (tent and RV allowed). Individual day passes start at $50. For tickets, a complete schedule, and more information, visit hoxeyville.com.