Strum City/ Local music festivals

June 27, 2007

If you’re looking for a great summer vacation getaway, don’t neglect your own backyard: Northern Michigan plays host to a greater number of music festivals than any other region of the state, with robust line-ups that include both local and national caliber musicians.
Most of the multi-day festivals included here offer camping, along with workshops, food and crafts vendors. Following is your checklist for festivals throughout the region:

Manitou Music Festival
Various dates -- Leelanau County

Why go? To enjoy a blend of classical, jazz and folk concerts in cozy settings in Glen Arbor.
Who’s Playing:
- Patriotic Music - July 1 at the Glen Arbor Athletic Club
- Dune Climb Concert - July 15 with the TSO in Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore
- Art Collage -- music, poetry and visual arts in Glen Arbor, July 21
- Art Walk -- classical music and art in Glen Arbor
- Nobody’s Darlin’ -- Port Oneida Fair, Aug. 11, Glen Arbor
- Los Gatos -- Latin jazz/salsa, Aug. 18, Glen Arbor
Web: www.glenarborart.org

Blissfest
July 13-15 -- Cross Village

Why go? The Blissfest is your con-nection to some highly original worldbeat, blues, jazz and roots rock sounds.You’re sure to be surprised by the new directions in American music which tend to be “under the radar” of the mainstream media. Plus, with 5,000 festival-goers, the Bliss offers a mellow, three-day party in the fields just east of Cross Village.
Who’s Playing: Donna the Buffalo, Laura Love, A.J. Croce, Robin Nolan Trio, Gumbohead, Manouche, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Patchouli, Switchback, The Stairwell Sisters, Ignorant Mob, Jeff Daniels, The Infamous Stringbusters, Mariachi Especial Alma de Mexico, Fiamma Fumana, Earthwork Music, Something Different in the Homemade Jam, Chasing Jupiter, CaroMia & the Teacup Orchestra, Millish, The Ragbirds, and Pinky Lee.
Tickets: $70 advance (adults), $35 (teens), $63 (seniors). Daily rates from $25-$40.
Web: www.blissfest.org

Mountain Rock Music Festival
July 19-22 -- Farwell

Why go? To check out the spanking new Silver Ridge Music Festival’s facility in Farwell which plans to specialize in weekend long events. Plus, you get a big bang for your buck with the festival’s blend of classic rock and current bands.
Who’s Playing: Collective Soul, Mick Fleetwood Band, REO Speedwagon, Chicago, Da Yoopers, Saliva, Grand Funk Railroad, Third Eye Blind, Deep Purple, Uncle Kracker, Styx, Def Leppard
and TBA.
Tickets: Range from $75 day passes to $150, with more for reserved and VIP seats. Camping: $80
Web: www.mtrockfest.com

Hoxeyville Music Festival
July 27-29 -- Coyote Crossing

Why go? We like Hoxeyville at Coyote Crossing Resort to the west of Cadillac because it showcases the best up-and-coming Michigan talent, many of which offer an acoustic rock vibe. A good place to check out the Next Big Thing in Northern Michigan music.
Who’s Playing: Detour, 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, Rachael Davis, The Ragbirds, Mobile Chiefing Unit, Pops Walker, Jen Sygit, Mossy Mountain String Band, Michael Anne Erlewine & the Rescue Boys, Brandon Foote & Laura Bates, Ian Gorman & Ira Cohen, Mark Duval & Two Track Mind, Soul Synapse, Sprout and UV Hippo, the Corn Fed Girls and Great Lakes Grass.
Tickets: $50 for the weekend and $60 at the gate.
Web: www.hoxeyville.com

Suttons Bay JazzFest
July 28 -- Suttons Bay Marina Park

Why go? For the swing dancing, of course, held under a big top tent by the bay. That and the most reliable jazz festival in Northern Michigan in its 15th annual outing. Also provided: choice gourmet food and wine options from Leelanau County.
Who’s Playing: Marcus Roberts Trio, Interlochen Arts Camp Big Band, Western Jazz Quartet, The Merling Trio, and The Harry Goldson Quintet.
Tickets: $25 advance, $35 at the gate.
Web: www.leelanau.com/jazzfest

Dunegrass & Blues
Aug. 2-5 -- Empire

Why go? The Dunegrass has been gathering steam for years with a commitment to bring in acts of national caliber. The emphasis is on bluegrass, jam-bands, folk and worldbeat. A bonus is the short stroll to the Village of Empire and its glorious beach.
Who’s Playing: Dark Star Orchestra, Todd Snider, Keller Williams, Martin Sexton, Railroad Earth, Peter Rowan and Crucial Reggae, Yonder Mountain, David Grisman Quintet, Great American Taxi, Greensky Bluegrass, Cornmeal, Daisy May & Seth Bernard and more...
Tickets: Three-day pass: $100 ($115 gate), two-day pass: $75 ($85 gate). Single day: $40. Camping: $15.
Web: www.dunegrassfestival.com


Farmfest
Aug. 9-12 -- Johannesburg

Why go? For the authentic feel of the country offered by a festival which uses a barn for its stage in a natural amphitheater. It’s a mini Blissfest with talent drawn from across the state.
Who’s Playing: Blue Water Ramblers, Salt Miners, Ignorant Mob, Green Sky Bluegrass, Jeremy Kittel, Seth, Hawks and Owls, Kirby, Coldwater, Dick Siegel with Paul Kovak, Ragbirds, Freshwater and more.
Tickets: $50 advance, $60 at the gate for the weekend. $25 daily or $10 Sunday.
Web: www.farmhousemusic.org

Celtic Festival
Aug. 24-25 -- Harbor Springs

Why go? To raise a Guinness to your Celtic roots. Check out the sounds of Ireland, Scotland and Celtic Canada at Zorn Park in Harbor Springs, combined with a film festival.
Who’s Playing: The McDades (Canadian Juno Award winners) and Dr. Goodhart’s Home Remedy.
Web: www.blissfest.org