Old and new, big and small, the Mitten State Festival aims to continue the momentum from last year’s post-pandemic comeback. Stories and previews, plus the Local Spins 2023 festival guide.
‘Very festive’: Last summer’s Blissfest was welcomed by fans and performers, including Sean Colvin. (Photo/Laura Know)
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Western Michigan Music Scene
Everything is “Michigan spirit”.
The state’s music festival scene has exploded over the past 15 years, but those involved in continuing the community-driven momentum despite that nasty COVID pandemic are recognizing that Claims that there is nothing else.
“Michigan is such an amazing state and the music that comes out of it is one of the best in the country. It will be held on the 11th.
“Nor-East’r seeks to capture the spirit of Michigan or the Midwest. Nor-East’r is about kindness. I want to create an inclusive environment where I tell myself I’m home. ”
Michigan Music Festival’s “sweet spot”: Acres of Smiles last July. (Photo/Anna Sink)
That “home” feeling can be applied to the dozens of grassroots festivals that have sprung up across the state. Most of the festivals that continue to emerge each year showcase local and regional talent, along with nationally touring artists.
Mark Lavengood of the 3rd Annual Smiling Acres Music Festival in July outside Trufant said:
“Michigan is rich in artists, world-class music festivals, and water. I think it’s that we have a very large listener base that tends to do that.”
Both Lavengood and Janetsky rave about the warm welcome music lovers have given these intimate local festivals, especially last summer.
“We have just returned for the first time since the COVID pandemic and the overall experience has exceeded our expectations,” Janetsky said.
“The attendees were so kind, energetic, grateful and open-minded. I would say the same for the artists who performed. .”
Find your new ‘favorite band’ in ‘natural beauty’
Mark Ravengood Band frontman, guitarist and dobro player Ravengood said happy festival-goers at Smiling Acres, a young boutique-style festival that plans to ramp up its offerings for 2023, are “new.” I found my favorite band.” He said, “It’s really reassuring.”
Michigan complements these homely summer gatherings with larger, more intense festivals that draw fans from across the country and around the world. Electric Forest, Breakaway Music Festival, Mo Pop Festival, Movement Electronic Music Festival, Upheaval, Detroit Jazz Festival others.
Meanwhile, some of Michigan’s most cherished and longest-running festivals include: Wheatland, Blisfest When Charlotte Bluegrass Festival It continues to attract a new generation of fans as well as the enthusiastic attendees that have become an annual tradition.
Michigan’s Biggest Music Festival: Electric Forest (Photo/Lauren Johnson)
Caroline Barlow, Artistic Director of the Blissfest Music Organization, which launched the first Blissfest in 1981, said: First in-person festival since 2019 due to the pandemic.
“Blisfest takes place in early July, so it feels like a quintessential Michigan summer. Feeling the breeze and enjoying it.The 2022 festival was such a celebration and it felt great to get together and celebrate Bliss again.”
The 2023 festival will take place July 7-9. Barlow said that literally 100% of the performers he surveyed this past year “want to come back to the festival. We consider it a success.”
She added: We are excited to bring a bountiful year to our patrons with more areas to connect with each other, jam together, learn together and enjoy a weekend of inspiring performances. ”
With dozens of festivals aiming to wow fans with “electrifying performances” in 2023, Local Spins offers the only comprehensive list of music festivals in the state. Please note that events are subject to change and some festivals have yet to officially announce dates for this year.
Please click here:
Local Spins Michigan Music Festival 2023 Guide
Another crowd-pleasing event: Breakaway Music Festival 2022 in Grand Rapids. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
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