What better way to spend a summer weekend than by attending a folk festival -- where you can hear your favorite musicians and discover new ones, explore new traditions, learn new musical and dance skills, and share the experience with others who also love this music ... all while enjoying the great outdoors!
Here is a listing of some of the most popular festivals that are attended by Michigan folks, but this is just the beginning. There are hundreds of festivals occurring throughout the country -- why not plan to attend one as part of your vacation? The most comprehensive listing may be found in the spring and summer issues of Sing Out Magazine. If you are Canada-bound, visit Northern Journey Online's Canadian Folk Festival Websites.
Nor-East'r Music & Arts Festival
June 11-13, 2010
Oscoda County Fairgrounds
Mio, MI
800-800-6133
http://www.noreastr.net
Performers include the Madcat, Kane and Maxwell Street, Caravan of Thieves, Orpheum Bell, The Sweetback Sisters, Rootstand, AnDro, Blue Water Ramblers, Annie & Rod Capps, Jason Dennie, and many more. Many styles of music, great art exhibits, camping, kids activities, workshops, and many great jam sessions throughout the grounds.
Spirit of the Woods Folk Festival
Saturday, June 19, 2010
11:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
In the park at Brethren, MI
231-723-2230 or 231-889-3667
http://www.spiritofthewoods.org
Featuring Red Sea Pedestrians, Orpheum Bell, Lake Effect with Rachel Davis, An Dro, Stella! (Jo Serrapere and Jen Sygit), and many more.
Old Songs Festival of Traditional Music & Dance
June 25-27, 2010
Altamont Fairgrounds
Altamont, NY
518-765-2815
http://www.oldsongs.org
Performers include James Keelaghan, Billy Jonas, Sally Rogers & Howie Bursen, Joe Hickerson, Cathy Barton and Dave Para, Jeff Davis, John Roberts and Tony Barrand, Brian Peters, Kim and Reggie Harris, and many more. Concerts, workshops, participatory dancing, storytelling, crafts, and family activities.
The Winnipeg Folk Festival
July 7-11, 2010
Birds Hill Park
Winnipeg, Manitoba
204-231-0096
http://www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca
This year's performers include Emmylou Harris and Her Red Dirt Boys, The Duhks, Geoff Muldaur, Greg Brown, John Hiatt, Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion, the Tao Seeger Band, and many more.
Blissfest Traditional Music Festival
July 9-11, 2010
Festival Farm
Cross Village, MI
231-348-2815
http://www.blissfest.org
This year's performers include John Hiatt, Richie Havens, Rani Arbo and Daisy Mayhem, Patty Larkin, Thornetta Davis, Claudia Schmidt and the Funtet, Steppin' in It, and many more.
Saline Celtic Festival
July 15-17, 2010
Mill Pond Park
Saline, MI
734-944-2810
http://www.salineceltic.org
Music, dance, workshops, Highland athletics, children's activities, living history enactments, Celtic and American cuisine. Performers include Finvarra's Wren, Road Kilt, An Dro, Visten, Brogue, Beth Patterson, Fiddlers ReStrung, Bryan Kelso Crow, Michael Hough (emcee), Renee Ginell, Leim Irish Dance, and the Ealain Ceime Irish Dance School.
Non-Electrical Musical Funfest
July 15-18, 2010
Osceola County Fairgrounds
Evart, MI
231-734-6119
http://www.dulcimers.com/evartpage.html
Sponsored by the Original Dulcimer Players Club, Inc. Workshops, stage shows, and lots of great jamming!
Home County Folk Festival
July 16-18, 2010
Victoria Park
London, Ontario
519-432-6299
http://www.homecounty.ca
This year's performers include Bruce Cockburn, Ron Hynes, Lynn Miles, Rant Maggie Rant, Vishten, and many more. Evening concerts, afternoon music and dance workshops and demonstrations, and 150 craft artists. Free admission!
Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival
July 16-18, 2010
Tourist Park
Marquette, MI
906-226-8575
http://www.hiawathamusic.org/~hiawatha
Performers include Bryan Bowers, Claudia Schmidt, Dixie Bee-Liners, Hot Club of Cowtown, and many more.
7th Annual Downtown Evart Folk Festival
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Evart, MI
1:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
231-734-6119
http://www.evart.org/folkfestival.html
Performers include Matt Watroba, Rev. Robert Jones, Anne Hills, and Lou & Peter Berryman.
Flint Folk Music Festival
Saturday, July 31, 2010
2:00-9:30 p.m.
Kearsley Park
Flint, MI
810-235-1442
http://www.flintfolkmusic.org
Performers include Mustard's Retreat, Meg Hutchinson, Matt Watroba, The Laws, Stella!, and Rachel Davis.
Champlain Valley Folk Festival
July 30 - August 1, 2010
Kingsland Bay State Park
Ferrisburgh, VT
800-769-9176
http://www.cvfest.org
Performers include John Roberts and Tony Barrand, Pete Sutherland, Rob Lutes, Anais Mitchell, and many more.
Riverfolk Music & Arts Festival
August 6-7, 2010
Carr Park
Manchester, MI
734-323-1761
http://www.riverfolkfestival.org
Performers include Trent Wagler & the Steel Wheels (bluegrass), Joe Hall & the Louisiana Cane Cutters (Cajun), Galactic Cowboy Orchestra, George Bedard & the Kingpins (Rockabilly), Dick Siegel, Woody Pines (Blues,Rags), Rant Maggie Rant (Celtic), Natalie Mae (MC), The Millers (Old Time), The Raisin Pickers, and Kofi Ameyaw (African). Includes stage performances, music and dance workshops, a kids' area, and a juried art show.
Great Lakes Folk Festival
August 13-15, 2010
Downtown East Lansing
East Lansing, MI
517-432-4533
http://www.greatlakesfolkfest.net
Showcases our country's rich cultural heritage through music, dance, crafts, storytelling, games and food. Performers include Alberta Adams (Blues), Chulrua (Irish Celtic), De Temps Antan (Quebecois), D.W. Groethe (Cowboy Poetry), Klancnik and Friends Band (Slovenian Polka), Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver (Bluegrass), Sana Ndiaye(Ekonting Master), Mariachi Perla de Mexico (Mariachi), Rumen "Sali" Shopov (Romani/Bulgarian), Siempre Flamenco (Andalucian Flamenco), and Cedric Watson and Bijou Creole (Creole/Zydeco).
Owen Sound Summerfolk Festival
August 20-22, 2010
Kelso Beach Park
Owen Sound, Ontario
519-371-2995
http://www.summerfolk.org
Performers include Sarah Harmer, Lennie Gallant, Artisan, Red Horse (Eliza Gilkyson, John Gorka, Lucy Kaplansky), Colin Linden, Mose Scarlett, Ian Robb, Grit Laskin, Matt Watroba, Jack Williams, De Temps Antan, and many more. Displays, sales, and demonstrations by professional craft artists.
Philadelphia Folk Festival
August 20-22, 2010
Old Pool Farm
Near Schwenksville, PA
215-242-0150
http://www.folkfest.org
Performers include Richard Thompson, Taj Mahal, Susan Werner, Malinky, Chris Smither, Mike Cross, Natalia Zukerman, the Subdudes, and many many more.
Hoxeyville Music Festival
August 20-22, 2010
Coyote Crossing Resort
8593 S. 13 Rd.
Cadillac, MI
http://www.hoxeyville.com
Performers include Todd Snider, Greensky Bluegrass, Justin Townes Earle, The Ragbirds, Steppin' in It, Red Sea Pedestrians, The Rachel Davis Band, and many more.
Michigan Renaissance Festival
August 21-October 3, 2010
Holly, MI (Exit 106 off I-75)
800-601-4848
http://www.michrenfest.com
Open weekends and Labor Day, 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., rain or shine. Music, stage acts, artisans, food booths. Themed weekends.
Thumbfest
Saturday, September 4, 2010
10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Camp Ozanam
Lexington, MI
586-727-5197
http://www.thumbfest.org
Sponsored by the Bluewater Folk Society. Main stage, workshop hall, dance hall, front porch jamming, kid's activities area, and crafts. Performers TBA.
Fox Valley Folk Music & Storytelling Festival
September 5-6, 2010
Island Park
Geneva, IL
630-897-3655
http://foxvalleyfolk.com
Performers include Lou and Peter Berryman, Bob Bovee and Gail Heil, Bryan Bowers, Cooper and Nelson, Judy Cook, Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen, Joel Mabus, Bill Robinson and Friends, Brian Peters, and many more.
Wheatland Music Festival
September 10-12, 2010
Remus, MI
989-967-8879
http://www.wheatlandmusic.org
Main stage performers include Beausoleil with Michael Doucet, Rory Block, Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women, Genticorum, Joel Mabus, Red Sea Pedestrians, Laura Cortese's Acoustic String Project, and many more.
