6 sizzling Michigan music festivals for August
August is almost here and with it some of the final outdoor music festivals of the season. But dry those tears, because from metal to jazz, here six sizzling music festivals happening this month in Michigan. Keep rocking!
Fair Lane Folk Festival
Location: The Henry Ford Estate in Dearborn
Date: Aug. 1
Henry and Clara Ford enjoyed great folk music, and in that spirit, the Fair Lane Folk Festival will bring lively folk jams to the Henry Ford Estate in Dearborn. The festival, happening Saturday, will feature national, regional and local musicians playing folk, roots, Americana and bluegrass music on two stages in the gardens of the historic estate. Michigan craft beers will also be available in the Bell’s Beer Garden. There will also be food trucks and local artisans and vendors.
The entertainment lineup includes NBC “The Voice” finalist Joshua Davis, Matt Wertz, Frontier Ruckus, Rayland Baxter, the Accidentals, PigPen Theatre Co., Rachel & Dominic Davis, the Giving Tree Band, Chris Bathgate, Thunderwude and the Green Gallows.
Cost: Advance tickets run $25 for general admission, and the price goes up to $30 the day of. VIP tickets are also available.
Website: www.fairlanefolkfest.org
Great Lakes Folk Festival
Location: Downtown East Lansing
Dates: Aug. 7 through 9
About: East Lansing’s Great Lakes Folk Festival offers music, dance and culture in the heart of the city. The three-day musical event, which is free, brings a blend of music, dance, storytelling, art, authentic ethnic food, an arts marketplace and kids’ activities.
This year’s lineup includes Bob Bernard, Dennis Stroughmatt et L’Esprit Creole, the Down Hill Strugglers, Feufollet, Genticorum, the Hot Club of Cowtown, Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton and others.
The Great Lakes Folk Festival Uke Strum kicks off the festival at 6 p.m. on Aug. 7 on the City Hall Stage. Bring a ukulele (some loaners are available) and a music stand to join in the uke fun. All levels are welcome.
“Nothing says ‘folks’ like the ukulele,” said Ben Hassenger of Lansing, who is organizing the uke strum and is Michigan’s (self-appointed) Ukulele Ambassador.
“It’s the true ‘people’s instrument.’”
Cost: Free
Website: www.greatlakesfolkfest.net
Lansing JazzFest
Location: Old Town, Lansing
Dates: Aug. 7 and 8
About: Now in its 21st year, Lansing JazzFest has evolved from OctoberFest to a jazzier affair, backed by the Old Town Business & Art Development Association. The festival offers live music, clinics, workshops and children’s activities.
The bill this year features the Paul Keller Orchestra, Marcus Elliot, the Jim Cooper Quartet, George Delancey, Betty Joplin, Grupo Aye, Duncan McMillan and others.
Cost: Free
Website: www.jazzlansing.com
Dirt Fest
Location: Birch Run Expo Center in Birch Run, Mich.
Dates: Aug. 7 and 8
About: The 17th annual Dirt Fest brings a wealth of metal and hard rock to Birch Run, including national acts and Michigan talent. This year, Dirt Fest is expanding from one day to two, so come with the stamina to rock twice as hard.
This year’s lineup offers Down, Coal Chamber, Fear Factory, Hellyeah, Mushroomhead, Jasta, King 810, Upon a Burning Body, Beyond Threshold, the Convalescence and Below the Tide on Aug. 7. The next day features Taproot, Kottonmouth Kings, We Are Harlot, Periphery, Starset, Eyes Set to Kill, Psychostick, From Ashes to New, DeverauX, Heartsick, It Lies Within, Red Sun Rising, Fit for Rivals, Another Lost Year and more.
Cost: General admission is $45 (plus charges) in advance. Prices will go up on the day of the show. VIP tickets are also available.
Website: www.dirtfest.com
Lansing Flow Fest and Bless Fest
Location: Adado Riverfront Park in Lansing
Dates: Aug. 21 for Flow Fest; Aug. 22 for Bless Fest
About: Lansing Flow and Bless fests present inspirational, faith-filled music for all ages. Flow Fest is an all rap and hip-hop show that features local and nationally-known Christian rap artists with family-friendly rhymes. Bless Fest features gospel, rock music, country and hip-hop music, plus free picnic-style food, a kids’ area, free raffles and other activities.
“Bless Fest continues with a variety of free live concerts from outstanding Michigan bands and performers, along with plenty of great giveaways, on both days,” said organizer Rudy Henderson, adding that there will be free picnic-style food on Saturday from noon until 3:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Website: www.mediamessengers.org
Mason Sun Dried Music Fest
Location: Downtown Mason
Dates: Aug. 28 through 30
About: The Mason Sun Dried Music Fest presents a variety of bands, food vendors, kids’ activities and a beer-and-wine refreshment tent. The fest is located in the streets of downtown Mason, around the Courthouse Square. Entertainment includes Peggy and the Po’ Boys and more acts to be announced.
Cost: Free
Online: www.sundriedfestival.com