This weekend’s inaugural music festival on the water boasts sets by more than 20 Michigan acts and some unique amenities. More music events are planned at the northern Michigan site for 2016.
Fountain Point Folk: The Accidentals frolicking along the shores of Lake Leelanau where the music festival takes place this weekend. (Photo/Tony Demin)
For those who figured the summer music festival season was over, think again.
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Fountain Point Resort
The first-ever Fountain Point Music Festival on the shores of Lake Leelanau north of Traverse City ramps up Saturday and Sunday with more than 20 Michigan acts performing, including The Ragbirds, The Accidentals, The Crane Wives and The Outer Vibe.
Not only that, but the unique new event at Fountain Point Resort – which looks to bask in summer-like weather this weekend – boasts unusual attractions such as wine and music cruises on Lake Leelanau with live music aboard, cottage, hotel and camping accommodations, a bonfire jam with s’mores, 10 artisan vendors and stellar food.
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“The whole point is to really provide this as an awesome music venue,” organizer Amber Buist said of Fountain Point Resort and owner Eric Zehender, who hosted a music series this summer at the resort. “Going forward, he’s looking at making this an incredible music venue – creating spaces and experiences that you won’t get anywhere else.”
Indeed, the “nostalgic, historic site” that’s 18 miles north of Traverse City will feature two stages of entertainment this weekend, as well as solo artists performing on pontoons as part of wine and music cruises.
Many of the featured artists represent the crème de la crème of the Michigan music scene playing the big Lakeside Stage by the water: The Crane Wives, The Accidentals, The Ragbirds, Appleseed Collective, The Outer Vibe, The Cookies, Levi Britton, E Minor, Kellerville, Drive South and Oh Brother Big Sister.
A host of others will play the Fireside Stage: Megaskyfish, Jack Fivecoate, Jake Allen, Michael Dause, Nik Carman, Elie Small, Kyle Skarshaug, Brett Mitchell and Charlie Millard. In addition, wine cruises will feature Mitchell, E Minor and Molly Janusz, with a fireside gospel sing-along featuring Mary Sue Wilkinson, Janusz and friends at 10 a.m. Sunday.
“Every band on there has played a show with The Accidentals this year,” explained Buist, whose daughter Savannah, is part of the Traverse City-based folk-rock trio that’s made a national splash this year as it has crisscrossed the country.
“All those bands have just collaborated this year and have supported each other. … I was blown away that we were able to get eight of the busiest Michigan bands, period. That’s unheard of to get The Crane Wives, The Ragbirds and The Accidentals in the same spot. It’s also kind of a musicians’ festival – just bands that love each other, and want to get together and play.”
The Crane Wives (Photo/Anna Sink)
The festival – which expects to draw 300 to 500 people – serves as a preview of sorts to even bigger music events at Fountain Point in 2016, with plans for classical, jazz, folk and singer-songwriter series, “two or three headliner concerts” and another festival.
“This is launching it,” Buist said. “(Zehender) had this vision of really making Fountain Point a viable music venue. He really appreciates getting families out and off the grid in a safe environment where as a family you can enjoy music.”
Music starts at 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday. Two-day festival passes, which include parking and camping, cost $70 per person; children 12 and younger are free. One-day passes are $40 for Saturday; $45 for Sunday. Purchase tickets and get more information online here.
For those traveling from the Grand Rapids area and beyond, the festival also provides a unique opportunity: Booking two nights of accommodations at the on-site hotel or cabins automatically provides a two-day festival pass for everyone in the room, VIP parking, Saturday night dinner, a wine and music cruise, Sunday breakfast, rowing lessons and yoga. Those interested can book accommodations at fountainpointresort.com.
Fountain Point Resort is located at 990 S. Lake Leelanau Drive in Lake Leelanau, Mich.
Copyright 2015, Spins on Music LLC
