In what may be Founders’ biggest street party yet, the June 17 festival will tap a mix of regional and national stars, along with plenty of beer. Scroll down for concert videos of the featured bands.
When Founders Brewing throws a 20th birthday party, it doesn’t fool around.
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The Grand Rapids brewery today announced that its 10th annual Founders Fest – being held during Founders’ 20th anniversary year – will star one of the country’s biggest names on the jam-band scene: Umphrey’s McGee.
Not only that, but this uber-popular headliner will be supported at the June 17 event by other jam-band faves – Colorado’s Leftover Salmon and New Jersey’s Blues Traveler – not to mention Grand Rapids ska legend Mustard Plug and up-and-coming Traverse City alternative folk-rock band The Accidentals.
The FBC All-Stars, featuring Founders employees, and DJ Omega Supreme will fill out the impressive bill for what’s touted as Grand Rapids’ largest street party with several thousand revelers attending. And this bash is shaping up as the biggest yet.
Not surprisingly, ticket prices are slightly higher for this year’s 21-and-older street party: $40 in advance or $50 the day of the show (though this does include an attendee’s first beer). Discounted $25 advance tickets are available for Founders’ Mug Club members; $40 day of show.
TICKETS ON SALE APRIL 14
Tickets go on sale at 11 a.m. April 14 at Founders Brewing and online at ticketfly.com.
In making today’s announcement, Founders touted the ascension of Umphrey’s McGee – a hard-gigging outfit formed in South Bend, Ind., 20 years ago – as one of the nation’s most-respected jam bands, one that’s released nine studio albums and sold more than 4.2 million tracks online.
With regular appearances in Grand Rapids, the band has cultivated a large and devoted West Michigan audience. It last played Grand Rapids in February during the opening week for the new 20 Monroe Live venue.
The well-traveled Blues Traveler, meanwhile, is a Grammy Award-winning, harmonica-drenched blues-rock group led by John Popper; longtime faves and Americana act Leftover Salmon last year released its “25” live album; Mustard Plug celebrated its 25th anniversary as Grand Rapids ska royalty last year as well; and The Accidentals recently signed with Sony Masterworks and will release their first album for international distribution on that label this summer.
“In addition to the sweet tunes, there will also be acrobatics and roving entertainment provided by Grand Rapids’ own Super Happy Funtime (Burlesque),” the Founders announcement added.
Although last year’s festival saw a dip in attendance, the 2017 event – being held on streets surrounding Founders Brewing on Grandville Avenue SW – is likely to ramp up interest considerably due to the lineup of acts.
Talent buyer Joey Basch noted that Founders Fest – which will run from 3-11 p.m. on June 17 – will feature Founders Fest Wheat beer “throughout the duration” of the event with “a good number of surprises from the specialty tent.”
The one-day festival will also feature an artist’s row and a variety of local and regional food vendors.
Check out a photo gallery and coverage of the 2016 Founders Fest online here.
VIDEO: Umphrey’s McGee
VIDEO: Leftover Salmon
VIDEO: Blues Traveler
VIDEO: Mustard Plug
VIDEO: The Accidentals
VIDEO: The FBC All-Stars
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