Back 40 Fest Revisited: Small But Mighty

EDITOR’S NOTE: Local Spins occasionally this summer has focused on smaller, out-of-the-way music festivals which are becoming popular due to their intimacy and accessibility. Writer Robert Novak recently attended his first Back 40 Fest in Marcellus in Southwest Michigan. Here are his impressions and photos. And view our coverage of the recent Farm Block Reunion in the Upper Peninsula here.

It could be considered “small but mighty.”

West Michigan’s second annual Back 40 Fest rolled out for two days last weekend on a hog farm in Marcellus, Mich., with more than 10 bands performing, enhanced by art vendors and positive vibes.

With about 150 attendees, the intimate DIY music festival boasted a warm and welcoming atmosphere — with performances on a backyard deck — expanding to two days from the one-day event held last year.

“This is an annual thing and we want to keep growing it each year with more bands, vendors and people each year,” said Back 40 Fest staff worker Nathan Thompson.

Friday’s performers included Kalamazoo’s Taxi Cab, who performed a heavily rhythmic, rap and hip hop set that featured many of his classics as well as a few unreleased songs. Another Kalamazoo musician, Shankool, followed with a funky lo-fi set that got folks dancing.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Perch: Basement Window performing at Back 40 Fest. (Photo/Robert Novak)

“It was a great crowd considering I went on at 3:30 p.m. on a Friday and I had a ton of fun playing out there,” Taxi Cab said later.

With performing acts from all over the Midwest, there was a set for everybody. As the day turned into night, only more festivalgoers flocked to The Freaking Hog Farm and the energy continued to positively progress.

“The feeling of being at a music festival now is different after we were all in solitude for so long,” said festivalgoer Lexi Falek from Grand Rapids. “I think we all really need this connection with other people who share the love of the arts.”

Later in the evening, two more Kalamazoo bands performed comprehensive rock sets. Just coming off of the Farm Block Reunion festival in the Upper Peninsula, Vishaps displayed a lively stage presence, while emo-esque Basement Window unfurled a diverse sound that drew a crowd.

“This was so fun. I’ve never played a venue quite like this so it was a really cool experience,” said Marguerite Mooradian, lead singer for Vishaps.

Cool enough to make Back 40 Fest an up-and-coming mini-festival amid West Michigan’s summer lineup.

PHOTO GALLERY: Back 49 Fest
Photos by Robert Novak