National and regional stars graced several stages at the 35th annual festival southeast of Cross Village, attracting thousands for a weekend of music and art. (Photo gallery)
Bliss.
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For devotees who return every year to Blissfest in the far northern corner of the Lower Peninsula, Blissfest may be the perfect name for a music festival, especially when the weather cooperates.
The 35th anniversary of this folk-driven, family-friendly celebration of traditional, ethnic and rootsy music and art treated thousands of festival-goers to three days of music by classic national acts such as Arlo Guthrie, Pearl & The Beard, Gangstagrass, That 1 Guy, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, The Way Down Wanderers and The Whiskey Shivers, and a host of compelling Michigan artists such as Joshua Davis, Seth & May, The Go Rounds, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, The Accidentals, Dede & The Dreamers, Michelle Chenard & Pete Keho, Slim Gypsy Baggage, Abigail Stauffer, E-Minor and many more.
“It is a special fest because it has a great vibe: laid-back, very low security, family-friendly — yet you can still party till the crack of dawn — and it’s not too big,” said Grand Rapids’ Brian Haik, guitarist for the band Skankadank, who attended his third Blissfest over the weekend and particularly enjoyed Guthrie, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Mo’ Mojo and Funky Butt Brass Band. “I’m over going to really big festivals.”
Much of the action was captured in images by Local Spins. So for those that were there, reminisce away. For those that weren’t, there’s always next year.
BLISSFEST: LOCAL SPINS PHOTO GALLERY BY ANNA SINK
(Photos of Arlo Guthrie by Brian Haik)