Local Spins recaps highlights from the weekend music festival at Delton’s Circle Pines Center in words and photos.

Buttermilk Bonanza: The Saturday night scene at the Orchard Stage. (Photo/Holly Holtzclaw)
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Addressing a gleeful crowd of festivalgoers amid the wooded beauty of Buttermilk Jamboree south of Grand Rapids, singer Ruth Ungar of New York folk-rock band The Mammals may have put it best:
“This is what it’s all about.”
Indeed, one of West Michigan’s first music festivals of summer 2023 was all about upbeat live music, family-friendly revelry and stellar weather at Circle Pines Center in Delton.
“I think this is my favorite festival, and I’ve probably been to about 10 different ones,” said
Angie Mikolaiczik, of Skidway Lake, who was particularly drawn to Brotha James’ Saturday set.
Festival vendor Eana, meanwhile, called Buttermilk “the only festival I’d pay to see.”
There were plenty of standout sets during the three-day celebration. Here are some highlights, courtesy of Local Spins writers Holly Holtzclaw and Cassandra Kipp. And check out opening day coverage of Buttermilk Jamboree here: Day 1 of Buttermilk Jamboree revels in diversity, community, Michigan flair.
HOLLY HOLTZCLAW

Max Lockwood (Photo/Holly Holtzclaw)
The Incantations – This Kalamazoo-based band transported the audience at the tiny deck acting as the Broonzy Stage for the weekend to another place and time with haunting melodies and a dreamy rock sound. Vocalists Lisa Mackie and Ryan Gladding’s voices juxtapose one another separately, but create a fascinating blend of styles when paired together in harmony. The Incantations’ bluesy, moody set was balanced by moments of upbeat Americana and heavier rock riffs.
The Hooten Hallers – The Hooten Hallers, hailing from St. Louis, Mo., brought an energetic and unexpected rock set to the Orchard Stage Saturday evening. Characterized by lead vocalist John Randall’s gravelly, growling vocal tone, the band possesses a sound that is unmistakably its own. In favor of a typical bass guitar, The Hooten Hallers opt for baritone and bass saxophones played interchangeably by Kellie Everett. This unusual choice brings elements of soul and jazz into their music. The members’ lively onstage presence and one-of-a-kind sound are just a couple of reasons why The Hooten Hallers have quickly become a Buttermilk favorite.

Selwyn Birchwood (Photo/Holly Holtzclaw)
Selwyn Birchwood – Those who caught Selwyn Birchwood’s Sunday afternoon set at last year’s Buttermilk Jamboree would likely agree that Birchwood is headliner material without a doubt. Birchwood and his band made the trek up from Tampa, Fla., once again, this time closing out Saturday’s Orchard Stage. With tight musicianship, intricate guitar skills and an overall joyful vibe, the band unfurled a unique mix of blues, funk and soul. Birchwood praised the festival’s diversity: “I love that there’s such an eclectic mix of music at this place.”
CASSANDRA KIPP
GREAT LAKES BRASS – At noon Saturday, it was like a scene from a movie: hot, shiny sun, marching band at the front, kids and adults alike joining in a parade. The Great Lakes Brass Band toured Circle Pines Center, riffing on each other and trading melodies back and forth. Many of those not taking part in the procession were capturing it with their cameras.

The Bootstrap Boys (Photo/Holly Holtzclaw)
JORDAN HAMILTON BAND – Occupying the massive open space on the Orchard Stage, the Jordan Hamilton Band — violinist, mixer and Hamilton on vocals and cello –- incorporated rap and R&B into classical styles, with his violinist taking solos and a synthesizer supporting it all. It’s always intriguing to hear a synthesizer modify the sounds of instruments and voices live. It m made for an interesting watch and apropos for a spring-summer morning.
ELISABETH PIXLEY-FINK – Elisabeth Pixley-Fink showed off a great, commanding stage presence with music ranging from sensitive country to rock. One piece written by Fink, “All My Dreams Are Impossible,” was brutal, but the extremely upbeat big band style provided an ironic contrast that still made it danceable. Her straightforward but energetic
performance inspired several fans to purchase her CD after the set.
PHOTO GALLERY: Buttermilk Jamboree at Circle Pines Center
Photos by Holly Holtzclaw
VIDEO: Buttermilk Jamboree (June 16)
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