Another Michigan music festival has fallen victim to the coronavirus. This time, it’s the relatively young Camp Greensky hosted by Greensky Bluegrass. Details at Local Spins, plus news about other June festivals.
Delayed Until June 2021: Camp Greensky host Greensky Bluegrass. (Photo/Nathan Purchase)
Count Camp Greensky among the growing number of Michigan music festivals that have fallen victim to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Organizers of the June 4-6 event held at the Hoxeyville festival grounds in Wellston amid the Manistee National Forest announced today that the “trying times” have led them to scrap the 2020 festival and return in early June 2021.
“With the COVID-19 pandemic canceling events and putting a halt on normal life across the globe, Camp Greensky has made the difficult decision to reschedule for June 3-5, 2021. All tickets will be honored for the new dates,” the festival announced on Facebook late today.
“We can’t wait to rejoice with you all in the north woods when we reconvene next spring. We’re aiming to bring as much of this year’s lineup as possible back to join us when we gather together next year. These are trying times for all of us and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate these uncharted waters together. Take care of one another. We will share updates as they are available.”
The third-year festival was slated to feature Billy Strings, Lettuce, The Infamous Stringdusters and John Medeski’s Mad Skillet, along with sets by festival host Greensky Bluegrass. Other artists on the bill included Peter Rowan, Cha Wa, Wayword Sons, Della Mae, Luke Winslow-King, Jon Stickley Trio, Neal Francis, Full Cord, Grasshoppah, PHoffman and Dave Bruzza & Lyle Brewer.
Greensky Bluegrass mandolinist Paul Hoffman added on Facebook that it would be “sad to not holler under the night sky in Michigan.”
Billy Strings and Band: Performing on stage at Camp Greensky in 2019. (Photo/Anna Sink)
Festival organizers didn’t specifically address the possibility of refunds, but noted in the statement that they’re “facing unprecedented circumstances as this unfolds. You, the fans and ticket holders, create Camp Greensky. Your commitment sustains this event. We ask that you keep your support with Camp Greensky as we work to create an even more magical experience in 2021.”
Responding to a Local Spins inquiry about the refund situation, the festival reiterated only that those who “have questions or concerns, please email us at info@campgreensky.com.”
Fans and festivalgoers expressed sadness as well as support for the decision on Facebook. But some also wondered about ticket refunds.
• “It sucks, but for us that do the grounds work for these festivals we are living in the world of unknowns. We can focus our efforts to make next year full of the love we need.”
• “So very sad, but totally understand. I was actually hoping I wouldn’t have to decide whether to turn down vending if I didn’t feel comfortable in large crowds yet. I’m glad you made the decision for me! My God, I can’t wait for this year to be over.”
• “Right thing to do, but I am oh so sad.”
• “Refunding tickets right now is imperative! Are you giving us that option?”
• “This is no time to keep fans’ money. We are both out of work and I have thousands of dollars wrapped up in ticket money.”
Camp Greensky is one of several June festivals that have announced plans to cancel or reschedule due to the coronavirus pandemic, with Electric Forest announcing late Thursday that organizers are “exploring all our options” for alternate dates after Rothbury village officials rejected a request to reschedule the late June event to September.
Christian music’s Big Ticket Festival, which had been slated to take place June 25-27 in Gaylord, will now take place Sept. 4-6, organizers announced earlier this week.
Grand Rapids’ Festival of the Arts — usually held the first weekend in June — and the June 20 Spirit of the Woods Folk Festival in Brethren have canceled for 2020.
Find other updates and complete festival listings in Local Spins’ Michigan Music Festivals 2020 guide.
Copyright 2020, Spins on Music LLC
