More than a dozen Michigan acts will face off in four cities this spring, vying for a performance slot in August’s Cowpie Music Festival.
Contest Kick-Off: Cosmic Knot is one of four bands playing the first round of the 2019 competition. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
Cowpie Music Festival has become more than just a weekend spectacle on the farm.
Support our coverage of
West Michigan's music scene
For the second year, the popular event will expand its reach – and showcase more regional talent – by staging a springtime “Pathway to the Pasture” band contest in four Michigan cities, with more than a dozen acts vying for a performance slot during the Aug. 8-10 festival on Shagbark Farm near Caledonia.
The 2019 Pathway to the Pasture competition kicks off April 27 at Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill in Grand Rapids, with Muskegon funk/soul outfit Flexadecibel, Grand Rapids psychedelic rock/jam band Cosmic Knot, Byron Center rock group Nathan Walton & The Revolving Door and Grand Rapids soul-pop act August.
The 2019 Contest Lineup
Grand Rapids rock band The Zannies won the 2018 competition, earning a slot at Cowpie.
“Last year’s competition was filled to the brim with talent, but I would say that what separates this year’s lineup, is experience and depth,” suggested Travis Compton, who spearheads the Cowpie band contest with assistance from West Mitten Media and Purchase Productions.
“This year’s competition is filled from top to bottom with bands that are already well-established and have started to create their own fan base. We feel honored to be working closely with so many well-seasoned musicians.”
Organizers sifted through hundreds of talented groups online to select the 2019 competitors.
The Cowpie roster fills up so fast that we have no slots left almost immediately after we start the booking process,” Compton said. “We want to promote more than just the artists playing at the festival, and provide more bands with an opportunity to play.”
Playing May 4: Dalmatian Stone will compete at Park Theatre along with Jake Kalmink and Mark Harrell. (Photo/Kendra Kamp)
Other Pathway to the Pasture artists, who come from across the state, include Jake Kalmink & Further Closer, Dalmatian Stone, Mark Harrell & The Hundred Star Hotel, Rolling Zen, Barbarossa Brothers, Static Apparatus, Chirp, Ma Baker and Liquid Thickness.
This year’s Cowpie Music Festival will feature sets by Cracker, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Desmond Jones, Don Julin, Hyryder, Lady Ace Boogie, Mungion, Sophistafunk, Motor City Josh and many more. Get more information and the full lineup online at Local Spins.
And revisit Local Spins coverage of the 2018 Pathway to the Pasture and Cowpie Music Festival:
Grand Rapids rockers The Zannies win Pathway to the Pasture band contest
Musical Oasis: Cowpie 2018 hoofs it up on nearly flawless opening night
Cowpie 2018 Revisited: Top 10 reasons for grooving with the Shagbark Farm family
Copyright 2019, Spins on Music LLC
