With May Erlewine, Oh Brother Big Sister, Olivia Mainville, Watching for Foxes, The Change, Seth Bernard, workshops and much more on tap, the festival east of Gaylord has expanded for 2017. See the lineup.
Special Vibe: Farmfest unfurls once again in August in northern Michigan.
It’s a peculiar coincidence that the likes of a sprawling 40-acre farmstead, with roots dating back to over a century ago, is home to a small, grass-roots, community-oriented music festival.
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The 2017 Lineup
For the past twenty years, Farmfest has been a northern Michigan tradition, taking place in a remote rural stretch, just east of Johannesburg and about 20 miles east of Gaylord.
“We have new workshops, a new volunteer program, super kid-friendly and lots of different vendors selling all types of cool wares,” said Ryan Williams, a festival organizer.
“We’re also super-excited to be extending our camping areas.”
This year’s Farmfest will take place Aug. 10-13. Weekend tickets are available at the festival website and range from $80-$95. Daily passes also are available for $30 per person. Those ages 12 and younger are free.
Performers this year include May Erlewine, Madcat Midnight Blues Journey, Nicholas James Thomasma, Oh Brother Big Sister, Olivia Mainville & The Aquatic Troupe and Seth Bernard Trio, among many others.
Encircled by woods on all sides, the festival’s main stage — a rustic wooden bandshell — sits atop a hill overlooking rolling pastures and valleys – creating a natural amphitheater. Small craft vendors sell a plethora of handmade good and a bevy of food vendors stir up hearty fare on the bluff opposite mainstage.
Though this becomes the heart of the festival, many revelers wander into the woods to stumble upon the many auxiliary side stages.
Festivities carry on, as expected, into the wee hours of the morning, and are filled with dancing, music and fellowship…as they have been for the last two decades.
“We’re in our 20th year and we specialize in Michigan music,” Williams said. “Farmfest has miles of heart.”
Copyright 2017, Spins on Music LLC
