The six-day festival at Smiling Acres will feature performances by Elisabeth Pixley-Fink, Be Steadwell, Crys Matthews and more, along with workshops and vendors. Details at Local Spins.
Elisabeth Pixley-Fink: Eager to perform ‘in a trans-inclusive space that centers experiences of the femme spectrum.’ (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
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With a musical lineup that features Elisabeth Pixley-Fink, Be Steadwell, Crys Matthews, Grace Rowland, Heather May and more, the fourth Michigan Fern Fest commences today in Trufant for six days of music, workshops, vendors and networking.
Fostering community and connections for women, and nonbinary and trans individuals, the festival runs from today (July 22) through Sunday (July 27).
“I think one thing that stands out is that it’s six days and five nights and that’s a lot longer than most festivals. It’s a pretty lengthy festival which is great because it gives everybody a chance to really drop in,” says festival producer Abra Wise.
“It’s really nice to get folks to come on Tuesday and stay through the week. But you know, the thing that really is the most special about it is because it’s not just a music festival, but it’s mostly about the community-oriented part and the anti-racism work that we do and the trans-affirming space that we have and body positivity. It’s kind of like a community space for all of those folks and then the music is just a bonus.”
All About Community, Connections: Fern Fest (Courtesy Photo)
The festival offers attendees the chance to celebrate and commune alongside like-minded individuals for what is deemed a “transformative” experience.
Camping is listed as rustic (no electricity) and attendees are welcome to camp in tents, cars or RVs. Food vendors will be available throughout the week, serving up a variety of meals, while a community kitchen is available for those who wish to pack and prepare their own food.
Located on the same grounds as the Smiling Acres festival at 3060 N. Johnson Road, adult tickets range from $430 for a full week to $270 for a two-day weekend pass. Youth tickets are $155 for the week or $105 for the weekend. Tickets are available online here.
Ann Arbor singer-songwriter Elisabeth Pixley-Fink, who performs Friday, will be backed by an all-girl band and perform a “set of songs that make you feel something and bangers.”
“I’m looking forward to being in a space with women, trans, and non-binary folks and being in a trans-inclusive space that centers experiences of the femme spectrum,” says Pixley-Fink.
“Excited for my band and the opportunity to branch out who I’m playing with. Also handmaking a run of merch just for Fern Fest.”
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