With sets by Madcat Midnight Blues Journey, Fauxgrass, May Erlewine and more, this fest has expanded for 2017 with a beer tent, children’s area and info about ‘healing our waters.’ Check out the schedule.
Back at Riverside Park: The Grand River Water Festival takes place Saturday. (Photo/Hunter Gamble)
EDITOR’S NOTE: Bruce and Becca Ling of Hawks & Owls were this week’s in-studio guests for Local Spins Live on 1340 WJRW. Scroll down for a video of their appearance and song performances. Bruce Ling is chief organizer of Grand River Water Festival.
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Riverside Park in Grand Rapids will be the site of an “infectious” meeting of the minds Saturday for the eighth Grand River Water Festival, with a stream of first-rate Michigan music and the sights of summer to set the scene.
Saturday’s Schedule
The free, all ages festival will combine a celebration Michigan’s environment with music from West Michigan favorites including Madcat Midnight Blues Journey, May Erlewine, Fauxgrass, Ralston Bowles, Hawks & Owls, Evolucion and more.
Between acts, representatives of environmental groups from across Michigan are scheduled to speak about topics such as climate change, fracking, river restoration, Flint’s water crisis and the uncertain future of Michigan’s underwater oil pipeline, Enbridge Line 5.
With food and crafts vendors, a tent for discussions and information on activism, a children’s creativity area, a Creston Brewing-sponsored beer tent and collaboration with record number of organizations, this year’s festival is set to be the largest yet, according to Grand River Water Festival organizer and Hawks & Owls frontman Bruce Ling.
Ling describes the fusion of music and so many ideas has made for a “surreal” atmosphere in years past.
Passing on the Knowledge: Bruce Ling (Photo/Local Spins)
“It’s infectious volunteerism at its finest,” Ling said of the festival, which was recently registered as a 501c3 non-profit organization. “All the volunteers have one idea in mind and that’s to save the planet. With the festival goers, that vibe becomes contagious. There’s a collective consciousness regarding healing our waters and planet that happens. It’s peaceful, cooperative and collaborative.”
Ling also noted the importance of involving children in the festival. The “enormous” programming for kids at this year’s festival includes a songwriting workshop with Dede Alder of Dede & The Dreamers. Alder plans to invite children on stage during her 5:15 p.m. set to perform the song they will have written.
“All the work we’re doing is to no avail if we don’t pass knowledge on to the next generation,” Ling said.
Grand River Water Festival began as the brainchild of Earthwork Music founder Seth Bernard in Mackinaw City in 2004, with the vision of combining music and education to create environmental stewardship. Ling has since organized the festival in Grand Rapids with his wife and bandmate, Becca.
Returnees: Fauxgrass once again plays the Grand River Water Festival. (Photo/Hunter Gamble)
The festival has grown over the years through collaboration among a close circle of performers, including Fauxgrass mandolinist Jason Wheeler, who helps with fundraising efforts.
“The band and my family are huge supporters of the festival and the cause,” Wheeler said. “It’s an honor to be part of this event because we are making a difference in the community by creating awareness and education around our local water quality issues and it’s done in a manner that respects the traditional music scene.”
Grand River Water Festival begins at noon Saturday at Riverside Park in Grand Rapids. The Grand Regatta canoe race previously scheduled to take place at Riverside Park Saturday has been moved upstream to the Grand Rapids Rowing Boat House, with music from Flight of Niko and The Perfect Set.
For more information on Grand River Water Festival and the organizations involved, visit grandriverwaterfestival.org.
VIDEO: Hawks & Owls, Local Spins Live on 1340 WJRW (6/21/17)
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