After a two-year COVID hiatus, the three-day festival on Frog Holler Farm plans a robust return with a bevy of regional stars, home-grown food and more. The preview and schedule at Local Spins.
Intimate Friendly Vibe: The scene at a past Holler Fest. (Courtesy Photo)
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When many Michigan musicians start talking about their most beloved, family-friendly and camaraderie-filled music festivals, Holler Fest often tops their list.
Launched in 2007 on Frog Holler Farm in Jackson County’s Irish Hills by brothers Billy and Kenny King, the annual celebration boasts performances by several dozen bands and solo artists on picturesque stages amid rolling hills, woods and fields.
Staged on a farm where the King family has cultivated organic produce for a half-century, the unique festival also serves up food in “The Holler Kitchen” that’s grown right on the property.
The Main Stage: Max Lockwood and band performing in 2019. (Photo/Julia Olmos)
Although Holler Fest took a hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVD-19 pandemic, the camping festival returns in robust fashion Aug. 26-28 with about 1,500 music fans cheering on 60-plus artists performing on four stages.
This year’s lineup boasts artists representing a wide swath of styles, including regional stars such as Misty Lyn Bergeron, Cold Tone Harvest, Shari Kane & Dave Steele, Djangophonique, Harper & Midwest Kind, The Barbarossa Brothers, Earth Radio, The Whiskey Charmers, Seth Bernard and scores more.
The 2022 festival will even feature a special presentation by author, filmmaker and Found Magazine founder Davy Rothbart, who will bring a version of his popular TED Talk to the Holler Stage just ahead of Bernard’s performance on Saturday evening.
MISSING ALL THE ‘MUSICAL FRIENDS’
“We’re excited about seeing so many of our longtime musical friends,” said Billy King. “The response to booking has been super-appreciative and excited. … We have had many excited responses from folks who have missed us for two years.”
Although it’s grown since the first year, Holler Fest retains “an intimate friendly vibe and is very affordable,” King insisted. “Holler Fest is very family-friendly, the kids and family area is rockin’ and camping is super popular.”
A Sight to Behold: The children’s parade.(Courtesy Photo)
Indeed, attendees rave about the festival, too.
“This festival has amazing food and is on an amazing farm,” said regular festivalgoer Cindy Caro, who also leads yoga sessions for children at Holler Fest.
“The festival includes a kids’ parade that stops everyone in their tracks and gives you the chills to see a hundred kids marching along playing their handmade instruments.”
Another memory-making highlight? The closing tradition of a circle of attendees dancing to the final set on Sunday, with Southeast Michigan’s country-infused Cold Tone Harvest closing things out for 2022.
Adult weekend passes are $60, with discounts for senior citizens, teens and children. Meal and parking passes are extra. Get details, farm info and tickets online at hollerfest.com.
HOLLER FEST 2022: THE PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
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