The 52nd Wheatland Music Festival unfurls in Remus this weekend with big names such as Solas and Steve Poltz, plus Michigan faves The Go Rounds, Benzie Playboys and more. The Local Spins preview.
The Magic of Wheatland: The ‘granddaddy’ of Michigan music festivals returns this weekend. (Photo/Anna Sink)
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Take it from Graham Parsons of Kalamazoo’s The Go Rounds: There’s nothing quite like Wheatland Music Festival.
The Go Rounds played Wheatland a decade ago and fans still approach the band to rave about that special performance.
“All these festivals have closed (but) Wheatland has remained … just as this unshakeable force within the scene,” said Parsons, frontman for the psychedelic-tinged rock, pop and folk band that takes the Centennial Stage at 10 p.m. Friday.
“It’s so traditional and I’m kind of surprised we’re playing it again, but maybe that speaks to where our music has evolved and revolved back to maybe its more essential components and the songs and roots of it, and just presenting it in a way that’s a little less challenging, a little more joyful.”
Joyful, camaraderie-filled and musically expansive all could describe the 52nd annual Wheatland Music Festival that runs Friday through Sunday (Sept. 5-7) with performances by international acts such as Steve Poltz, Kittel & Co., Solas, Cristine Vane, The Revelers, Ladama, The Gibson Brothers and AJ Lee & Blue Summit, as well as regional stars K. Jones & The Benzie Playboys, All American Funk Parade, The Wild Honey Collective, The Rebel Eves, Blue Water Ramblers, Hawks & Owls and many more.
“Wheatland is unique because it has always been about more than just a weekend of music. As a nonprofit, the festival supports year-round programming in traditional arts and music, and we also partner with and uplift other community organizations. That bigger-picture mission sets the tone for the kind of community we’ve built here,” says executive director Lola Tyler.
“People often say, ‘There’s no place like Wheatland,’ and I think that’s because of the kindness, openness, and support that define the experience. It’s not just about seeing music on stage; it’s about learning, sharing traditions, and carrying something meaningful from the past into the future. Wheatland is a place where you can grow, connect, and be part of a community that values tradition in a way that feels rare in the world today.”
Mark Schrock, who has attended and performed at Wheatland since the 1970s, says he and his family have made it a tradition.
“I’ve watched the festival grow and go through changes. But the thing that I think keeps Wheatland kind of special for me is that they’ve never lost sight of their core mission, you know, which is to sort of celebrate traditional music in many forms,” says Schrock.
“Part of it has to do with the time of year. It’s like we’ve blown through summer and we’ve done all the things. And now let’s just get together with our friends and hang out, and in my case usually playing a few sets. I also leave recharged because I always hear something new. Stuff that catches your ear and, you know, charges your batteries.”
Schrock will perform multiple sets throughout the weekend — one with Mary Sue Wilkinson on Saturday at 12:50p.m. on The Schafer Song Stage, as well as for Sunday’s Morning Gospel Hour at 10 a.m. on Main Stage.
In addition to its long roster of captivating performances across four unique stages, Wheatland boasts a wide variety of workshops, which have in the past have included instrumental offerings like fiddle playing, percussion, jaw harp and hammer dulcimer.
The ever popular drum stage, a rhythmic detour within a wooded stretch, returns with percussionist Josh Dunigan at the helm of the beat at The Rhythm Stage.
Although sales of weekend tickets have ended, Sunday day passes are available at the gate for $45. The festival is located at 7251 50th Ave. in Remus. Get more information online at wheatlandmusic.org.
“I hope people leave Wheatland feeling like they learned something new and connected to a tradition that is very much alive. Whether people discover a new artist or style of music, pick up a new skill at one of the workshops, or learn a dance they can share with others outside of Wheatland. At its best, Wheatland reminds us that art, music, and community are essential parts of who we are,” says Tyler.
(Photo/Holly Holtzclaw)
WHEATLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL ESSENTIALS
WHEN: Friday-Sunday (Sept. 5-7)
WHERE: 7251 50th Ave., Remus, Mich. 49340
WEBSITE: https://www.wheatlandmusic.org/ Also updates on Facebook here.
TICKETS: Weekend tickets no longer available. Sunday tickets are $45. Get tickets, details online here.
THE DRIVE:
62 miles (1 hour, 7 minutes) from Grand Rapids
111 miles (1 hour, 47 minutes) from Kalamazoo
177 miles (2 hours, 39 minutes) from Detroit
93 miles (1 hour, 26 minutes) from Lansing
102 miles (1 hour, 50 minutes) from Traverse City
QUOTE: “I learned about traditional music, and the community of musicians and organizers that keep it for us, right here at Wheatland.” – Singer-songwriter Kyle Rasche, aka Kyle Joe
WHEATLAND 2025: THE SCHEDULE
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