With more than 13,000 people expected to attend the granddaddy of Michigan music festivals this coming weekend, Local Spins offers up a guide to must-see acts along with event essentials.
Back This Weekend: Folks will again be wishing each other ‘Happy Wheatland’ starting Friday. (Photo/Holly Holtzclaw)
SCROLL DOWN FOR MAIN STAGE SCHEDULE, MUST-SEE ACTS, TICKET INFO
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The traditions that propel Wheatland Music Festival year after year are powerful, memory-making and indelibly imprinted on thousands who’ve made this September event outside Remus part of the fabric of their lives.
Of course, it helps that internationally acclaimed and regionally applauded roots, folk, bluegrass, rock, blues and world music acts light up multiple stages, with dance performances, artwork and crafts, children’s activities, workshops, demonstrations and, of course, late-night jams further enhancing the celebration that marks its 51st year starting Friday (Sept. 6).
More than 13,000 people are expected to attend this year’s festival, which features renowned artists such as Sierra Hull, Shemekia Copeland, Kila, Beausoleil Avec Michael Doucet, Tony Trischka’s Earljam and Chris Smither along with Michigan favorites Samuel Nalangira, Rachael & Dominic Davis, Wilson Thicket, Silver Creek Revival, Joe Hertler, Whorled, Spencer Lajoye, Schrock Bros Band, K. Jones & The Benzie Playboys, Jill Jack and many more.
Organizers have called the 2024 lineup “spectacular,” with local and regional artists performing at the festival saying they’re honored to be a part of it.
Joe Hertler (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
“Been wanting to play Wheatland for well over a decade,” said Hertler, frontman for mid-Michigan’s Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers. “If you peel back the production and pageantry of the Rainbow Seekers, our music has always been rooted in folk music and songwriting.
“Whether I’m playing solo or with the band in full color, both present different veins for folks to connect with our art. There is a language at the heart of everything – and we’re just doing our best to provide interesting and evocative translations. Playing solo forces me to play from that dark and tangled place from where songs are found. It’s a place within me that desires more than anything to create and to share and to connect my humanity to others. Events like Wheatland understand this, and that’s why their event has lasted the test of time. It’s an honor to be on the lineup.”
Get all of the festival essentials and details — along with a main stage schedule below — and check out Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos’ must-see performance picks.
(Photo/Holly Holtzclaw)
WHEATLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL ESSENTIALS
WHEN: Friday-Sunday (Sept. 6-8)
WHERE: 7251 50th Ave., Remus, Mich. 49340
WEBSITE: https://www.wheatlandmusic.org/ Also updates on Facebook here.
TICKETS: Adult weekend tickets are $130 ($110 for seniors 60 and older); weekend passes for children are $10. 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. I’m beyond honored to be part of it.” – Kyle Rasche
ENRIQUE OLMOS’ MUST-SEE PICKS
1. Sierra Hull, 10:10 p.m. Friday on the Main Stage – Hailing from Tennessee with a mandolin in hand and bluegrass for the soul, Sierra Hall is a rising star with dazzling dexterity on the strings and on stage.
Listen: “Mad World”
2. Joe Hertler (solo acoustic), 6 p.m. Friday on the Centennial Stage – A solo set by one of Michigan’s most prolific and enigmatic tunesmiths, Joe Hertler performs a much-anticipated solo set at Wheatland this year, with Wheatland describing him as “a talented and bubbly singer, songwriter and acoustic guitarist.”
Listen: “No Money (Jetski)”
Sierra Hull (Photo/Anna Sink)
3. Kyle Rasche, 9 p.m. Friday hosting the Song Circle on the Schafer Song Stage; 1:55 p.m. Saturday on the Centennial Stage, joining Kerrville Songwriters Round with Spencer LaJoye and Sam Robbins; noon Sunday on the Schafer Song Stage – With a fist full of beautiful and delicately nuanced folk songs, Kyle Rasche casts soothing spells for modern times.
Listen: “Catch”
4. Eliza Thorp, Saturday on the Schafer Song Stage – This northern Michigan songstress and pianist weaves together stories that will keep your spirit warm through the fall and winter.
Listen: “Superhero”
5. Twisted Pine, 10:40 p.m. Friday on the Main Stage – Critically praised by NPR and No Depression, this genre- and shape-shifting collective is a must-see.
Listen: “Chanel Perfume”
Check out Local Spins coverage of past Wheatland Music Festivals.
WHEATLAND 2024: MAIN STAGE SCHEDULE
Copyright 2024, Spins on Music LLC
