On Thanksgiving week, readers and music lovers were most thankful for more than a dozen Michigan music festivals and 30-plus concert venues. Check out their responses.
Gratitude for Festival and Concert Venue Icons: Wheatland Music Festival, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill. (Photos/Jane French/Chelsea Whitaker)
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Despite the ups and downs of Michigan’s music scene, festivalgoers and concert attendees are more than just a little enthusiastic about the places where they’ve experienced memorable and even life-changing performances.
With Thanksgiving on the immediate horizon, Local Spins asked readers to submit their picks for the Michigan concert venues and music festivals for which they’re most thankful.
The robust response produced an impressive roster of places/events that showcase music: Readers cited more than a dozen Michigan music festivals and 32 music venues (though a few of those favorites are no longer in operation) in this completely unscientific poll.
The Intersection: A West Michigan fan favorite. (Photo/Eric Stoike)
Not surprisingly, well-established, high-profile venues such as Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, The Intersection, GLC Live at 20 Monroe, Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe and The Pyramid Scheme earned hearty nods of approval.
But some of the more intimate and unique outlets for live music struck a chord with many music lovers, with Grand Rapids’ Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill — which has become a West Side institution — cited more than any other venue by readers.
“I love the Tip Top Deluxe,” wrote Cyndi Stebbens. “It feels like home.”
The Stray and Billy’s Lounge in Grand Rapids also found favor with fans.
“I’m thankful for the smaller venues that encourage performers to do original music, and that keep ticket prices low enough that even I can afford to be there,” wrote Carlton Macksam.
As for Michigan’s music festivals (even after a few beloved celebrations called it quits after this summer), the granddaddy of them all, September’s Wheatland Music Festival in Remus, continues to attract a devoted audience, popping up on readers’ lists more often than any other Michigan festival. That was followed by June’s Buttermilk Jamboree at Delton’s Circle Pines Center and Smiling Acres Music Festival in Trufant, and July’s Blissfest outside Harbor Springs. Smaller gatherings such as Tamarack Music Festival and Pond Jam also rated high.
The power and camaraderie of festivals continues to enchant attendees.
Buttermilk Jamboree (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
“I’m so very thankful for Buttermilk Jamboree,” noted Kalamazoo singer-songwriter Megan Dooley.
“From helping me grieve lost loved ones through the power of community and music, to giving everyone a safe space to be weird and wonderful amongst the peaceful summer camp grounds. Buttermilk always restores a little of my faith in the world, and it’s been my home away from home for 12 years. I don’t know what I’d do without it.”
Some were heartbroken about festivals such as Lake City’s Earthwork Harvest Gathering that staged its final soiree in September.
“Earthwork Harvest Gathering literally changed the course of my life,” wrote Chad Wedeven. “It gave me a creative outlet and a purpose beyond just passively consuming music. I have no idea what to do with myself next September.”
Check out a sampling of reader responses below. Oh, and the winner of the Local Spins gift pack – including a T-shirt, 2025 Calendar and concert tickets — was reader Marlene Salmon, another major fan of Harvest Gathering.
And since 2024 is rapidly coming to a close, we have another question for you: What was your favorite album and your favorite concert of 2024? Email info@localspins.com by Dec. 10 with “2024’s BEST” in the message field, include your name and your response, and you’ll be placed in a drawing for a yet another Local Spins gift pack.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you — and to every Michigan music festival and concert venue.
LOCAL SPINS READERS: MICHIGAN VENUES/FESTIVALS WE’RE MOST THANKFUL FOR
Rich Guzorek – Love The Stray.
Melody Almy – I’m thankful for The Ark – Ann Arbor. One of my favorite intimate music venues.
Susanna Lankheet – Electric Forest.
Holly Martin – It’s like asking to pick which child is my favorite. They are all different and unique with their own flavor. I love each one for their different qualities, strengths and quirks. I will mention two I’m really grateful for for sake of an answer. The Park Theatre in Holland is great for an easy fun night out. Lower prices and bands on the cusp. People we wouldn’t find in a lot of other places. It’s easy to park, find seating and navigate the building. Perfect size too. But this year, I am incredibly thankful someone saved Temple Lounge (formerly Seven Steps Up in Spring Lake) and will continue the legacy of the previous owners. Happy Thanksgiving.
Melissa Hawes – I am so grateful to have Buttermilk Jamboree. It’s the best little festival around. As for venues, I am so impressed with The Lucky Wolf in Paw Paw. Hoping they continue to thrive.
Bruce Matthews – Grateful for the small listening venues, like Midtown GR, Lowell’s Sound Check, ArtRat, The Stray … venues that are about the music, not the party, not the ‘game,’ not the social scene, not the booze. Venues that offer listeners and the artist a chance to really focus on the music.
John Atanasoff – It’s Blissfest for the win. Well run and reasonably priced with a laid-back vibe and a lineup of talent that never disappoints. If you go, you know.
Angela Johnston-Goch – My partner and I were able to see Billy Strings at Pine Knob this past October. It was a fabulous show filled with talent and pure joy. I was so grateful to be there for it.
Lurinda Aley – We go to many concerts and music festivals throughout the year, and I’d say my favorite is Meijer Gardens. We are so incredibly lucky to have this venue in Grand Rapids. Can’t wait to see what acts will be there in 2025.
Jeff Grossklaus – Callahan’s in Auburn Hills. It was only open for 10 years, but gave me the opportunity to experience many blues bands from around the country. I appreciate blues and seek out blues more since the exposure.
Matt Vail – I am thankful for The Intersection and 20 Monroe Live. I enjoy intimate club shows better than big arena concerts – and between those two venues, we have lots of great affordable options for shows right here in town.
Marlene Salmon – Earthwork Harvest Gathering will forever hold a special place in my heart … everyone is there for one reason, to celebrate art and music, and in my experience, I’ve only ever met kind people there. The venue is a nice balance of not too big, not too small, good flow between camping areas and the three stages, and excellent food options. Hope they can figure out how to make Harvest return on some level.
Vanessa Clark – Satellite Sparkle
Brandon Copeland – Death House
Eric Pennock – The RunOff
Roger Pam – Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill.
Scott Chili Cavner – Wheatland
Trae Brockett – Smiling Acres is currently what I’m most thankful for.
Quinn Baldry – The Intersection
Cathy Holbrook – Of course, I say St. Cecilia Music Center.
Bruce Ling – Wheatland Traditonal Arts and the fall festival.
Brenda Lavengood – Smiling Acres Music Festival
Troy Baldwin – All music venues.
Kelly Latimer – Any of the Moon Crushes in Florida curated by Real Topeka. The festivals are created from an attendees viewpoint with thoughtful intention to make it the best experience possible. Locally, very thankful for Frederik Meijer Gardens to have a smaller venue in the “backyard” to see top-notch acts in the #puremichigan weather.
Chuck Whiting – Tip Top Deluxe and Wheatland
Troy Baldwin – My favorite music festival of Michigan is hands down….. Tie Dye Festival
Chad Michael Wedeven – Earthwork Harvest Gathering literally changed the course of my life. It gave me a creative outlet and a purpose beyond just passively consuming music. I have no idea what to do with myself next September.
Pamela Troyer – State Theatre was the best. Billy’s Lounge, Tip Top Deluxe – atmosphere at these 2 gin joints is legend. I mean Martinis was fire for the blues. Blues on the Monroe Mall. Then, my all-time favorite food/music/bar – Rhythm Kitchen Caffe on Monroe Mall. On my home, stop by Nick Fink’s in Comstock Park.
Patrick Doty – Our favorite little music festival is Tamarack Music Festival in Morley. John and Dee Harvey are the very friendly folks putting that one on. They bring musicians and bands to their festival based on those they enjoyed at other venues and their lineup is always phenomenal. Second place on our list is Smiling Acres in Trufant. Nate and Rhonda are some of the friendliest people we know and their festival and the land it takes place on have a very family oriented feel. The music, people, and even fireworks are amazing. Not a festival, but we were just at The Wealthy Theatre for our first time for the Michigan Music Alliance fund raiser and we simply love that place and will surely be back.
Carlton Macksam – I’m thankful for the smaller venues that encourage performers to do original music, and that keep ticket prices low enough that even I can afford to be there.
Andrew Ogrodzinski – Val-Du Lakes. Club Eastbrook. State Theater in Kalamazoo.
Ben Hassenger – Mighty Uke Day (Lansing)
Cyndi Stebbins – I love the Tip Top Deluxe. It feels like home.
Eric William-Neil Engblade – Rake Beer Project in Muskegon, Tip Top Deluxe in Grand Rapids, Wheatland Music Festival, Earthwork Harvest Gathering
Brian Kelly Rampenthal – Historically, Wings and Castle Farms.
Michael Packer – Michigan ElvisFest or Bologna Fest.
Megan Dooley – I’m so very thankful for Buttermilk Jamboree. From helping me grieve lost loved ones through the power of community and music, to giving everyone a safe space to be weird and wonderful amongst the peaceful summer camp grounds. Buttermilk always restores a little of my faith in the world, and it’s been my home away from home for 12 years. I don’t know what I’d do without it.
Steven Johnson – Unruly Brewing Company
Lorraine Thibdaue Pickett – Meijer Gardens
Jesse Ketchum – I am grateful for Fest of All.
Mark Newman – The Pyramid Scheme, for their willingness to take risks. Just this year, I’ve seen Mdou Moctar, Gong, DAVID CROSS BAND, King Buffalo, among other great shows there, after seeing Hällas, Surprise Chef and Protomartyr a year ago. Get out of your comfort zone and check out a show there.
Lorain Smalligan – Buttermilk Jamboree
Lee Chase – Though no longer going, the Woodtick Festival in the western UP was always a hoot. I’m honored to have played there a number of times including headlining one year. As far as venues? You just can’t beat the Tip Top Deluxe for quality and variety.
Austin Kane – Witch House
Amanda Doubblestien – Gosh, it’s hard to pick. Smiling Acres is up there. And Pond Jam with their battle of the bands. Tamarack’s little fest for sure. Just visited Wealthy Theatre for the first time and that was great too. We sure are spoiled.
John Harvey – Tamarack Music Fest
Robby Fischer – The Stray.
Morgan Ingle – Bell’s Eccentric Café & General Store, The Livery, Blissfest Music Organization, The Intersection, Pine Knob Music Theatre, so many other great venues in the Mitten.
Chris Carr – Bells, Intersection, Tip Top and Billy’s Lounge. Hopefully Founders can return to their former glory.
Derek Shepard – Wheatland — traditional Arts Weekend and the fall festival.
Aaron Carlson – Buttermilk Jamboree. In addition to being at a very special place with positive feelings for so many people, it coincides with Father’s Day, and it’s kid-friendly. I loved being able to share good music with my children as they were growing up.
Tom VanHammen – Buttermilk Jamboree, Blissfest and Earthwork Harvest Gathering.
Jennifer HudsonPrenkert – I am thankful for everyone that is committed to showcasing live music in Michigan.
Angie Chase – I love all of the smaller festivals throughout the summer and then I’m always super grateful for Wheatland to end my festival season.
Blair Holben – Meijer Gardens
Michelle Rozema – Smiling Acres
The Smokin’ Dobroleles – We are thankful for every stage that has welcomed us.
Daniel W Dawe – I’m grateful for Bell’s Eccentric Cafe and the outdoor beer garden.
Virginia Detwiler – Beaver Island Music Festival
The 710 Apothecary – My top three have got to be Smiling Acres, Pond Jam and Tamarack. Who can pick just 1? Thanks for all you do.
Terry DeBoer – I’m grateful for all the churches – more of which are getting better acoustically – that open up and offer their spaces for concerts of various genres. And that goes way back to more than 40 years ago when U2 performed at Fountain Street Church.
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