The all-day benefit for the Wheatland Music Organization drew fewer people than usual Saturday to The Intersection, but performances by more than a dozen bands were inspiring. (Photos, videos)
Attendance dipped for this year’s edition of Winter Wheat, but not the enthusiasm of performers and fans.
Support our coverage of
West Michigan's music scene
Indeed, the 12-hour, 13-act benefit for the Wheatland Music Organization which took over The Intersection on Saturday covered the gamut of Michigan’s top-notch roots music scene, from the inspiring Latin-hued Cabildo to the blues of Madcat Midnight Blues Journey to the Cajun charm of K. Jones & The Benzie Playboys, bringing a fair number of twirlers to the dance floor in the nightclub’s main showroom.
But it may have been the performances in the more intimate front lounge, aka The Stache, that proved to be most compelling in this marathon of music, with a packed room cheering emerging as well as veteran acts — with the inventive indie-folk of the up-and-coming Olivia Mainville & The Aquatic Troupe, for instance, followed by the seasoned and passionate Americana/folk-rock of Drew Nelson & Hwy 2.
West Michigan singer-songwriter Josh Rose, who serves on the committee that organized the eighth annual edition of Winter Wheat, said The Stache was fueled with “good energy” despite the overall low attendance for an event that set records last year (when it featured sets by The Accidentals and Billy Strings).
“I see this as one of the best music deals in Michigan,” insisted Rose, noting it costs considerably more to catch a concert at a venue like Van Andel Arena. “If you came here, you’d pay $20 to hear music all day. There’s so much diversity here.”
Indeed, while there was disappointment in the turnout, the hundreds who strolled The Intersection got an earful — and eyeful — with entertaining sets by Stella, Fauxgrass, Palooka Brothers, Blue Water Ramblers, Hawks & Owls and more throughout the day and deep into the night.
Browse the photo gallery by Anthony Norkus and Kendra Kamp (along with a few video snippets below).
PHOTO GALLERY: Winter Wheat 2017 at The Intersection
Photos by Anthony Norkus and Kendra Kamp
VIDEO: Olivia Mainville & The Aquatic Troupe
VIDEO: Cabildo
VIDEO: Drew Nelson & Hwy. 2
VIDEO: Madcat Midnight Blues Journey
Copyright 2017, Spins on Music LLC