Pulling into a drive surrounded by trees, clear skies and the promise of a weekend filled with uninterrupted musical perfection — enter the Hoxeyville Music Festival. It’s been a week since a weekend of disc golf, talent and a beauty that can only be found in the heart of the Manistee National Forest. Next year will be the 10th for Hoxeyville and it’s only getting better. Standout musical performances included Seth Bernard and May Erlewine (Bernard), Breathe Owl Breathe, Ella Riot, Steppin’ In It,The Macpodz, Greensky Bluegrass, Mickey Hart Band, Van Ghost…and the list continues. Below is a bit of info on my personal faves and recommendations, but the ultimate piece of advice is that you buy a ticket for next year’s festival. Hailing from throughout Michigan and beyond, Hoxeyville’s line-up has something for every taste and the drive to expand any musical palatte. The beats, rhythms and lyrical glory on in Michigan is a serious force to be reckoned with.
Personally, my undying musical love lies with folk and Seth Bernard and May Erlewine. This newly married couple’s relevant, thoughtful lyrics, rockin’ guitar licks and, of course, harmonious fiddle makes this duo a complete package. And yes folks, they also record solo albums! Recently the pair returned from a sabbatical in Ethiopia as musical ambassadors. Capturing their experience both in their hearts and with their most recent recordings, the duo promises a new album out soon. While you’ll most likely find Seth and May in Northern Michigan, they will return to The Ark on September 22!
If you ever have the opportunity to see Breathe Owl Breathe live, Do Not Miss It! This trio’s captivating quirks are completely charming. Whether it’s princesses, dragons or dog walkers of a new age, Breathe Owl Breathe boasts intelligent, whimsical lyrics with soothing rhythms. And don’t forget incredible energy, I think it’s safe to say no other musician during the weekend jumped off the main stage only to frolic with the audience like Micah Middaugh. Recently returning from a stint in Ireland, listeners are lucky to have Breathe Owl Breathe back stateside.
Rounding out an ideal day of music was Ella Riot. The University of Michigan grads, straight from Ann Arbor, rocked the property with disco beats and unstoppable energy. Michelle Chamuel has an exceptional voice and is backed by Tyler Duncan, Bob Lester, Mike Shea and Matthew Henniger, making this group not only a fan favorite, but something to watch out for. Performing on this Thursday, September 1, at The Blind Pig in Ann Arbor is Steppin’ In It. Simple Tune
is a constant in my vehicle’s CD player. The morning before leaving for the festival, I blasted The Ghost of Richard Manuel. And to my surprise the guys opened with this very tune. Perhaps my favorite part of live music is “stepping in,” if you will, to the experience of embracing a connection to a song in person. Steppin’ In It has a musical purity. Their inspiration draws from lazy Michigan summers, freight liners and so much more. If you have a chance to stop into The Blind Pig this Thursday, GO!
The Macpodz….need I say more? Funky bass lines, unbeatable percussion and horns….your feet take over.
Greensky Bluegrass. Paul Hoffman is undoubtedly one of my most favorite musicians to see in person. He rocks that mandolin so hard with an undeniable passion for music. Greensky did not disappoint delivering soulful lyrics and nothing gets folks moving like a little bluegrass. To listen to the fantasticalness, visit www.greenskybluegrass.bandcamp.com for Greensky’s latest EP Handguns.
The ultimate part of music festivals is discovering new music. Van Ghost, The Crane Wives and Gramham Parsons and The Go Rounds are definitely not to be missed. Check them out.
Mickey Hart Band was fun and it was super cool to get that close to snap a few photos. However, the most meaningful song of the festival for me was Brokedown Palace. One of my most favorite Dead tunes, that song touches my soul. The singer's voice literally filled the audience carrel, vendor village and surrounding campsites. “On my hands and my knees, I will roll, roll, roll.” It was beautifully haunting and sent chills up my spine.
Other stand out performances included Ypsilanti faves The Ragbirds—side note: Erin Zindle recently released a solo album. She’s uber-talented; pick up a copy and give it a listen. Umphrey’s McGee also rocked hard and long on Saturday night. If they're playing in a town near you pick up a ticket or one of their albums, you won’t regret it!
So no matter what kind of music makes you tick—Hoxeyville is the place to enjoy some familiar tunes and find some new loves, and once the weekend ends, just plug in an album and find peace all over again. For more photos visit www.ecurrent.com.
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