By Kevin Alan Lamb
Well after most of us are asleep in our beds tonight (with the windows open), the final breaths of Michigan summer will have been enjoyed, giving way to the Autumnal Equinox. This means another festival season is reaching its inevitable conclusion, friends are gathering fireside, and the live music we love begins to take shelter in listening rooms, music halls, and pubs. Similar to our collective spirit, it finds a way to not only endure the coming cold and darkness of winter, but flourishes in the space changing seasons provide.
Along with the joy, nostalgia, and layered comfort that arrive each fall, comes one more weekend under the stars, fireside, listening to live music along the Shiawassee. A chance to give thanks for what (and who) have passed, while welcoming the coming good that transformation makes space for.
Created by and for the love of music and community, Handmade Music Festival will celebrate its fourth year on October 6 and 7 at Showboat Park in Chesaning, MI. Founded with the intent to meld generations through music, friendship, and gratitude, enjoy āMusic from the Mitten that is handmade and homegrown.ā
http://www.HandmadeMusicFestival.com
If youāve lived in Michigan your entire life, you might not realize how rare it is to have both the quantity, and quality of small, independent music festivals in one state. As a result of this Michigan music pride and abundance, some regard citizens in this region as āmusic snobsā– a designation which likely brings a smile to faces around the mitten.
This yearās lineup features The Giving Moon, Chirp, Chloe Kimes, Earth Radio, Cosmic Knot, Distant Stars, The Rupple Brothers, Act Casual, Pocketwatch, Phoebe Holmes, The Marsupials, Zachary James, Monte Pride, Nick James, Ted Bounty, and A.M. Cr3w.
Single day ($35), and weekend passes ($60) are found here.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring our first nationally touring acts to Handmade this year; Chloe Kimes and her incredible band and songs coming up from Nashville, and then, The Giving Moon boys from Chicago finishing up their gigantic nationwide Eclipse tour with us! The Chirp boys will also be coming fresh off a little run out West. We’re so thankful to have a place where our friends from all over the country can come and share their amazing music,” producer Cole Rupple says.
Ludingtonās Chloe Kimes is now based in Nashville, and continues to garner attention with her songwriting prowess after returning to her home state for shows this summer.
http://www.HandmadeMusicFestival.com
The first Handmade Music Festival was held in October 2018 with nearly two dozen Michigan bands playing all original music. While Handmade is a family affair, with The Rupple’s at the heart of its steadily growing foundation, this community festival is a wonderful reminder that it truly takes a village.
“We’re gearing up for another incredible year in Showboat Park; firewood is being gathered, the campground and park are primed up and looking beautiful, maybe we’ll even see some fall colors make an appearance at Showboat Park for Handmade! We’re eternally grateful to our town and village for the support and for letting us hold an event in a place where music has always been and always belonged,ā Rupple says.
This event would not be possible without the support of the Village of Chesaning, and its community sponsors, with special acknowledgment to Highlife Farms, Tom Teal, Chesaning Comfort Care, Elite Party Rental, ElleFae Design Solutions, Six Labs, Rob Massard Music, T&J’s Hauling and Towing, and Broadstreet Pharmacy.
Single day ($35), and weekend passes ($60) are found here.
Overnight camping is included with weekend passes, and children under 12 are free, offering an affordable, family friendly getaway accessible to all of Michigan.
“It’s been an incredibly fun and exciting and relatively un-chaotic year of planning for the family; each of us has really grown into our roles and ironing out all the details together as a family has been going swimmingly! We’re very privileged to work side by side with one another on such an exciting project,” Rupple says.
Located on the banks of the Shiawassee, Showboat Park is 68 acres of opportunity to explore and enjoy. Chesaning offers ārespite and relaxation, quaint and quintessential. It’s the kind of place where you can still stroll along the boulevard or stop into mom & pop shops and be greeted by the owners themselves.ā (Pure Michigan)
Chesaning’s amphitheater, located inside Showboat Park, āwas home to many musicians, dancers and members of this wonderful community for decades. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the preservation and maintenance of the amphitheater, allowing the community to once again bring art to life right in our own backyard.ā
Give yourself permission to dance, be merry, and maybe even fall in love listening to live music in a place youāve never been before. Let us be thankful for everything weāve got, because there is a lot. Life is good, and we can make it better; no matter the weather, help is within reach; across the Seven Seas, from people like you and me. With hands to build, and love to will a better day, with a better way; because thatās how dreams are made.
Where is Handmade Music Festival?
Showboat Park, Chesaning
When do gates open?
Friday 2:00 PM / Saturday 10:00 AM
When does music start?
Friday: Monte Pride 6:00 PM / Saturday: Nick James 12:00 PM
Can I buy tickets at the gate?
Yes! Tickets will be sold at the gate. Weekend General Admission tickets are $60. Saturday Day Pass $35.
Is there camping?
Yes! Camping is included with you ticket purchase. The campground has electric, bathrooms, and fire pits and is first come first serve.
Can I come early?
If you want!
You can go to the village website (villageofchesaning.org) to reserve a site. If you choose this option make sure to use 10/7/22 as your departure date and know that it is an extra charge and is being paid to the village not to Handmade.
Kid friendly?
Absolutely! Kids under 12 are free.
Can I come for only Saturday?
Yes! Saturday passes are $35.
Can I bring by dog?
Pets are not allowed, you’ve earned a break.
Restrictions?
Please, no glass.
This is a public park – please be mindful.
Security?
Yes, there is security, and the local police will occasionally stroll through to check on us and keep us safe!
Are there fire pits?
Yes! At every site! With FREE firewood.
Are there bathrooms and showers?
You bet! Showboat park has a number of permanent facilities with showers and bathrooms.
Are the stages covered?
Yes! Both stages are under a giant tent and can be enclosed if needed.
ATM
Not on site. There are many in town though, which is 5 minutes away.
Beer?
Bring your own.
Public park rules.
More questions?
Feel free to message us!
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This Is A Good Sound 