By Kevin Alan Lamb
As sure as we are that the seasons will change in Michigan, comes a similar comfort and nostalgia knowing cherished rituals and events will accompany them. While we’re not always ready for one chapter to close, and another to open, days have the enduring tendency to pass anyway. No matter our fear or resistance to change, 2024 continues to teach us how to let go; bearing witness to the closing chapters of two of Michigan’s most sacred and ceremonial institutions — Hoxeyville and Harvest Gathering.
http://www.HandmadeMusicFestival.com
I understand that it may be your natural tendency to dwell on our collective loss, but while attending the final Harvest Gathering last week I was so eloquently reminded that soil is enhanced by everything that comes to pass. For more than two decades Hoxey and Harvest have been stewards of the Michigan music community, planting seeds, nurturing them, and carrying the weight for each of us who hoped to follow in their wake.
Their love, commitment, and vision have served as a catalyst for people like The Rupple Brothers, their mother Shelley, and sister Savannah who are producing their 5th Annual Handmade Music Festival on October 4th and 5th in Chesaning, MI. Three generations of this family have come together and restored music at Showboat Park along the Shiawassee, giving Michiganders one last reason to gather fireside, and listen to the music they love under the stars before the season closes.
“Handmade is a DO NOT MISS festival. The experience curated by The Rupple Brothers and co. is unmatched and the perfect sendoff to festival season in the mitten year in and year out. The lineup and vibes provided are always something special, not to mention being engulfed in some of the most beautiful fall colors around. If you’re thinking about it… do it, ” says Jay Frydenlund of Chirp.
If you are interested in hosting or producing events, attending a small music festival like Handmade can be a very useful and eye opening experience. Those involved are often happy to answer questions, and share personal experiences from their journey.
“I really enjoy the nervous anticipation of ‘setting up’ and then waiting for the arrival of attendees. My favorite moment is Saturday night after the last act and the relief, pride, and hugs we share with the knowledge we’ve managed to create another memory-making-year!” Shelley Rupple-English says.
If you’ve never been to a music festival I’d like you to know that it’s a place where it’s okay to show up by yourself, not know anybody, and seamlessly be included, witnessed, held if you so choose, and leave with friendships that might last a lifetime. Handmade Music is a welcoming, family-friendly, high vibration community that is open to receive your participation in whatever way you wish to offer it. It takes a village, and with it comes a community.
This year’s lineup features Chirp, Distant Stars, Baccano, The Rupple Brothers, Ficus, On The Lash, Grace Theisen Trio, Loren Kranz & Co., August, Nicholas James & the Bandwagon, Kyle Brown & the Human Condition, Monte Pride, Eric Engblade Duo, Zachary James, Ted Bounty, Daniel Staggs, and Kevin Alan Lamb as emcee.
“We’re so excited to welcome some West-Michigan bands this year and are really looking forward to catching Grace Theisen, August, and Ficus! And we’re of course excited for returning favorites like Chirp, Distant Stars, and Baccano!” Cole Rupple says.
http://www.HandmadeMusicFestival.com
Places like Handmade remind us that we belong, it’s okay to be vulnerable, and you can go your own way without having to do it alone.
“Imagine planning a music festival with your mom and two baby musician brothers! It is special for me specifically because they finally let me jump on the bandwagon! [laughing] I truly believe that Handmade brings a sense of family, togetherness, and is a safespace for everyone that attends” Savannah 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, Rob Massard Music, and Moses Roses.
“We’re so thankful for our community and their support and for allowing us this opportunity to bring people together over art and music, we couldn’t do it without our community and our incredible sponsors” Cole Rupple says.
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.
“I love putting on the kids tent each year involving EVERYONE and making it a family friendly event. With that being said I would not have any sanity without all of my friends and coworkers who put up with me talking about handmade for three months straight, and donate their time to help out with the event!” Savannah Rupple says.
Blanket yourself in fall feels, pack your warm gear, and enjoy the sweet serenade of singing under the stars, welcoming a new season into your heart. We honor that and those who have come to pass by better serving those who are present. May we take heed of one another’s unique gifts — knowing that we have the opportunity to lift each other up — and raise our voices with songs to fill the air. Our time here is meaningful, and who we share it with is precious. We are more family than foe; more capable than we sometimes show — each with the joyous opportunity to help each other grow and better know — that we are not alone.
“Being the mom in this family business is a wild ride! We span three generations and all have very unique perspectives, ideas and personalities. My favorite part is our ability to mesh these together into something beautiful to share with our Michigan and local community. What we encounter through our weekly meetings carries over into our daily family interactions, making our bond even stronger, healthier, and cementing our deepest love for each other,” Shelley Rupple-English says.
Handmade Music Festival FAQ
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: Nicholas James & The Bandwagon 6:00 PM
Saturday: Monte Pride 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 your ticket purchase on both the general admission day pass and general admission weekend passes.
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 10/4/24 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 tent on Saturday from 12 to 5, and kids 12 and under are free.
Can I come for only Saturday?
Yes! Saturday passes are $35.
Can I bring by dog?
No. Pets are not allowed, but you can dress like yours!
Restrictions?
Please, no glass.
This is a public park – please be mindful and respect regular park rules.
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!
This Is A Good Sound 