The Accidentals

The Accidentals began in October 2011 when Katie Larson (15) and Savannah Buist (16) met in the Philharmonic Orchestra at Traverse City West Senior High School. While working on a duo project they realized they had everything in common...the same love of quirky music and strange instruments. Both of their fathers were pianists and their mothers were singers. They both played several instruments, and more importantly, they both loved to write. They soon discovered that their voices were made for one another.

The Bandura Gypsies

The Bandura Gypsies rocks a unique blend of style and sound. The lyrics and melodies are totally emotion-driven, and the foundation is totally power-driven. The Gypsies write about what's goin' down now, what's bringing the joy, and what's bringing the pain. From acoustic folk songs to rock-the-house-down, from ballads to punk, the Bandura Gypsies have a song for you.

Black Rose

The Blue Water Ramblers

The Blue Water Ramblers, est. 2002, are song smiths who take turns harmonizing with each other to create a colorful tapestry of sounds. Banjo-Jim Foerch on acoustic and electric banjo writes and sings of the sailors, lumberjacks, driving and unrequited C&W love. Bear Berends creates and croons songs on his big Martin guitar that celebrate Michigan.

The Blue Water Ramblers sing extraordinary folk music- the folk song of Michigan, America and YOUR life. We perform wherever people want to celebrate: Folk festivals and concerts, paddle wheelers and lake ships, in cities and out in the woods, on stages and around campfires, at church gatherings and traditional dances.

Bon Jurke and the Benevolent Bastards

Sponsored by: Cousin Rich

Code Blues

Sponsored by: Studio Anatomy

I'm a dedicated guitar player and I sing also. I play Classic Rock, Alternative, pop, Blues. I sing and play stuff like Alanis Morrisette, Sublime, Audioslave, George Harrison, Alanis Myles, Meridith Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Collective Soul. Play both acoustic and electric rhythm and/or lead.

The Cookies

Cold Tone Harvest

Cold Tone Harvest came to be like the music itself, patient but with rugged intent. From southeast Michigan this band formed in late 2008 with the common interest of a historic and honest sound. The music gets you thinking about where you've been and where you're going. Singer songwriter Andrew Sigworth, bassist Ozzie Andrews, drummer/banjo player Brian Williams and guitarist Nick Raffaele, have come together to deliver songs that pull on emotion and maintain a raw feel.

Coyote Run

Dirty Deville

Dirty Deville, a band forged in the basement of a dirty, smelly, old house, has been working relentlessly since 2011 to craft their own, unique, brand of rock and roll. Originally formed as a reggae/rock outfit Dirty Deville has found their own sound as a spaced-out, psychedelic, stoner-rock group. Armed with out-front guitars drenched in overdrive, big driving drums, fat bottomed, fuzzed out, bass lines, and a love for live performance, the Dirty Deville boys work hard to fight against the homogenized brand of rock and roll that has become the norm these days.

E Minor

Sponsored by: Northern Natural Winery

Originally from Mackinaw City/Cheboygan areas in Michigan. E Minor is now based in Traverse City, MI. Elizabeth Minor has been a singer/songwriter practically from birth. She started out playing with her father and sisters as a child, and by 11 years old she grew into her own in music. E Minor has played all over Northern and some lower parts of Michigan. As well as Southern Oregon and Ireland. Catch her playing as a duo, with Bass player Caul Bluhm who is famous for the "Cauldron" upright bass, handcrafted out of an oil drum. And occasionally with a classic array of instruments including guitar, drums and trumpet. Either way your in for a show full of originality and style!

Galactic Sherpas

Uniting the forces of space and time, the Galactic Sherpas create a sonic experience that draws from all corners of the musical Universe. Diving into jams as deep as a black hole, their highly improvised style leaves space travelers on the brink of cosmic euphoria. So get on board and take a ride to sherpa station where there's always free jam.

Galactic Sherpas are a super group hailing from beautiful northern Michigan. Comprised entirely of outstanding, educated professionals who have proven themselves as heavy hitters in the music scene in less than three years as a project. The focus of the group is to create interesting sonic landscapes to keep your feet moving, brain churning and freshen up your soul. With influences in Jazz, Funk, Afrobeat and space rock, you'll quickly identify their caliber of musicianship and unique sound. 2010 was a great year for the Sherpas featuring memorable festival appearances at Blissfest, Wuhnurth, Peace Fest, Farm Fest, Free Music Festival and Petoskeys Festival on the Bay. Keep your ears to the wind, these boys are here to Sherpa you across the galaxy with heavy grooves.

Glenna and Jesse

Genna and Jesse are duo alchemy at its finest. Sweet and savory, raspy and smooth, together they create a unique vocal sound, and then they complement that blend with Jesse's prowess at the piano and guitar. Whether they sing their own songs, or the well-chosen songs of their peers, audiences are along for the ride in an intimate and inclusive show.

Their live performances are gentle and inviting - yet powerful - due in part to solid stagecraft and a comfort level with their music and with each other. Another big factor in their shows is Genna's subtle phrasing and exceptional interpretation. She delivers songs as gifts to an audience. The stunning harmonies that Genna and Jesse weave are the final secret ingredient in their performance magic.

Heavens ta Betsy

Sponsored by:
Farmfest Sledding Party and Bonnie Mitchell

This three piece band out of Cheboygan performs originals and covers from reggae to rock. Songs from the likes of Marley to Clutch. Band members are Jason Eldridge, Josh Agee and Joe Heythaler.

Hipps-N-Ricco

Hipps-N-Ricco are based out of Northern Michigan and are quickly rising in popularity! They are a "Blues Duo" that produces a lot of sound. "Ricco" (Eric Jaqua) plays Guitar (Electric/Acoustic) sings with conviction and lays down GROOVY BEATS with the revolutionary "FOOTDRUMS." Background Vocals, Keyboard, Ion Harp Holder (Harp Rack) and "Seasoned Pro" Harmonica licks blown by the one and only Hipps (Charlie Witthoeft). The combination and efforts of HNR have landed an Endorsement deal with Farmer Musical Instruments, Bellingham WA (www.footdrums.com) and now travel the Country playing festivals, setting up workshops, and demonstrating these fine Instruments!

Jack Elliott

A seasoned Musician! Jack Elliott, has been part of the Northern Michigan Music Scene, most of his life! His personal style of Folk and Blues has brought him acclaim throughout the region, with performances at Blissfest, Farmfest, and the Norfolk Harvest Festival to name a few. Winner of the 2012 Talent contest in Mio, furthered the recognition of his Entertainment prowess!

Jake Allen Band

Jake Allen is a young but highly experienced artist who hails from the forests of Northern Michigan. His music, complex yet accessible. It's something he calls "ethereal rock." Comparing Allen to other bands is rather hard to do. The music is simply one of a kind.

While touring solo, Jake's acoustic style of using both hands on the fret board, alternatively slapping the guitar for percussive effects, has "wowed" audiences in venues through his nationwide tours. While touring with the full Jake Allen Band, the level of musicianship and talent on display from the four members has stopped listeners in their tracks and caused some to ask what planet this music is really from.

Jake's skills, vocals and years of experience in recording and touring belie the fact that this musician is only 22 years old. In addition to guitar, he performs on keyboards, bass, drums, harp, and any other instrument he can get his hands on. Jake performs all of these instruments on his albums recorded on the indie label, Dharma Records, and is currently touring with Jake Allen Band in support of his new critically acclaimed album, "Etherica."

Jan Fowler, Dance Caller

Sponsored by: Home Comfort Farms

Jason Eller

Sponsored by: Charlie O's Pizza

After six years, Jason left the security of his job as a 8th grade Science teacher to pursue his musical passion. As much as he loved teaching he decided to follow his heart. Dedication and hard work has been the key to survival along with a drive to support his daughter with the music he loves.

Jason's acoustic shows provide a little bit for everyone. You'll hear anything from new rock, classic rock, country, an old standard, or original. Each song has a unique twist played to suit the atmosphere of the moment. A true entertainer Jason offers a professional, yet intimate night of fun, philosophy and heart.

Jenna and Jessi

Joshua Davis

Joshua Davis is a husband, father, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, traveler and educator who lives in Lansing, Michigan. He was brought up on American roots music, and Davis blends these traditions with his love for gritty rock n' roll and vintage soul. The result is what Performing Songwriter Magazine calls, "Some of the liveliest and most rocking roots music around." Joshua performs and teaches across the US at festivals, theatres, concert halls, coffeehouses, schools and parks. He has produced and recorded many albums under his own name, with roots ensemble "Steppin' In It" and classic swing band "Shout Sister Shout", and has appeared on many more. He is especially interested in the ways music can serve to bring communities together, to educate and to foster peace and understanding.

Kellerville

Kellerville is both real and imagined. On the edge of lake michigan, nestled in the crook of willow trees in Cross Village is a tiny part of town where Lee Dyer and Holly Keller both grew up playing music. After many years of separate creation they formed an original acoustic duo to bring them back to the town that wrought them, and bring a new age to the folks who came before. With songs of storytelling and personal experience, let Lee and Holly paint you a picture of home with a song. Welcome to Kellerville.

Kirby

Sponsored by: Home Comfort Farms

Kirby, From Harbor Spring, Kirby has been with Farmfest since its beginning. His latest album, "Kirby for Adults (and childish adults)," features light hearted songs that do not talk down to kids and can be enjoyed equally by adults who refuse to take life too seriously. He hosts our open mic segment on Saturday and jams out at the Fire circle on Saturday night. Big fun.

Kung Fu Rodeo

Based out of Northwest Lower Michigan, Kung Fu Rodeo is a band comprised of five veteran musicians with deep musical pockets and a relentless sense of groove. K.F.R. leaves no musical stone unturned, with a collection of well-written and interesting originals that showcase the band's ability to play and meld a variety of styles that run the gamut from rock to blues, reggae to jazz, gospel, Latin, world beat, Americana, and more. It's all there, delivered with the conviction, talent, and energy of five individuals who have anchored some of the best bands the Michigan music scene has to offer.

Mark Schrock

I've been playing and performing roots music all my life. Got my first guitar at 8, first bass at 14, inherited my grandpa's fiddle at 17, and picked up a mandolin somewhere along the way. I'm currently playing with my buddies in Jive At Five, Bluecoast Quintet, the Schrock Bros, Madcat, Kane, and Maxwell Street, Delilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys, Jimmy Dillon and the Werewolves, and Drew Nelson and HWY 2.

Medicine Crow

The Gilgamesh epic, the Song of Miriam from Exodus, the stories preserved by the Navajo Singers all the way to the songs written and sung by such giants as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger represent a long tradition of preserving our stories and traditions in song. In that same spirit Michael Iott, known as Medicine Crow, writes and performs topical songs that are observations and commentary on contemporary cultural traditions. Mike began playing guitar in the 1960's on a Gibson LG0 acoustic that was passed down to him from his older sister. Over the intervening years he has played many styles of music; folk, blues, rock and light jazz . In the 1980's he worked with harmonica virtuoso Bill Price in the Iott & Price Band, with bassist Don Diamond in the Sentinels and, during the 1990's, with Thom Burke and the Last Hippy Band. Over the years he has shared stages with Tommy Chong, Dr. Hook, Bad Finger, and Bonnie Raitt and with regionally known artists Ghetto Gas John, Miko Fossum, Phil Winterdmute, Stargrazer, Harmonica Buzz, Jeff Baldori, Frog & The Beeftones, Seth Bernard and May Erlewine, Jen Sygit, Chara Love, Eric Blades, Perry McDonald and Nicole Good Pierce. His original songs feature rhythmically driven folk/rock/Acoustic Blues, 12 bar finger style blues, some intricate instrumentals and gentle folk ballads. His songs tend toward the topical rather than the romantic and cover all of those political, religious and social issues we are told to avoid when in polite company.

MEGAskyfish

MEGAskyfish is a seven piece indie rock orchestra. Originating from Northern, MI MSFISH prides themselves on creating unique, mathy, melodies. They've made a splash across the nation performing more than 700 events in 43 states, as well as 11 countries.

In 2012 the MSFISH released "Believe In Beauty" DVDEP a five song concept album teaching you to smash your gadgets and enjoy natural beauty.

Mighty Medicine

Larry Neuhardt and DeShaun Snead combined their creative forces to form the energy-filled duo MIGHTY MEDICINE in 2009. This dynamic Lansing based twosome is sure to please a wide range of audiences with a head-spinning jukebox of tunes spanning more than 5 decades.

Mighty Medicine offers music from a variety of genres including classic rock, blues, R&B, reggae, standards, jazz, soul, and originals. Their wide appeal makes them a unique choice for clubs, cafés, parties, outdoor festivals, business events, restaurants, and house concerts.

Michael Rosteck

I don't try to write like anybody, but I guess nothing is truly and absolutely original. So if I've been influenced in my writing, it is most likely by artists I cover: Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Early Beck, Pearl Jam, John Prine, Pink Floyd, Hank Williams, The Rolling Stones, and others. I am also very much inspired/influenced by the people I play with and hear play at music festivals like Blissfest and Farmfest. It's one thing to listen to recorded music - it is a far greater thing to experience music with all of your senses, all of your body, all of your mind, all of your being.

The Moxie Strings

With their feel-good melodies and rock-influenced rhythms, The Moxie Strings put a fresh, enticing spin on Celtic and Americana music. The Moxie Strings is the electrifying combination of fiddler, Diana Ladio, and electric cellist, Alison Lynn. With their feel-good melodies, and foot-stomping, rock-influenced rhythms, these young women have put a fresh, enticing spin on Celtic and Americana music. Though rooted in tradition, The Moxie Strings offer listeners the unique opportunity to experience two of the world's best-known instruments and oldest genres through a young, progressive lens. Diana and Alison often join forces with dynamic drummer and world percussionist, Fritz McGirr, who lends his spirited expertise of traditional music's percussion component, and an engaging rhythmic energy to the show. The Moxie Strings' ear-catching originals and dance-worthy, traditional tunes have been captivating audiences since 2006.

Natural Reaction

Natural Reaction are a fun loving northern Michigan based band who always have a song ready to be shared with others. Their original music covers many genres and are life inspired gifts from the heart. Jerry Ward, originally from northern Indiana, has been writing, singing and playing his music for more than 30 years. Although the two of them met nearly twenty years ago at a coffee house in Boyne City, Jerry teamed up with singer Allison Osband- Zager about five years ago, to combine his prose and melodic skills with her rich, soulful voice. Along their musical journey they met, East Jordan native, Adrian Pulley who was playing drums at an open mic at the Jordan Inn. Adrian's skilled beats add a solid foundation to the music and give it the necessary drive to sustain the groove. Rounding out the group is Rob Huckle from Ellsworth, MI. His bass rhythms were just what was needed to fill out the band's sound. Together they set out to share their delicious aural creations with the world. From blues to rock to anywhere else the music may take them, when these talents come together, the Natural Reaction is a celebration of sound.

Nicholas James and Clouds

Nicholas James is one of West Michigan's rising singer-songwriter stars. Clouds is an award winning artist who has been playing violin for more than half of her life. Nik's powerful voice and Clouds delicate harmonies will draw you in. The music is honest and often heartbreaking, and the interplay on stage between the two has been described as "magical" and "seductive." Based in Grand Rapids, they've been traveling around MI and playing as a duo for almost a year now and were featured at the Farm-Fest Sledding Party. They are currently recording and plan to release an EP before the end of 2013.

The Potter's Field

Rochelle Clark and John Natiw are The Potter's Field, a Midwest based Folk/Americana/Roots duo. Known for poetic, gritty lyrics, driving instrumental style (including acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin, harmonica, typical and non-typical percussion elements and the occasional kazoo), close and powerful vocal harmonies and easy stage presence, The Potter's Field surprises with new songs and ideas that sound familiar yet nostalgic.

Red Haired Molly

Ribo and the Flavinauts

A six piece band from deep space on a mission to absorb and perform native Earth music. Formerly Acoustic Stew, now Ribo & the Flavinauts, the band has enjoyed over a decade of musicianship and entertaining in Northern Lower Michigan.

Ribo & the Flavinauts got their start roughly 13 years ago under the moniker Nothing But Neil. They soon changed their name to Acoustic Stew and kept it for the next ten years. Now under the name Ribo & the Flavinauts, primarily a cover band, covering a wide variety of bands from The Cure to The Grateful Dead.

Ron Fowler

Sponsored by: Home Comfort Farms

The Whiskey Pickers

The Whiskey Pickers came to be in small apartments, dive bars and patches of grass in Lansing, Mich. They play a mix of traditional and original bluegrass all in their signature rowdy style. Equal parts Americana, whiskey and strings, check them out at a venue near you and support Michigan Grass.

Wild Bill Cody

Sponsored by: Farmfest Halloween Party

Wild Bill Cody is a duo featuring Cody Gutsue (banjo), Jeffry Cuny (contrebasse), and a special guest on guitar. The group plays traditional bluegrass, folk, and interprets various classic rock tunes. They are usually found playing hole in the wall bars around Grosse Pointe. Come out to hear a little bit of Appalachia.

The Wilson Brothers Band

The Wilson Brothers Band, fronted by twin brothers Andy and Joe Wilson, blend a variety of American traditions to create their own unique sound. Andy and Joe are both longtime members of one of Michigan's favorite bands, Steppin' in It. With the Wilson Brothers Band, Andy and Joe bring their collective multi-instrumental skills to the forefront, with Andy on harmonica, cajun accordion, and trumpet, and Joe on guitar, dobro, steel guitar, and trombone. The brothers also sing harmonies like only brothers can, and the group is completed by Bob Bryan on drums and Kevin Gills on Bass.

From New Orleans jazz to western swing, cajun to blues, the Wilson Brothers play it all, and with dazzling precision. The Wilson Brothers strive to continually challenge themselves musically with great songs, outstanding improvisation, and infectious grooves.