Blab Music
44th Annual Blissfest Returns to Northern Michigan Farm for July 10-12
A 200‑acre farm north of Harbor Springs, Michigan, became a sprawling stage for music, art, and community when Blissfest opened its gates on July 10 and closed the following Sunday. The 44th edition of the non‑profit festival drew visitors from across Michigan and beyond to a rural setting that blends natural beauty with a weekend of diverse performances.
The lineup reflected the festival’s commitment to musical diversity, featuring roots and world styles ranging from bluegrass and reggae to Cajun, country, blues, old‑time, Celtic, soul, and contemporary takes on traditional sounds. Artistic Director Caroline Barlow said the program “reflects how deeply interwoven all music is,” pointing to Cape Verdean artist Elida Almeida as a prime example of the event’s cultural mosaic.
Beyond the stages, attendees found hands‑on workshops in drumming, dance, and music production, healing arts such as yoga and sound baths, a kids’ tent, crafting sessions with Folkscool, a juried craft show, a late‑night silent disco, and a variety of food trucks. The surrounding landscape offered additional exploration for festivalgoers.
Returning acts included Michigan‑based non‑profit Boredomfighters, who brought Instrument Garden Studio to facilitate youth collaborations that let children experiment with instruments, recording, and songwriting. The festival also launched a new mobile app this year to help guests navigate schedules and build personalized itineraries. Jeff Obeshaw, a board member with 36 years of service, noted the addition of new logo‑wear designs that aim to become more than souvenirs. Blissfest’s emphasis on community, connection, and belonging has kept the event popular year after year, with board members, volunteers, and staff investing countless hours to create an immersive experience that extends from the parking lot to the final song on Sunday. Tickets, camping options, and additional festival details are available online at www.blissfest.org.
The lineup reflected the festival’s commitment to musical diversity, featuring roots and world styles ranging from bluegrass and reggae to Cajun, country, blues, old‑time, Celtic, soul, and contemporary takes on traditional sounds. Artistic Director Caroline Barlow said the program “reflects how deeply interwoven all music is,” pointing to Cape Verdean artist Elida Almeida as a prime example of the event’s cultural mosaic.
Beyond the stages, attendees found hands‑on workshops in drumming, dance, and music production, healing arts such as yoga and sound baths, a kids’ tent, crafting sessions with Folkscool, a juried craft show, a late‑night silent disco, and a variety of food trucks. The surrounding landscape offered additional exploration for festivalgoers.
Returning acts included Michigan‑based non‑profit Boredomfighters, who brought Instrument Garden Studio to facilitate youth collaborations that let children experiment with instruments, recording, and songwriting. The festival also launched a new mobile app this year to help guests navigate schedules and build personalized itineraries. Jeff Obeshaw, a board member with 36 years of service, noted the addition of new logo‑wear designs that aim to become more than souvenirs. Blissfest’s emphasis on community, connection, and belonging has kept the event popular year after year, with board members, volunteers, and staff investing countless hours to create an immersive experience that extends from the parking lot to the final song on Sunday. Tickets, camping options, and additional festival details are available online at www.blissfest.org.
