Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival Welcomes Spring with Eclectic Lineup and Firsts
*KALAMAZOO, MI* — The 21st Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival celebrated the arrival of spring Saturday with a day-long celebration of folk, surf, drone, and alternative music at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and Anna Whitten Hall. The free festival drew families, music lovers, and musicians who wandered from stage to stage, browsing instrument vendors, attending workshops, and soaking in more than a dozen performances across three stages.
The festival featured several noteworthy firsts, including the debut of a national touring artist from New York City. Cinematic surf-rock trio Big Lazy closed out the day with their atmospheric and twangy instrumentals as the sun peeked through outdoors on the first full day of spring. For the first time, the festival also featured the experimental strains of the Kalamazoo Drone Society, which unleashed its improvisational and moody soundscapes in a packed classroom on the third floor of Anna Whitten Hall.
Familiar Favorites Return Alongside New Discoveries
Beyond the firsts, the festival showcased plenty of familiar features for loyal attendees. Crowds browsed instrument vendors, attended workshops, and sat through performances on three stages that included the return of annual fixtures such as the Kalamazoo Mandolin & Guitar Orchestra, guitarist Joel Mabus, and folk ensemble Luke Lenhart & The Green Valley Boys.
"Everyone's loved the music," said Bryan Heany, producer of the annual festival, noting that things ran smoothly with all of the performances on multiple stages. "I've gotten a lot of comments on quality sound, so I'm really happy for that. My sound crew people are doing a good job."
Jam Sessions and Pop-Up Shows Fill the Air
Acoustic jam sessions took place upstairs at the museum, alongside pop-up shows by local acts including The Incantations, Benna, Jessi Phillips, and Zondo. Every room for musicians and performances was full, according to Heany, who noted he does not have exact turnout numbers but observed that capacity was reached throughout the venue.
One of the highlights of the day featured Ann Arbor rock and folk singer-songwriter Elisabeth Pixley-Fink on the Anna Whitten Hall stage, backed by an all-star band that included members of Kalamazoo's The Go Rounds. The performance drew a standing ovation from the crowd.
Friday Night Kick-Off Featured Rock and Blues Icon
The festival also celebrated Friday night with a kick-off performance by iconic rock and blues guitarist Billy Davis, a Detroit native who was a longtime member of the band Hank Ballard & The Midnighters. Davis delivered a powerful set that honored his musical legacy while connecting with the local community.
Festival Highlights and Photo Gallery
The complete festival experience included:
- More than a dozen performances on three stages at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and Anna Whitten Hall
- Instrument vendors showcasing guitars, mandolins, and other stringed instruments
- Workshops on music theory, performance, and instrument maintenance
- Acoustic jam sessions throughout the day
- Pop-up shows by local artists and bands
- Video highlights and photo galleries documenting the full day of music
A Tradition Continues
The Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival has been a cornerstone of the local music scene for two decades, bringing together musicians, fans, and vendors to celebrate the diverse sounds that make up the regional musical landscape. This year's edition added new dimensions to the tradition while honoring the festival's rich history.
"Spring has Sprung with New Michigan Music," according to the festival's theme, and attendees agreed that the 21st edition of Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival was worth the trip.