Aaron Otto
Aaron Wayne Otto plays a simple wooden flute, alone onstage: no razzle-dazzle, no light show. But you won’t move a muscle. This Native American master, member of the Tribal Council of Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, only plays a handful of public shows a year, and this is one of ’em. Always look for the special and the unique at Earthwork Harvest Gathering.
Airborne or Aquatic?
Not so much a band as an experience, Airborne or Aquatic?, a progressive roots rock collective built around a core of Seth Bernard and Jake Robinson with an ever-changing cast of Michigan’s best players, lists its influences as the boreal forest and the great old growth.
This might be the music the Ents played to pump themselves up for the battle of Isengard. They only come out to play at a few festivals a year, so you should really buy that wristband now.
Albums to date: AOA I (2007), AOA II (2008), The Cloud Octopus: Live Mixtape Volume 1 (2014),The Skyhorse: Live Mixtape Volume 2 (2014),and SISU (2014).
Alex Teller
Alex Teller is a Modern-Day Troubadour sharing sounds of Vintage Country & Western, Traditional Folk, Bluegrass and Folk-Blues.
He has spent the last three years on the road, touring the U.S, writing songs, and playing stages all over the country. His music is like a ballad to the lore of storytelling & the “High Lonesome Sound”, taking inspiration from names like Townes Van Zandt, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, and Jimmie Rodgers to name a few.
Amber Hasan
Mother, author, community activist, self-proclaimed Loud Mouth Ghetto Girl Amber Hasan is fighting for Flint, fighting for women, fighting for you. Ambers work focuses on bringing light to dark places and situations while also helping others to find and use their voices as a tool of empowerment.
Anne Heaton & Frank Marotta, Jr.
Anne Heaton is a singer-songwriter and pianist who has captured audience imaginations for over twenty years with her songs that are, by turns, “tender, barbed and spiritual” (Washington Post). She’s been featured by the New York Times Music Podcast, played on NPR, at the Sundance Film Festival and for Lilith Fair (2010). Known for the infectious energy of her live performances – “a natural performer [with] a rich, soaring voice” (Seattle Times) – Anne has shared the stage with artists such as Jewel, Sarah McLachlan, and jazz drummer Max Roach.
Anne often performs with guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Frank Marotta, Jr. and they have played over 1,000 headlining shows together nationwide. Anne has also taught songwriting and creative practices at Interlochen, Berklee College of Music, for the GRAMMY Camps and through her own online songwriting program, Soul Songs School. Anne and Frank currently live in Milwaukee where they enjoy coffee, Lake Michigan and being parents to two freethinking daughters.
Audra Kubat
Detroit Music Award winning singer/songwriter Audra Kubat has released 7 albums to critical acclaim in a career that spans 25 years. Composer, performer, and educator, Audras work has earned her a place in the community as a resource for empowerment through songwriting.
Her songs are explorations into the personal and the universal, an account of the human condition and our relationship to self, others, and the natural world. Her work dives boldly into a tradition of healing through sound – holding music as the highest form of communication. Audra works to connect community to their artistic selves, teaching songwriting for all ages in a multitude of arenas.
Her methods of composition articulate grace as offerings of stark and beautiful realities. She has shared bills with Aimee Mann, Rodriguez, Roberta Flack, Greta Van Fleet, The War and Treaty, Whit Hill, and Jolie Holland, to name a few. Audra Is current developing early childhood musical experiences for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
BACON
BCN24: You No Matter Who
This year the ancient dream of our species will be made into reality, and like any serious accident: the change will happen instantly.
Join fellow real heads from across the world in solidarity for a service of utter realism as we reveal the true face of power by challenging it.
“It’s just enough butt-hurt, without really hurting anyone’s feelings.” —Lena Maude
This time we’ll be (re)introducing the power of The Wheel in true “use it or lose it” fashion to squash legitimate criticism of previous years.
Do we condemn Hamas? Do we want Trump to win? Rally around your preferred, professional buzz manager to find out—he’s in your corner.
Proudly blocked in the following countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, and Sri Lanka.
Ben Traverse Band
Ben Traverse is a young balladeer with a very wide hat who commands a wide array of instruments in their mission to bring the finest traditional folk music into the 21st century. Proud Michigander and Earthwork Music Collective member, Traverse brings a forward-thinking, communal enthusiasm to an old and rich musical tradition.
On their journey, they’ve released three albums: a totally solo collection of old time American ballads and songs in the spirit of Pete Seeger and the early Folkways Recordings catalog and two collaborative releases; one with Michael Dause (Moss Manor, Treeskin) of rollicking shanties and seafaring ballads, and the other with Nick Veine celebrating music of the Irish diaspora.
“Ben is the modern-day Pete Seeger. They’re a musical archeologist who writes songs that sound like they’re from a hundred years ago.” -The Accidentals
“As a musician, Traverse is rooted in the past, forward-thinking, and fully present. Their foundation is solid and they care deeply about music and people” -Seth Bernard
Blanco Suave
Breathe Owl Breathe
Breathe Owl Breathe, from East Jordan, is made up of lyricist and guitarist Micah Middaugh, cellist and vocalist Andrea Moreno-Beals, and percussionist/multi-instrumentalist Trevor Hobbs.
The music of Breathe Owl Breathe has always been steeped in magic. Their songs seem to occupy that hazy space between wakefulness and dreamingwhere the tangible, earthly world meets the transcendental. Its been nearly a decade since this trio of friends began making music in a remote cabin tucked away in a Northern Michigan river valley, but despite the growth and experiences that have happened along the wayincluding recording five albums, releasing a childrens book, and logging several cross-country toursthe bands sound is still deeply rooted in the mysticism, warmth and wide-eyed wonder that imbued their earliest songs.
Chris Dorman and Friends
Chris Dorman wears many hats; Dad, Writer, Composer, Farmer, Community Builder, and Early Childhood Educator.
A serial collaborator, Chris has worked with dozens of musicians, artists, and engineers to produce nine full-length albums of original music as Chris Dorman and Mister Chris. Chris studied with many mentors and experts in the realm of Early Childhood Education, which enabled his founding of Music For Sprouts in 2012. This beloved Early Childhood Music Program provided music and movement classes and workshops for ages Birth to 5 years.
Chris and his team ran weekly classes for nearly 200 children. Many organizations in Vermont took note of the program and hired Music For Sprouts to visit schools, run workshops for Educators, and commissioned original songs. Vermont PBS contracted Chris to create an original Public Television Show. In 2017, he created, acted in, and wrote the screenplay for Mister Chris and Friends, a family Television show co-produced by Vermont PBS. The show ran for two seasons, received widespread praise throughout Vermont and beyond.
Clean Water Panel presented by Title Track
Title Track is honored to once again be presenting panel discussions at Earthwork Harvest Gathering, hosted by members of the Title Track family and featuring a distinguished slate of inspiring panelists. Join us on Earthwork Farm this September 20-22 to hear insightful stories, make meaningful connections, and be invited to participate in compelling calls to action! Stay tuned to the Title Track socials or website for in-depth descriptions of the panels and bio info on the panelists!
4PM Saturday, Hill Stage
Panelists: Tom Grotewohl, Jannan Cornstalk, Manape LaMere
Hosted by Holly T. Bird
This year our Clean Water Panel will look at the most pressing water issues facing our Michigan and regional communities and what can be done to take action. Be prepared to come with a pen and paper to write down your action items!
Creature
Crystal Woodward-Turner and Friends present a Whitney Houston Musical Tribute
Please join us for a fun, energetic and soulful set as we celebrate Whitney Houston’s inspirational and memorable music. This tribute explores Whitney’s versatility, showcasing her gospel influences, rhythmic grooves, soulful ballads, and up-tempo dance tracks. It’s a sincere honor celebrating the contributions to the music of the “Queen of Pop”.
Crystal Woodward-Turner, Soul Stirring songstress, healing arts facilitator, innovator, producer, off-Broadway performer and Detroit native will render Lead Vocals.
Featuring, Christian Turner-Synth, Ruby Bardenhagen-Keys, Aaron Rossan-Drums/Percussion, Trevor Pinney-Bass, Yali Rivlin-Saxophone, Karine Pierson and Trillium Groove’s Keagan and SkyeLea, background/texturing vocals. Special appearance by Seth Bernard.
Daniel Kahn
A Daniel Kahn show is a singular experience.
The musical and visual experience will take the top of your head off, rummage around a little, and put the pieces back a bit skewed. Screed, history lesson, crooning, shouting, whispered pleas and angry outbursts, all descended from a form of mutated klezmer.
Davy Rothbart
Davy Rothbart’s dynamic FOUND show has been called “utterly engaging” (L.A. Times) and “hilarious and heartwarming” (The New Yorker). A bestselling author, Emmy Award winning filmmaker, and frequent presence on NPR’s This American Life, Davy’s performance celebrates our collective weirdness and the magic and mystery of what it means to be human, as he shares highlights from his cult sensation FOUND Magazine and his work on NPR.
Dede Alder and Josh Holcomb
I value all the people that want to look closely at our lives and our future and change it. To propel us forward with our hearts and minds.
It is a strange time to be alive, maybe every ancestor who has lived through any historical changes feels this same way. Maybe change just feels hard and strange and uncomfortable. I don’t know, but one thing I’m clear on is that it is the role and job of the artist to give voice to it all. We, out of any occupation, are allowed, in fact encouraged, to look at it, question it, and explore it. What is the it? It’s the dysfunction, the imbalance, the ugliness, the shadow, and the beauty. It is our job to dive deeply into these subjects and give witness, and ultimately, if we do our job right, come back with the silver lining of hope. Come back with the spark that lights the fire in other’s souls. That spark that reminds us of the things we used to know and our values as children. The things that disarm us. At least, this is why I make music.
Desmond Jones
Desmond Jones is a five-piece American rock band from Michigan. With original music written to complement the group’s sound as a whole, the music is centered around melodic guitar riffs, funky bass lines, groovy drumbeats, and smooth saxophone.
The group takes influence from Frank Zappa, The Grateful Dead, The Beatles, Charles Mingus, Phish, The Band, and Led Zeppelin to name a few. Desmond Jones puts on exciting and high-energy shows with a high level of musicianship and skillful improvisation. Each show, set list, and song is different from night to night.
The group has played 800 shows all over the country and has shared the stage with bands like Papadosio, Ripe, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, EOTO, Here Come the Mummies, Aqueous, Mungion, Dopapod, Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers, and many more. Desmond Jones has released two EPs and three full length studio albums available on all major platforms. The band is touring in 2023 and hitting every diner along the way.
Dick Siegel Trio
One of America’s great songwriters, Michigan legend Dick Siegel teams up with longtime compadre, guitarist Dave Roof, and upright bassist Charlie Reischl, to bring his irresistible and exuberant music to life.
Strains of American folk, blues, jazz and r&b weave through Dick’s songs in classics like “Angelo’s” and “What Would Brando Do?” Sometimes there’s a hint of Hank Williams … a bit of Louis Jordan, Bob Dylan … the zaniness of Spike Jones… even a little T.S. Eliot meets the Beatles. It’s all Dick Siegel music – served up hot and fresh.
Djangophonique
Djangophonique is an award winning project that delivers the infectious joy, and expressive freedom that is at the heart of Django Reinhardt’s jazz manouche. With respect for the tradition and a fearless creativity that bends the conventions of the style, Djangophonique is keeping the Hot Club revival alive and well. The result is a sound that’s unmistakable to fans of the music, and alluring to the uninitiated—a sound that can bring the lively energy of a Parisian dance hall to the quietest listening room or captivate a buzzing festival audience with the aching nostalgia of a shimmering ballad.
Djangophonique has been described as “…the cleanest, most genuine manouche jazz that can be heard in Michigan” (Local Spins). Led by guitar player Andrew Brown, a true disciple of the style, the project has cultivated a community of musicians who channel the tenacious agility that the music demands. In 2022 the group released their first studio album, “Introducing Djangophonique,” which featured Tyler Rindo on Clarinet and Jorian Olk-Szost on double-bass and won Best Jazz Album, Traditions Award, as well as earning them Artist Of The Year at the WYCE Jammies. In 2023 guitarist David Bendena joined the ensemble on rhythm guitar and the group began a new chapter with the addition of vocalist Katie Smith, who’s soulful approach channels the mystery and appeal of an unplaceable era. With a second studio album and a full concert schedule in the works for 2024, Djangophonique is poised to forge a connection with an expansive audience through the resonance of their artistry.
Earth Radio
Earth Radio are storytellers of a future yet to be realized. This Grand Rapids Future-Soul group consists of Justin Avdek (bass, vox), Hannah Laine (keys, vox), Dutcher Snedeker (keys, synth), and David Ward (drums, percussion).
The band formed in 2017 when Avdek brought these unique West Michigan musicians together for a spontaneous recording collaboration, which turned into a progressive project, birthed from a shared passion of neo-soul and sonic ingenuity. Youll hear elements of funk, rock, soul, and progressive jazz, reminiscent of Hiatus Kaiyote, Erykah Badu, Radiohead, and Knower, melded together into a sound that is uniquely Earth Radio.
Earthwork Music Showcase
Featuring a rotating cast of different artists, Earthwork Music is a collective steward of community and collaboration, and as such we encourage our members to participate when they are available in whatever capacity they can. The lineup will be slightly different for each show making this a completely unique experience.
Elisabeth Pixley-Fink
Elisabeth Pixley-Fink is a singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and band leader, born and raised in Kalamazoo, MI.
She released her full-length album Bloodroot and EP Heartwood through Earthwork Music and albums Neighborhood Kid and voodoolanda ii as garage rock trio A Brother and A Sister Band. This Spring, she released Lullaby Bangers with the minimalist folk/close harmony duo Hearth & Hymn she formed with Sam Cooper. EPFs songs are heartbreaking and heart-making, wearing you down and working you over. Her blend of folk & bratty garage rock hits you in the chest with guts, trust, and hunger. She is thrilled to be back at Harvest Gathering this year!
Energy and Environment Panel presented by Title Track
Title Track is honored to once again be presenting panel discussions at Earthwork Harvest Gathering, hosted by members of the Title Track family and featuring a distinguished slate of inspiring panelists. Join us on Earthwork Farm this September 20-22 to hear insightful stories, make meaningful connections, and be invited to participate in compelling calls to action! Stay tuned to the Title Track socials or website for in-depth descriptions of the panels and bio info on the panelists!
1:30PM Sunday, Barn Stage
Panelists: Serena Amdur, Frank Marotta Jr., Ric Evans, Randy Buchler
Hosted by Chris Good
The Energy & Environment Panel will look at the growing movement to re-imagine how we produce and consume energy as we seek to nurture healthier communities and cultivate a sustainable relationship with our one and only Planet Earth. Panelists will share stories and insights from their own work locally and reflect on how we all can be a part of this global effort.
Frank Youngman All-Stars
Frank Youngman is an educator, musician, raconteur, and all around good egg who has been mentor and friend to an alarming number of excellent Michigan musicians.
Once or twice a year, he assembles a bunch of them into a ragged band of merry melody makers: no egos, no rehearsal, big fun. You never know who among your favorites might be in the band this year, so you’ll have to come to the Gathering to see.
Full Cord
When it comes to movers and shakers in the bluegrass world, Full Cord is a super-group on the rise. They dial it in with unexpected twists and turns in the compositions that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
After winning the prestigious 2022 Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition in Colorado, the Michigan-based group followed that with another much-coveted honor when the International Bluegrass Music Association named Full Cord its “Momentum Award Band of the Year.”
While mandolinist Brian Oberlin notes the band’s music “is new and fresh to the ears of seasoned bluegrass fans,” the bluegrass traditions in Full Cord have deep roots.
The Trio keeps that Full Cord sound at the core of the group alive and plays into some different material while also performing originals.
Great Lakes Brass
Inspired by New Orleans, born of the Great Lakes: Great Lakes Brass draws from New Orleans traditions, where brass bands express the pulse of communities; celebrating life, mourning loss, and looking ahead. Reverence for history is intertwined with ongoing creative adaptation, and our pledge to play it forward.
Trumpet, trombone, and saxophone play familiar melodies driven by sousaphone and percussion. On the street or the stage, our music moves. Based in Fennville, MI – Great Lakes Brass features a lineup of remarkable Michigan musicians, including Fred Bueltmann (Sousaphone), Josh Keller (Trumpet), Jarad Saxsquatch Selner (Saxophone), Scott Dumas (Trombone), Dede Alder (Drums), Carolyn Koebel (Drums), Andrew Schrock (Vocals), and many others.
Gregory Stovetop
Gregory Stovetop is the embodiment of hot, sweaty rock and roll. An Earthwork artist, but not a folkie–though there is country music in his past and deep within his impressive beard. A human Olympic torch with available albums: Good Stuff (2017) and Hot Stuff (2023).
Hannah Rose Graves Band
Hannah Rose sings straight from the heart, fusing and cycling through genres with depth and connectedness.
Preserving real-time moments in song. Music is Medicine and Hannah Rose delivers just that with her all-star ever-changing lineup of some of West Michigan’s finest talent. She is most well known for her raspy, soothing and soulful voice and her powerful story telling via songs. Hannah is an advocate for Mental Health-care and Mental Health awareness.
Healing and Wellness Panel presented by Title Track
Title Track is honored to once again be presenting panel discussions at Earthwork Harvest Gathering, hosted by members of the Title Track family and featuring a distinguished slate of inspiring panelists. Join us on Earthwork Farm this September 20-22 to hear insightful stories, make meaningful connections, and be invited to participate in compelling calls to action! Stay tuned to the Title Track socials or website for in-depth descriptions of the panels and bio info on the panelists!
4:30PM Friday, Cedar Stage
Panelists: Christina Ryan-Stoltz, Christy Chambers, Hilary Lake, Jordan Hamilton, Melissa Hamilton
Hosted by Crystal Woodward-Turner
Crystal Woodward-Turner will guide the Healing and Wellness panel in a passionate conversation delving into the rich, diverse and innovative ways in which we create and share healing and wellness within our communities and/or home. We’ll discuss the challenges, wins and the future of opportunities as we continue to grow as we contend with appropriation and equality in the healing and wellness industry. This conversation will inspire service and authenticity as we move towards a mindset of consciously cultivating a sincere culture of openness to those in marginalized communities embracing diversity in all areas.
HuDost
Electric-Folk, Americana, Global-Groove ensemble, HuDost, performs with refined wildness and their latest album reached #4 in the Canadian National Folk/Roots/Blues Chart and #9 in the US Folk Radio Charts.
They also recently received two of the ‘Best of Nashville’ awards. HuDost are committed advocates/activists for ONE (non-profit organization) working to end extreme poverty. They have toured internationally since 2006 including performances at Bonnaroo, FloydFest, Blissfest, The ARK, Vancouver Island MusicFest, the Salvador Dali Museum, The Levitt Pavilions, WoodSongs, Nashville’s Bluebird Café, Music City Roots,The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Montreal Folk Festival, Hillside Festival, LEAF Festival, Stan Rogers Folk Fest and many more. Highlight collaborations and opening slots for other artists include Ani DiFranco, Philip Glass, Jon Anderson (YES), Steve Kilbey (The Church), Neko Case, Jim Lauderdale and many more. The members of Jars of Clay have co-produced their last two records.
“HuDost makes music for the sacred and the profane…driven by Sommer’s lush expressive alto and Hines’ skilled strumming and electric guitar licks…as sacred as a church service, without the identifiers which can separate and shame non-believers.” —Kristi Wooten (PurePop, Rolling Stone, Newsweek)
J Hobbs
J Hobbs (formerly brotha James) is an empowering singer-songwriter who uses the power of words and melody to empower individuals and groups worldwide. His music blends the sounds and styles of Jason Mraz, Michael Franti, and 311.
Every time he takes the stage, he puts on an authentic, energetic, and customized performance that engages and empowers the audience. He’s played events, venues, and festivals all over North America and is currently releasing one or two songs online monthly.
When asked what his high hope is for Harvest Gathering, he said “I want people to feel inspired and empowered to experience joy and to spread it to others”. “Oh, and I want to rock out with the kids and families at the festival!”
Jaimien Delp
Jen Sygit
Sometimes traditional, sometimes contemporary, always imbued with a raw honesty, Lansing based Independent Music Award winning songwriter Jen Sygit wields a rare and powerful talent that seems equally comfortable performing ethereal folk tunes, crooning sultry swing numbers or soulfully belting gritty alt country ballads.
An accomplished multi-instrumentalist who isn’t afraid to test boundaries and cross genres, Jen’s eclectic musical style draws the listener in and holds them captivated. Her poignant lyrics tinged with a delicate melancholy, reveal an oft-overlooked beauty to life’s mundane struggles while offering the occasional glimpse into the plight of a modern day troubadour. Jen’s trio features Emily Slomovits on fiddle, guitar, harmonies and Eric Engblade on Banjo, Bass, guitar and harmonies.
Jessica Ivey
Jessica ‘Jess’ Ivey is a vocalist, songwriter, vocal producer and recording engineer from Detroit Michigan.
Jess’ vocal style an expressive blend of Lianne la Havas, Alex Isley and Jazmine Sullivan. She has been performing live shows and recording music with independent band and label Last Gasp Collective for over 5 years. Jess released her debut solo album entitled “First Time” in February of 2020 and has since released several singles and collaborative projects. She works fervently as a teaching artist for all ages with schools, programs, churches and more.
Joe Reilly and the Community Gardeners
Joe Reilly (he, him) is a singer, songwriter, social worker, and ordained Dharma Teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Joe was raised Catholic and currently studies and practices progressive Catholicism, Native American spirituality, and engaged Buddhism. Joe has been a student of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh since 2004 and is often found singing and writing songs on spiritual retreats. He currently lives in Waawiyatanong/Detroit, where he co-leads the Building Beloved Community Sangha. He is of Cherokee, Choctaw, Italian, and Irish descent and identifies as Native American.
Music and mindfulness practices in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. We will enjoy singing, sitting and walking meditation together, coming back to the present moment with mindfulness and compassion. Joe Reilly (he, him) is a singer, songwriter, social worker, and ordained Dharma Teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh.
Joe was raised Catholic and currently studies and practices progressive Catholicism, Native American spirituality, and engaged Buddhism. Joe has been a student of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh since 2004 and is often found singing and writing songs on spiritual retreats. He currently lives in Waawiyatanong/Detroit, where he co-leads the Building Beloved Community Sangha. He is of Cherokee, Choctaw, Italian, and Irish descent and identifies as Native American.
John Orpheus and the Funk Daddies
Born and raised in South-Central Trinidad, John Orpheus is a multi-cultural musician, author and performance artist. Since releasing his previous album SAGA KING in 2021, he has been busy promoting his memoir SAGA BOY (Penguin Random House) and writing two children’s books and a forthcoming debut novel called BLACK CHEROKEE (Simon and Schuster). He also found the time to write and produce a new EP: GET RIGHT! It combines John Orpheus’ playfulness, fluency in and affection all eras of music. “People talk of eras, of new school vs old school. I wanted to create a place where all my eras could play together: The Whole School.” John Orpheus and his writing alter ego Antonio Michael Downing are co-creative forces on an artistic roll in 2024.
John Orpheus’ musical journey has taken him from the Caribbean bush to festivals across Canada and the US to opening for Liam Gallagher on a UK tour. John is known for his rabble-rousing live shows filled with audience participation, chanting and impromptu dance-offs that feel more like Caribana road parties than concerts. Lush with funk, hip hop swagger and “whole school” vibes, the GET RIGHT! EP is a catchy, funky, fun send up of the era when funk, punk and pop could all be found on the same dancefloor. Influenced by early Prince, Rick James and 90s Hip Hop’s affection for Parliament Funkadelic, GET RIGHT! is a throwback that feels like 2024. “I think we all could use a dance party right about now. GET UP! GET DOWN! GET RIGHT!
Joni Mitchell Tribute
Joni Mitchell is the epitome of the singer/songwriter. From innocent hippie ballads to recent prophetic social commentary, her lyrics are poetry set to emotionally complex harmonizations. From folk to jazz her compositions are examples of modern-day art songs.
Jordan Hamilton
Cellist and vocalist Jordan Hamilton is a mix of mastery and maverick musicality; hip-hop influenced, rhythmically layered, melodically robust. Avant garde, folk-soul music, a key to navigate space, time, and change, gracefully, for those who use it. Driven by diversity, drawn to the cello’s tone, cosmic strings calling souls home.
“Plucking, sawing, pounding and caressing the cello to extract sometimes other-worldly sounds; melding live looping with classical music interludes, hip hop, and jazz.” (John Sinkevics, Local Spins). Shared truth, delivered and triggered by melodies, experienced as one, emanating from a deep, russet realm. Genres groomed together to represent and inquire the soul.
A different kind of symphony, hopeful enough to grow our empathy, “part political activism, part hopefulness, part performance art, part soundscapes, and all entirely mesmerizing.” (John Sinkevics, Local Spins) Emotional energy crafted from integrity, immaterial and immortal, experienced at the speed of sound, with a bit of bounce, groove by the ounce, and all the jump you’ll need to move.
Joshua Davis
Joshua Davis was raised in the folk tradition: the music, the social movements, the land.
He writes songs that blend the roots of American music with gritty rock n roll and vintage soul. Performing Songwriter Magazine called the result “Some of the liveliest and most rocking roots music around.” For over 20 years Joshua has made his living sharing his songs, stories and knowledge across the US and Canada at festivals, concert halls, coffeehouses and dives as a solo act, front man for roots ensemble Steppin In It, classic swing band Shout Sister Shout, songwriter showcase band The Starlight Six, and frequently as a workshop facilitator, presenter, or instructor.
Laurel Premo
Laurel Premo is known for her rhythmically deep and rapt delivery of roots music, voiced on finger-style electric guitar, lap steel, fiddle, and voice. The glowing heartiness and rich grit of her sound reveal a love of and complete submersion in heavy archaic roots—from the crossover of old-time and blues American traditions to darker Nordic sounds. She is a Michigan-based artist who has been writing, arranging, and touring since 2009 with vocal and instrumental roots acts, and is internationally known from her duo Red Tail Ring. Her 2021 solo release, ‘Golden Loam’, continues Laurel’s sonic raising of old wild landscape, with ruminant power, a masterful use of space, and dynamic waves of warm, gritty sustain. “Subtle but dazzling and rich in texture. Watching a live performance is pure hypnosis.” —MTV
Laurel Premo has spent her life immersed in American and Nordic folk traditions. Now both new compositions and arrangements of older music are held in a living relationship with tradition, musically revealing a bloom of underlying harmonic drones, minimalist repetition, and rich polyrhythm. “Premo viscerally threw herself into the music she played, rocking back and forth, and fully embodying the swaying nature of her compositions. There was something deeply moving about witnessing such an embodied and emotionally present performer work their magic, and I could have listened to her play for far longer than the set allowed.” —The Taos News
Her set at Earthwork Harvest Gathering 2024 will feature fiddle and voice lamentations as well as new guitar work.
Mark Lavengood
Mark Lavengood is a reverse Cheshire cat: you see his grin coming at you first. The Grand Rapids roots revivalist surrounds himself with the best players, books himself shows in the coolest venues, and plays his dobro like his bright yellow pants are on fire.
A longtime member of Lindsay Lou’s band, Mark is flying solo without touching the ground, spinning off new singles seemingly monthly. Let’s have some fun on the farm with Huggy Bear. Available albums: From Dust To Steel (2010), 7″ (2013), No Part Of Nothin’ (2014), and We’ve Come Along (2017), as well as a bunch of hot singles.
Metal Bubble Trio
Miglo and Friends
Molly
Molly is an award-winning singer, song-writer, and performing musician with a history of many projects and collaborations based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. As she grows as an artist, she writes to explore the truths and constructed realities of what it means to be alive as a black woman in America by navigating old and new territories through sound and space. Her unique past and desire for a sense of absolute freedom not only inform her emotive style of singing but also narrate her thought-provoking lyrics, making for a moody, eclectic, colorful, and soulful mixture of profound sound.
On stage, she is joined by her husband and multi-instrumentalist Scott Schultz, concocting a mix of joyful and contemplative music drawn as much from the real world as their varied record collection. Molly will soon be releasing her deeply personal debut LP. She currently has her debut EP and video for lead single ‘Shine’ available everywhere and recently released video for her song ‘Don’t Be Surprised’ on YouTube & Bandcamp.
Has performed at numerous festivals including Electric Forrest, Mile of Music, and All Call, and has opened for Ben Harper, Charles Bradley, Jamila Woods, The Suffers, Lucius, Nomo, Tunde Olaniran and many others in over 15 years of performing music.
Moss Manor
Recorded from their homes during the pandemic, Moss Manor came into existence out of the need to process the events of the past few years.
Initially put forth as a space to throw ideas into and see what sticks, the project slowly evolved into a space that felt like a band.
Nicholas James and the Bandwagon
Nicholas James Thomasma has two main gears: thoughtful, autumnal singer-songwriter and bright, sunny summer troubadour.
The Bandwagon is his capable vehicle for spreading the summer sunshine (that, and Kelly Jo, his trusty orange VW bus). There’s no contradiction here: life is never all one thing, and Nick’s music celebrates the highs, the lows, and the in-betweens: maybe, ESPECIALLY the in-betweens.
Come dig the vibe down on the farm this September. Albums available: Barefoot (2011), Saturday Night (2011), Long Story Short (2014), and Tall, Tall Tales (2016). Latest album, Rolling Home was released in 2020.
Niikah Hatfield
Peter Madcat Ruth’s C.A.R.Ma. Quartet
The C.A.R.Ma. Quartet plays Eclectic Traditional and Improvisational Music. American Roots Music, Blues, Folk Music, Jazz, and World Music are all part of the mix.
- Peter Madcat Ruth is a Grammy Award-winning virtuoso harmonica player based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. He has established an international reputation through his exhilarating, riveting virtuosity on the harmonica.
- John Churchville is a Grammy Award-winning tabla drummer. He was the founding member of the award winning Indian fusion group, Sumkali.
- Brennan Andes was a founding member of The Macpodz, and he has accompanied countless musicians from the region and beyond including Luke Winslow-King, George Bedard, Sumkali, The Ragbirds, Rootstand, Chris Bathgate, Jen Sygit, Seth Bernard, May Erlewine, Andy Adamson Quintet, Chris Good, Dick Siegel, The Tone Farmers, Vincent York, and The Pherotones.
- Dan Ripke toured and performed with the rock-bluegrass quintet, Back Forty, for 15 years. After Back Forty, Dan took an exploratory dive into Indian music with the band, Sumkali.
The C.A.R.Ma. Quartet—our name: C. is for John Churchville, A. is for Brennan Andes, R. is for Dan Ripke, Ma. is for Madcat.
Rachael Davis
Rachael Davis is a big personality with a huge voice. She might punch you in the shoulder within minutes of meeting you. She might fill a room with raucous, contagious laughter, both her own and yours.
And she might bring you to your knees with her astonishing voice as it soars, whispers, pleads and demands your attention. Deep Michigan roots, Nashville’s gain is our loss, but music travels everywhere. Albums available: Minor League Deities (2000), Live In Bremen, Germany (2004), Antebellum Queens (2008), Bandbox Jubilee (2014), plus releases with Shout Sister Shout! and The Sweet Water Warblers.
Racial Justice Panel presented by Title Track
Title Track is honored to once again be presenting panel discussions at Earthwork Harvest Gathering, hosted by members of the Title Track family and featuring a distinguished slate of inspiring panelists. Join us on Earthwork Farm this September 20-22 to hear insightful stories, make meaningful connections, and be invited to participate in compelling calls to action! Stay tuned to the Title Track socials or website for in-depth descriptions of the panels and bio info on the panelists!
2:45PM Sunday, Barn Stage
Panelists: Holly Bird, Crystal Woodward-Turner, Manape LaMere, Shea Cobb (Phire Sis)
Hosted by Amber Hasan
The Racial Justice Panel is aimed at addressing systemic inequality through solution based conversion focused on fostering healing through community collaboration. We explore the intersection of race, culture, and justice offering insight into the ongoing fight for racial equity, and how grassroots efforts, art, and advocacy can be catalysts for meaningful change. Join us for an engaging conversation about building a more inclusive and just future for all.
Samuel Nalangira
A native of Uganda, East Africa; Samuel Nalangira is a folk/world musician, dancer and choreographer who has been performing since his childhood and teaching since the age of 15.
He has toured across Europe, United States, Canada and Asia performing and leading workshops in schools, universities, festivals and community centers.He is a multi-instrumentalist and a master at many traditional instruments including the Adungu from northern Uganda, Akogo from Eastern Uganda, Endingidi, Ndongo, Ngoni and percussion. He has also developed a unique approach and personal techniques on most of these instruments and, in combination with soaring voice; his music carries a true identity of the sub-Saharan skies.Situka tuzine!
Let’s get up and dance!
Samuel Seth Bernard
Creating meaningful change as a music maker, cultural warrior, and water protector. Founder and Co-Executive Director of Title Track, working for clean water, racial equity and youth empowerment. Founder of Earthwork Music, encouraging community healing through collective musicianship, and the Earthwork Harvest Gathering.
Sari Brown
Sari Brown is a priestess of song who curates dreams, facilitates rituals, and cultivates beauty in the fertile gaps between cultures. She has lived as an anthropologist and activist in South America and as a musician and pastor in Michigan, and she is equal parts child of Motown, mystical chants and Andean folkloric dance. Using textured soundscapes and vulnerable storytelling, her songs create holding spaces for healing, self-awareness, and practices of abundant life.
Sari’s new album, “The Holy Broken Heart,” comes after a long hiatus and journey home to music, and it explores the shape of healing journeys and our capacity to embrace the mysteries, paradoxes and incompleteness of healing. She has released two albums previously, For What is the Journey (2004) and The Color Suite (2009), and is a long-time member of Earthwork Music, a Michigan-based collective of artists, changemakers, and healers supporting social and environmental justice.
SetUFree Collective
SetUFree.co is a dynamic group of independent creators rooted in Hip-Hop & Indigenous African vibrations collaborating in various ways specializing in multimedia productions, projects, events, products & installations. SetUFree.co means “Freedom of Self”. Freedom beyond speech &/or art. The freedoms every being, having a human experience should obtain for their liberation. Applying these 5 rules of Hip-Hop (Peace, Love, Unity, Knowledge & Having Fun) as their mantra & syllabus in daily practice & collaboration. SetUFree projects a familiar yet unique experience. We call it “the Vibe”. Come vibe with us.
Our art style is referred to as freedom fighting, which is a style of an artist who works the culture in very meaningful ways. The style of an SetUFree artist seeks to uplift the quality of life with their community as well as share their brilliant artist excellence in beautiful ways through Ancestral technology & African based knowledge systems that honors the heart, mind, body,
and spirit. SetUFree.co has pillars in music, film, design, & storytelling as an arts organization and indie record company.
Sierra Skye Baker
Sierra Skye Baker is a soulful singer/songwriter with evocative lyricism and a soothing voice who sings in languages such as English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and French. Her musical style reflects her appreciation for many artists of various genres including Joni Mitchel, Tracy Chapman and India Arie.
Soul Patch
Formed in 2003, this dynamic blend of spirits is aged in years, miles, shows, life experiences and a unique brotherhood that is Soul Patch.
Ever changing, yet always making the show their own, Soul Patch brings original and cover music with its very own genre defying twist. Reggae, Funk, Rock, Bluegrass, Jam are all sounds you will hear on any given Soul Patch experience. Ever flowing, always glowing and bringing the positive message have become an essential part of ALL that Soul Patch is.
If you haven’t heard their new frequencies or moved to Their conscious groove for an entire show it is strongly recommended. Come open your heart, mind and ears & make it BRIGHT!”
Stepladders
Sunken Melody
Steve Leaf has been making music for a while, like, since the theatrical release of ‘Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone’ while. Playing in projects like The Ex Pats, Public Access, and Stepladders, as well as guest performing with acts like The Crane Wives, Chad Stokes, Marc Cohn and others, Steve brings a “team player” approach to music.
“He’s like if you bolted a guitar to a Swiss Army knife. But also he’s American, not Swiss” says one close acquaintance.
As Aaron Burr says to Alexander Hamilton in the worldwide phenomenon musical, Hamilton, ‘talk less, smile more’ Steve applies a similar philosophy to the guitar; ‘shred less, listen more’. That’s the impetus for his new ambient project entitled ‘Sunken Melody’, sparse compositions of drum machine, synthesizer, vocal, and guitar to weave a sound that makes you think of a dream you just can’t quite remember or as Steve likes to say ‘music that’s good to nap to.’
The Antivillains
The Antivillains is the combined efforts of songwriter Sarah Cohen longtime members brother Ben Cohen (guitar), Sam Woldenberg (percussion), Lucas Madrazo (bass) joined on stage by artist Graham Parsons (lapsteel).
Born in the Rust-Belt city of Toledo Ohio, the band’s songs are populated by quiet dramas that have come and gone and pictures of messy lives somewhere in the middle. The music can be cloudy and dreamy, drawing comparisons to the music of Yo La Tengo or Cat Power with glimmers of the honest and tragic storytelling of Townes Van Zandt or Gillian Welch. As a defined genre, The Antivillains fit into the stargazy indie-rock genre while other songs lean into a darker, Americana sound.
The Dangling Participles
The Dangling Participles are a Lansing-based indie-folk band with an eclectic repertoire and a feel-good vibe.
Their music features spirited duets, soulful harmonies, storied lyrics, and vibrant instrumentation. Austin Kaufmann anchors the group on guitar, Tamiko Rothhorn adds cornet and ukulele, and Tim Patterson (bass) and Dan Moreno (percussion) round out the rhythm section. With multiple songwriters composing across several genres, The Dang Ps’ songs appeal widely, evoking the breadth of human experience, lyrics drawing deep from the wells of literature, art, family, and relationships. Local Spins reviewer writes, “Listening to The Dangling Participles feels like a burst of dopamine.”
The Go Rounds
Music for debris that never sinks in an eddy.
Described as a blend of psychedelia, Americana, twang-rock and jelly-roll with a healthy dose of pop sensibility holding things together, The Go Rounds write music that sounds like bits and pieces of all your favorite bands exploded into rock ‘n roll confetti. Fingerpicked guitar, fuzzy distorted tones, introspective ambience, spellbinding vocals and effervescent synth-pop: they manage to effortlessly weave together a varied sonic palette through intricate arrangements that are at once accessible, engaging, surprising and evocative.
The Idiot Kids
The Idiot Kids are a Garage/Punk Trio based out of Detroit, MI. They have the energy of punk, the roughened aesthetic of garage rock and the melodic sensibilities of art pop.
This is music with shake-you-up hooks, frenzied tempos, gnarly guitars and anthemic vocals. Known for their live performances; they blend the theatricality of glam with the raw energy of hardcore.
The Missing Generation
The Red Sea Pedestrians
The Red Sea Pedestrians are a one-of-a-kind, full-blown, instrument-swapping fusion between tradition and the here-and-now. We’re talkin’ high-energy world-beat grooves, hypnotic laments from the earth, songs of celebration and wonder, all filtered through the band’s original vision. RSP is a melting pot of six distinct singer/songwriters and multi-instrumentalists, exploring a warped and beautiful blend of Klezmer, Jazz and American Roots music.
The Rupple Brothers
The Rupple Brothers are a psychedelic folk ensemble who combine a love for family, music, life, and improvisation to create a musical space unlike any other.
Born unto song, brothers Evan and Cole, and an ever expanding cast of soul brothers, traverse the entire spectrum of sound and space; each being proficient in multiple ways of musical strangeness, while bringing a positive and powerful family message with their brand of wild folk.
They have carved themselves out a respected place amongst the Michigan music scene, throwing their own annual grassroots festival Handmade Music Festival in their home of Chesaning, opening for bands like Chirp & Good Old War, opening up for White Denim at Ann Arbor’s Sonic Lunch, winning the Review Award for “Best Duo”, and playing top tier venues and festivals across the state. They plan to carry their stories of song to the furthest reaches of the universe.
The Sister Tour
The Sister Tour is a community organization of artists from Flint MI created in the midst of a man-made water crisis that is a creative response, expression of resilience and a form of social justice for the people of Flint that continue to live without access to clean water and who pay the highest water bills in the country.
Amber Hasan and Phire Sis are here to make you move, make you think, and tell you the truth.
The Waltz Hour
Much more than a folk festival, Earthwork Harvest Gathering has stretched itself over the years to encompass all corners of all genres of music.
But sometimes a return to the simple pleasures of old rural Michigan is welcome. Led by our host, Bob Bernard, this is an hour of sweet old-fashioned instrumental waltz music to sashay your partner around the barn floor to. Familiar faces will pop up in the big band, so come listen and watch even if you have two left feet.
The Water Blessing
Traditionally a moment when all music stops throughout the farm to give thanks for the blessing of clean fresh water.
Trillium Groove
Native to Northern Michigan, Trillium Groove is a female-forward trio that plays classics you know and love, as well as their own original music! From jazz, to soft rock, to indie pop and more, they are sure to have something for everyone. Ruby (keys), SkyeLea (guitar and ukulele), and Keagan (percussion) blend their own unique styles to create a groove that sparkles in three-part harmony.
Valentiger
Carefully crafted and effortlessly orchestrated, Valentiger’s collective confidence is as deserved as it is tongue-in-cheek.
Their infusion of wit and humor with an enlightened cultural outlook creates a product as reflective of their individual personalities as it is cloaked in surprising wisdom. Albums available: Power Lines To Electric Times (2009), Oh, To Know! (2011), and Stray Animals (2014).
Women in Music Panel presented by Title Track
Title Track is honored to once again be presenting panel discussions at Earthwork Harvest Gathering, hosted by members of the Title Track family and featuring a distinguished slate of inspiring panelists. Join us on Earthwork Farm this September 20-22 to hear insightful stories, make meaningful connections, and be invited to participate in compelling calls to action! Stay tuned to the Title Track socials or website for in-depth descriptions of the panels and bio info on the panelists!
Women in Music
10AM Saturday, Cedar Stage
Panelists: Susie Giang, Jessica Ivey, Audra Kubat, Kalli Dempsey
Hosted by Jenny Jones
The Women in Music Panel at Harvest Gathering this year will continue its tradition of open discussion about music and craft, but welcomes a few of our industry professional friends to the festival to talk about the future of festivals, artists and artistry, and touring.
Yimes
Yimes is the creative music production duo of John Hanson (Saltbreaker) and Andrew Taetz (The Youngest, Böyfriends). Hanson, based in Detroit, Michigan and Taetz in the Bay Area, fuse together two distinct styles and approaches to music and production.