Written by Daryn Jacobs
Photo by Alicia Nowell
Alone in the back woods of Northern Michigan lies The Rez: the home to the annual music and arts festival, Rez Fest. Hidden in the outskirts of Mancelona, Rez Fest recently just finished its 3rd year. I was fortunate enough to attend this magical family gathering. With the lineup containing bands such as The Giving Moon, Biomassive, and Once Upon a Bison, you could tell this festival was a force to be reckoned with.
Upon arrival, I would have never guessed that I was about to enter one of Michigan’s most magical places. Greeted with a smile at the gate, I obtained my bracelet with no wait and was on my way. Once I was parked, it was only a short walk to the camping and festival entrances. Cloaked in trees and bordered with a children’s playground, the path to the camping area led me into the shaded grove. The path was split in two with signposts titled with “street” names. Both paths led on to multiple other trails littered with designated camping spots free to claim. Further down the trails, I was met by a drum kiva and a beautiful community firepit with amphitheater style seating. There was plenty to explore, but it was time to choose a campsite.
After choosing a site with a pre-made walkway and natural artwork, it was time to check out shakedown street. With several art vendors, a food truck, Taco Loco, Dee’s Hot Dogs, and a few vendors selling clothing, there was plenty to spend your money on. The art vendors sold a variety of trinkets, tie dyed shirts and dresses, and jewelry. The truck was selling an assortment of foods, such as grilled cheese and gyros. After grabbing a bite to eat, it was on to check out the stages.
Music had already started as the sounds of Flower Isle filled the tent stage. The rain seemed to hold off the crowd on Friday, but the brave were there already dancing with their toes in the mud. The day was filled with many genres ranging from folk to funk to reggae, as bands such as Soul Patch, Tell Yo Mama and Biomassive brought the party to life. The soul filled and powerful vocals of Tell Yo Mama filled the night with fun and funk. As the night came to an end, the rain poured and the mud flowed as Biomassive’s electronic jams echoed throughout the forest.
Saturday started with the sun shining bright as both party goers and vendors filled the grounds. After The Charlie Millard Band opened the mainstage, Once Upon A Bison was ready to cull the herd. With a psychedelic blend of grunge and ska, ‘Bison’ brings the rock n’ roll atmosphere to life. With a mix of original material and some classic covers such as “Johnny B. Goode”, the next hour was filled with phenomenal showmanship and love. You could tell Bison was a local favorite as the trees were filled with music lovers and family.
After their set, I got a chance to speak with their front-man, Alex. When asked his thoughts about Rez Fest, he replied “The venue was perfect. From the vendors, to the stages. The land that Rez is held on is amazing. Beautiful scenery from the forests of Northern Michigan. The main stage was set down at the bottom of a tall hill and there were multiple levels where people could stand. This brought an amphitheater vibe. It was incredible to be able to play there and look out into the crowd and see them stacked up on the hill.”
You can catch Bison along with many of the other bands here at Rez Fest at other Michigan festivals such as Blissfest and Farmfest in addition to other venues throughout the state all year long. After this amazing weekend, I know I will be checking out more small town festivals.
The night was welcomed with music, love, and those small town vibes as Chicago’s own The Giving Moon lit up the stage. As young as these boys may look, they sure know how to throw down. After a flawless rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s version of “Hey Joe”, I could instantly tell that these guys are going places. Maybe we will see them someday at the domes.
Everything else aside, the main stage was the place to be. Shakedown street was thriving with lights, hammocks, laughter, and amazing food. As I walked outside of the wooded area, the nearly full moon kissed the festival grounds with soul piercing light. Music flowed from the forest as The Brother’s Crunch ended the late night party. After their set, they invited everyone to the drum kiva for some extra fun.
I was able to speak with one of the organizers of Rez Fest, Missy Sheppard, and ask her a few questions about the Rez.
How did Rez Fest first get started?
“Picking up sticks and cleaning up the backyard. After that came making trails and a teepee. Then we started meeting the amazing local musicians we are blessed with and knew we wanted to stay involved with these beautiful and kind people. Rez Fest is all about the musicians. Every dollar that comes through the gate gets divided between them at the end of the festival. Most local venues do not pay every band playing their event. We make sure that even if it’s not a lot, at least everyone gets paid for their time and talent. We appreciate every single one of them! For six years we have been blessed with the best local talent in Michigan, growing each year. We are grateful for the help and support from all of our family, friends, musicians, coordinators, vendors, and volunteers. Teamwork makes the dream work!”
This year’s Rez had quite the stacked lineup, containing mostly Michigan or local bands. Are there plans to bring in more signed bands like The Giving Moon in the future?
“We hope so! Since there is no guaranteed dollar number for payment, bigger bands are hesitant to come out.”
Do you plan to keep Rez Fest small and personal, to keep those family vibes?
“As long as the vibes are good, everyone is welcome! As the band coordinator, I say the more the merrier. More paying tickets means the musicians make more, and they absolutely deserve it.”
As I left the festival Sunday afternoon, the party was still going strong with music continuing throughout the night. With a new, refreshed state of mind and overflowing joy, I knew instantly that I would return to this year’s Feral Fest in addition to future Rez Fests.