TRUFANT, Mich. — Hundreds of people are headed to Trufant, Michigan this weekend for the second annual Smiling Acres Music Festival. The three-day event will offer a large fireworks display, live performances from more than 40 bands and a variety of extracurricular activities. Entertainment director Mark Lavengood said there are also some major upgrades from last year.
“We have two stages now and a fireside acoustic area. We have double bands coming through, so double the amount of entertainment,” he said. “There's a misting station to keep everybody cool over the heated weekend. It doesn't look like it's going to be too hot, but you never know. It's summer in Michigan.”
Headliners this year include Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, Erin Zindle & the Ragbirds, Deepfall, Seth Bernard and Desmond Jones. The music starts at 3 p.m. Friday and continues throughout the weekend. Many local and regional bands will also take the stage.
“I like good music, you know? And I don't like to leave any style of music out. I like to be very inclusive,” Lavengood said. “Within Michigan, there are so many incredibly talented bands to choose from. So yeah, we have a little bit of everything.”
In addition to the headliners, there will be Wild Zen Yoga classes, Mindful Movement workshops and an open mic opportunity where performers have 15 minutes to play up to three songs. A variety of local food and art vendors will also be present for the family-friendly music festival in Montcalm County.
“It's on the personal grounds of Nate and Rhonda Drews’ personal property, and they've got 40 acres,” Lavengood said. “They've always wanted to do a proper music festival inspired by the essence of community music festivals like Wheatland, Blissfest, Harvest Gathering and Hoxeyville. That was kind of the template that we wanted to emulate.”
Those in attendance this weekend will have the option to camp onsite or come and go as they please. The gates open at 9 a.m. Friday, then everyone will be asked to vacate by 3 p.m. Monday.
“We're a community of friends and family,” Lavengood said. “Smiling Acres Music Festival is all about bringing the community together, hosting a safe, friendly environment for friends to come and get their camping on, experience 40 plus live bands, and just enjoy the sunshine over the Fourth of July weekend.”
For more information, including ticket prices and showtimes, click here.
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