Microbrew & Music Festival | Traverse City Michigan

Aug 25

A warm summer evening in a beautiful outdoor setting with yummy local food, craft brews, and great friends, all while grooving to awesome live music – there’s nothing quite like the atmosphere at a summer festival! When we heard Robert Randolph, one of our favorite artists, would be there, we were excited to attend The 8th annual Traverse City Summer Microbrew & Music Festival at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.

Fire grilled pizza by Mitten Fired Pizza Company – amazing!

The relaxed outdoor atmosphere was alive with musicians like the Delta blues and old-time jug music of The Steel City Jug Slammers. I used to have one of those jugs – never thought about learning to play a tune on it!

This was the first time we heard local artists Billy Strings & Don Julin. Their high energy picking on the guitar and mandolin bring an extra layer of fun to their bluegrass tunes – would love to hear more of them!

The Lowdown Brass Band had the crowd rocking from the side stage pickup truck. How can you not clap, smile and move with them – the energy is contagious!

Robert Randolph and The Family Band did not let us down. It was a stellar performance and we had a blast standing right up front – dancing, singing and loving every minute. It was awesome to be so close – standing through an entire concert was a first for me. The downside – we might have lost a little hearing by the end of the night. Note to self – use earplugs when standing next to a very large speaker.

It felt like the evening went by so fast – soon it was time to go. Turning to leave we noticed the interesting glow from the party lights being cast on the buildings of The Village Commons with the moon in the background.

The Lowdown Brass Band marching through the crowd was the perfect ending to a great summer evening. It felt a little like being in the streets of New Orleans.