Midwest Fest 2012 returning with 19 new acts

Twenty-four bands will take the stage in Mount Pleasant for the fifth annual Midwest Fest.

The five-day music festival begins at 9 p.m. on Sept. 25. The concerts will be taking place at Kaya Coffee House, 1029 S. University Ave., and Rubble’s Bar, 112 W. Michigan St. 

Three bands will perform at the kick-off party on Sept. 22 in Rubble’s Bar.

Organizer and Mount Pleasant resident Corey Densmore said the Kaya venue will allow for a younger crowd outside of the bar scene for 21 and older that have missed out in the past.

According to the news release, Densmore said the goal is to feature headliners from around the area who are achieving success on a national level. The headliners include The Hard Lessons, Child Bite, The Appleseed Collective, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers and Gifts or Creatures. This year’s lineup features eight returning bands and 19 new acts.

Densmore said this year’s festival has something for everyone. The lineup includes folk bands, indie rockers, bluegrass, country and electronic. Bands applied to be featured in Midwest Fest between February and March and were voted to play by volunteers, organizers, promoters and media. The highest rated bands make up the lineup.

“The music community is excited for Child Bite,” he said. “People are excited to see new and returning people on the line-up.”

Densmore initiated the local music festival in 2008 and it has been in Mount Pleasant every year except 2010. As a Mount Pleasant resident since 2005, Densmore has a connection with the community.

“I know how to market here and get people coming,” he said. “Most of the people are local but we do get out of town people.”

Traverse senior Collin Hall said he plans on going to Midwest Fest this year.

“It sounds familiar, but I’ve never gone,” he said.

Although Hall said he only recongizes about five of the acts, listening to new music is something he enjoys.

In 2011, Densmore decided to move the festival from summer to fall to market to more CMU students. The move, he said, brought greater attendance due to students in town.

Last year, Midwest Fest averaged about 130 to 150 people each night. This year, he hopes to get more than 200 people a night.

Tickets range from $4 to $6 per day or $20 for the festival. For more informtion on line-up and tickets, visit mwfest.com.