Musicians get ready for The 43rd annual Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Hiawatha Music Festival kicked off today at Tourist Park in Marquette. Dozens of musicians will take over the second and main stages this weekend. Tourist park opened up at 8 o’clock this morning to welcome in musicians and music lovers for a weekend long take over. The main stage show began at 6pm, but the music started long before that.

For musicians David Walters and Max Weirauch, it’s their first Hiawatha music festival. The two Wisconsin based musicians are a part of a group called The Old Pine Road Band. Weirauch says he met David at the Jack Pine Jamboree in central Wisconsin and they’ve been playing together ever since.

As people were still settling in, the two had already started to play. Weirauch said there’s a magic to The UP that made them sure they had to come be a part of the festival. For the three days full of workshops, storytelling, and dancing, the music never stops.

“Just wandering through out the campsites, there’s music literally everywhere, coming from every corner.” Walters said. “Anytime you can just be surrounded by sweet sounds like that, it’s pretty lucky.”

This weekend’s festival schedule is filled with musicians who are camping out in the park to enjoy playing music together.

Weirauch says that’s what they’re looking forward to the most, talking, and playing music with people from all over the Midwest.

“Just to see all the music, meet some new friends, get to talk to people, maybe jam with a couple of new folks.” Weirauch said. “Ya know, just the good stuff.”

The Old Pine Road Band will take on the second stage dance tent on Saturday night. Weekend wristbands are still on sale at the main gate in the Kaufman Sports Complex. Adult wrist bands are $120, Teen and Seniors are $110, and Children 5-12 are $5. Single day wristbands for Saturday or Sunday only are $60. Tent Camping is available in Areas A, B, and D for $55.

Saturday’s Main Stage Schedule