ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Friday, a unique live music event kicked off in Escanaba.
“I always thought that we needed a music festival around here,” said local musician Mike Canull. “There was a YooperFest that they used to do in the fall, so we just took the name and ran with it.”
YooperFest is a new event in the spirit of events before it. Now through Saturday, July 18, 14 local bands are performing across two stages at the U.P. State Fairgrounds. Many attendees are spending the weekend camping at the fairgrounds, where they can also enjoy food trucks and a beer tent.
With Escanaba’s live music scene growing steadily over the last few years, Canull wanted to create another opportunity for artists to showcase their talents.
“It actually means a lot to me to bring the music community back together, support local music,” he said. “That’s what we like to do around here, so I want to support all live, local music. Especially these kid bands that are coming up. I would encourage people that come to the festival, when the band’s playing up on stage, bring yourself up to the stage and show them, ‘We’re here to have a good time, and you guys are bringing it.’ That makes so much of a difference with the bands.”
Tickets can be purchased in cash at the gate, but advance online purchases are encouraged. Click here for full admission details and pricing.
Visit the official YooperFest Facebook page to see more of what’s in store this weekend.
