Local musicians reunite at Northport’s Leelanau UnCaged
By Ross Boissoneau
Sun contributor
For one day each year, Northport becomes a musical haven, where folk and funk, blues and bluegrass, hip rock and hot horns all have a place.
Welcome to Leelanau UnCaged, where some two dozen acts perform the last Saturday in September (Sept. 28 this year) on the streets throughout town. Despite taking its name and inspiration from avant-garde musician John Cage, Leelanau UnCaged is not dedicated to ultramodern cutting-edge music. It’s all about a good time with good friends as they celebrate a respite from the hustle and bustle after summer visitors and seasonal residents have typically departed.
Tim Sparling is one of the founders. He says the festival is the vision of Northport resident Alan Thomas and is put on by a cadre of volunteers who work to fill the streets with music from noon to 10 p.m. “It was his brainchild ten years ago,” Sparling says, a way for county residents to “get out of their cages” and have a good time.
“I played in a bunch of different bands and he knew me, asked if I wanted to help,” he adds. That was a decade ago, and Sparling is still onboard, in more ways than one (see below).
George Powell, another member of the music committee, says the festival functions as a reunion following the busiest time of the year for attendees and performers alike. For the latter, it’s a chance to see and hear their fellow musicians and hang with them in between sets.
And it’s always a draw for those who want to play. “In fact, we have to put local acts in rotation,” Powell notes. “We don’t have the time/space to feature them all.”
Among those performing this year is Good Stuff in a tribute to its former leader, the late Bugs Beddow. Similarly, the Fabulous Horndogs will do their show as a tribute to founder Newt Cole, who passed away earlier this year.
Despite the losses, the two bands will showcase their fun, funky and danceable music. Billy Gauthier is a member of the Horndogs, as well as the Northwestern Michigan College Jazz Big Band, both of which have played UnCaged previously. “It’s a wonderful festival,” he says. “All day music, a number of different flavors and genres, just about every style – they try to diversify.”
He says the atmosphere is second to none, as fans mingle with performers before and after their sets. He says people are apt to run into musicians carrying their instruments and ask them what kind of music they play and who they’ll be listening to. “You walk around, meet new people. Some love bluegrass, others rock and roll.”
Like Gauthier, guitarist Rick Kiehle will be doing double duty. He’ll be playing with the NMC Big Band again this year while his jazz/funk/soul band East Bay Drive makes its UnCaged debut. “We’re looking forward to it,” Kiehle says. “We’ve got some original music and a guest saxophonist and guest vocalist.”
His thoughts echo those of Gauthier in terms of the enthusiasm and appreciation of the audiences. “People seemed to really enjoy seeing all the bands. It’s a very friendly event.”
That atmosphere was not lost on Ingemar and Lisa Johanssen. They were so enthralled when they attended the festival that they sought out the organizing committee. “We were there last year and said we would love to play,” says Lisa.
Song of the Lakes, which played aboard the Tall Ship Manitou throughout the summer, will be on the Leelanau UnCaged bill for the first time. “It’s a great way to wind down from summer,” says Lisa.
Many members of the music committee will also perform. That includes Sparling, who will be playing keyboards with the Ivan Powers Band. He was a founding member of Newt and the Salamanders alongside Newt Cole, which also featured Mike Marois from the Horndogs. What goes around comes around.
While the music may be the focus, a number of food trucks will offer their finest, along with Northport’s many restaurants. This year will also see eight different groups on the dance stage, culminating with line dancing. There will also be artists and artisans showcasing their wares.
In all, it makes for a grand summer wrap-up party. All are welcome to partake, whether playing, listening or both. “They’re always very enthusiastic,” says Gauthier of the crowds. “I love seeing the enjoyment it gives people.”
