Music on the Mountain returns to The Homestead
By Ross Boissoneau
Sun contributor
This summer, the sounds of blues, bluegrass, pop, reggae, rock and jazz will once again fill the air at The Homestead. The popular Music on the Mountain series is returning for the first time since before the pandemic.
The shows will take place at 7 p.m. on alternate Thursdays, beginning July 10 with the Luke Winslow-King duo. They will take place at the top of Bay Mountain, the resort’s ski hill. Patrons can ride the ski lift to the top. The backdrop, with the sun setting behind the sparkling waters of Sleeping Bear Bay, is like no other in the area.
The schedule is as follows:
July 10 Luke Winslow-King duo
July 24 Crispin Campbell trio
Aug. 7 The Sun Dogs
Aug. 21 Joe Taylor quartet
Sept. 11 Jabo Bihlman band
Sept. 18 East Bay Drive with Miriam Pico
The acts include local, regional, and nationally-recognized artists. Guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Luke Winslow-King originally hails from Cadillac. After graduating from Interlochen, he toured the country, eventually settling in New Orleans—after the vehicle with all his equipment and that of his bandmates Seth Bernard and Daniel Kahn was stolen. Despite that harsh welcome, Winslow-King fell in love with the city and its music, eventually settling there for 15 years.
It left its mark on him musically, and his today his songs blends delta blues, roots, rock, early jazz and folk. He infuses traditional influences with modern sensibilities. His latest release is called Flash-A-Magic, which BluesTown Music calls “convincing and authentically performed Americana,” while BluesBeats says it is a “perfect blend of spontaneity and authenticity.”
Cellist Crispin Campbell is known for the nearly 40 years he spent at cello instructor at Interlochen Center for the Arts and his ongoing role as principal cello with the Traverse City Philharmonic. Musically, he is equally comfortable playing Bach and Beethoven or Frank Zappa. That’s him in the string section on Tower of Power’s 50th anniversary recording, 50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater. His concert will feature his trio with pianist Steve Stargardt and dobro master Joe Wilson in a night of diverse music from North and South America.
The Sun Dogs are a musical duo that effortlessly mixes reggae, easy listening and bluegrass music, blending their originals with music by the likes of the Grateful Dead, Willie Nelson and Bob Marley. The band powers most of their shows with a solar generator, embodying their commitment to environmental consciousness.
Joe Taylor spent years in the Big Apple, playing jazz clubs and Broadway shows. Taylor has worked both as guitarist and producer with everyone from Ahmet Ertegun to Dave Koz, Al B. Sure to Donna Summer. He composed and performed scores for the CBS series Stephen King’s Golden Years, the Discovery Channel’s SpyTek with Roger Moore, ABC Television’s Turning Point and more.
The South Carolina resident brings his New York-based quartet to Michigan, supporting his new album, Last Boat Out. His previous album, West Side Chill, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. This will be his first time performing in the Great Lakes state.
Jabo Bihlman is an Emmy award-winning guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer. His music has been featured in TV shows including Burn Notice, Sons of Anarchy and most recently, Amazon’s Cross. He was bandleader and guitarist for Alligator Records artist Son Seals, lead singer for blues rock band The Bihlman Bros., and lead guitarist for Grinder Blues.
East Bay Drive’s music echoes the heyday of ’70s crossover jazz and current contemporary instrumental music, such as Fourplay, Larry Carlton, the Crusaders and Steely Dan, with imaginative covers and originals. The quartet of David Chown, Rick Kiehle, Alex Wyant and John Paul will be joined by saxophonist Ryan Critchfield and special guest vocalist Miriam Pico.
The Homestead has partnered for the shows with Simpson Family Wineries and Stormcloud Brewing, which will provide beverages onsite for purchase. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available. Food will be available before and after the shows at the resort’s restaurants and outlets.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for kids 5-12, and kids under 5 are free. Tickets are available through Ticket Tailor (TicketTailor.com). Patrons can bring a towel or blanket or a low-profile beach chair. A number of folding chairs will also be available.
