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The local music scene in Leelanau County not only highlights the dedicated and seasoned professionals we see playing at venues through the year, but is unique in the way it welcomes and enriches the lives of young artists on the rise. From young performers like The Accidentals and Billy Strings who grew up singing and playing next to our shore of Lake Michigan, to the rising Trillium Groove, Leelanau is the perfect place for young artists and musicians to find their voice and place their roots. Trillium Groove’s upcoming Leelanau County schedule include performances at Leelanau UnCaged in Northport on Saturday, Sept. 28, and Thursday, Oct. 3, at Jacob’s Farm on M-72.

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.

Leelanau UnCaged is a quintessential Northport take on a daylong, free festival that could only happen in September—after the summer tourism rush subsides. It’s unique and flavored with the profiles of this quirky, joyous town near the tip of the Leelanau peninsula. Founded 10 years ago and inspired by the avant garde artist, composer and philosopher John Cage—who once said, “Get yourself out of whatever cage you find yourself in”—Leelanau UnCaged takes place on Sept. 30.

Leelanau UnCaged unfolds on Saturday, Sept. 28, filling the village streets with song, dance, food and art — plus fun directed specifically at kids. Entrance is free.

On Sept. 29, Leelanau County will host the “biggest and longest free festival of the north.” About 35 performance groups and 100 artists will dot the shut-down streets of Northport. That’s right, lower Leelanau skeptics: the village at the top of the county has been hosting the ever-growing end of summer bash for six years now.