TCA Holler

SOME MUSIC FESTIVALS START out as just that – a festival for people to come and enjoy the music. Sometimes, though, they start quite by accident. This was the case for Holler Fest, which started back in 2007. “Our first [festival] was in 2007,” said Kathy King, one of the founders of the event “It was just going to be a party and it just sort of grew organically. We didn’t really say ‘We shall have a festival’, but we wanted to have a gathering,” she continued. The music festival takes place at Frog Holler, their homestead. We’ve always done a lot of music and had barn and farm parties and it just sort of grew from that. People asked, ‘When is it next year?’ So, we said ‘Okay. I guess it will be next year (too)’”.

And has it grown. Holler Fest boasts four areas for music and other activities with a fifth being added in the forest for this year’s event, which will be the 15th year it’s taken place.

King anticipates 60 to 70 different types of entertainment, including an eclectic group of musicians and other family-oriented activities. Said King, “Parents and kids can have things to do and we also have targeted activities for kids with a lot of activities geared toward

AUGUST

Tecumseh Center For The Arts

Music Fest Fest

FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROW,

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Tecumseh Center for the Arts will be hosting the TCA Music Fest. While the bands are not set in stone as of this printing, Amy Slupe, new director for the TCA said plans are in motion for the one-day event. “The first act will start at 4pm and run until 5:30pm. The second act will begin at 6pm and play until 7:30pm and then the third act will begin at 8:30pm and play until 10pm. We are hoping to have local kids’ groups happening in between those acts during the changeover between one band to the next.”

Per Slupe, the bands that they are booking will play popular music, and one act they are considering is a soloist who uses different looping techniques to round out his sound. “He’s probably the most eclectic that we’re considering right now.” Slupe added that there would also be other traditional and classic rock bands. They are in the process of signing Detroit’s one and only ‘Prince of Blues’ — the Chris Canas Band.

There will be food trucks on hand and a beer and wine tent. “We refer to it as the TCA Tavern,” Slupe said.

AUGUST 25-27 being outside, appreciating nature, and having this free form experience in a beautiful setting.” And there really will be something for everyone. King said “Since we’ve been going for maybe 15 years, we have people that have aged along with us, so we are now working on making it more accessible for people who need some adapting.”

Frog Holler sits on 120 acres of woods and hills with several acres used for family farming. The natural areas, which King states is “more like a nature preserve,” are utilized fully during Holler Fest. “We’re just taking care of this beautiful piece of property and Hollerfest is a nice way to share it with people. We have a lot of nature walks and natureoriented activities like tree identification and wild food identification.”

There will be a lot of events to partake in, and those coming can expect everything from jazz, bluegrass, and gospel music to a drum circle, yoga, spoken word, and a dance workshop, just to name a few.

With all that goes on, King said the event is open for camping so those who want to experience the entire weekend don’t have to leave. King stated that it’s

“wonderful if people can camp so they can really get away and experience the whole festival with the activities, the music, the families, the food…if they have that space in their life, it’s wonderful to be able to stay for the weekend.”

But she points out, it’s rustic camping. There’s good water available, but we don’t have showers and facilities. It’s hilly and it’s a dirt road to get into the campsite.”

Because the event isn’t until August, Slupe noted she has been mulling over what else can be offered with the families who will attend in mind. “We have our carport out in front of the theater, and I did wonder about some kind of carnival activities or something that could be there to help entertain the kids.”

Slupe said there will be a stage and tables for the shows as well as “all sorts of wonderful things.” And even though there will be picnic tables, people are encouraged to bring chairs.

Having just started her position as TCA director, Slupe said of being chosen, “It’s incredible. I’ve been performing theater professionally for over 30 years and it’s just incredible to be part of the TCA — with what this organization is, and how wonderful it’s been, for so many years. It’s a huge honor.”

There are meal passes for purchase for the Holler Kitchen featuring foods locally grown, and Pilar’s Tamales will be making a return this year. King noted that it takes about 100 to 150 volunteers to put the festival on for the community with free admission to those working two full shifts. n

Holler Fest • Frog Holler Farm 11811 Beech Rd, Brooklyn  hollerfest.com