Save the Date – Friday, August 23rd & Saturday August 24th, 2019

On August 23 & 24, 2019, HarborFest will return in Marquette’s Mattson Lower Harbor Park for another year of live music, activities, and family fun.

HarborFest is one of the best free 2-day music festivals in the Upper Peninsula, but it is so much more than just live music! The event includes a beer and wine tent specializing in craft beers. Try some local foods from food tents and trucks. Bring the kids for some fun on the inflatables  or cruise down the rows of classic cars and motorcycles during Saturday’s show. Also returning is the annual South Shore Fishing Association Veterans Appreciation Fishing Day in the Harbor where you can cheer on your U.P. Vets!

The Insiders play Saturday Night

Headlining  for the third year in a row, all the way from Chicago, Illinois, it’s Bumpus! That’s right, the soulful bluesy band is returning to Marquette for another powerful Friday night show on the HarborFest stage. There will also be several local bands playing throughout the day to keep the live music going all afternoon and evening!

Saturday night, HarborFest welcomes Tom Petty Tribute Band The Insiders as the evening’s headlining band. The Insiders are a 6 man band from Grand Rapids, Michigan who channel all of the Tom Petty energy into their shows. Join us at HarborFest Saturday night and give The Insiders a warm Upper Peninsula welcome!

Live Music All Weekend Long

After two years in a row of headlining HarborFest, Chicago’s Bumpus is returning for another show. Headlining Friday night at HarborFest 2019, Bumpus will jam out on stage with a mix of some of their own original material and some covers.  Their powerful brand of soul music channels the uplifting energy of Sly & the Family Stone, the energy of James Brown and the reflective cool of Marvin Gaye. Led by singers James Johnston, Ava Fain and Tina Howell, they bring together funky big beats, deep bass, lush JB Horns and a heavy organ sound that results in a high-octane musical funk frenzy.

We’ll have local bands playing throughout the day and big headliners to wrap up each day of HarborFest! Check out information on each of the bands below, plus see the full band schedule:

The Insiders assembled after the passing of rock and roll legend Tom Petty. The band is made up of lead vocals and guitarist Max Lockwood. Lockwood is the bandleader of Grand Rapids band Big Dudee Roo, a solo artist and has been the bassist for other artists including May Erlewine. Mike Lynch is on the keys and has performed with artists like Bob Seger and Kid Rock. Phil Barry is on guitar and is also one half of the folk duo Thunderbolt and Lightfoot. Eric O’Daly a vocalist and mutli-instrumentalist for The Insiders, with Joe Vanacker on bass. Daine Hammerle is on drums and is also a bandmate with Lockwood in Big Dudee Roo.

Beechgrove & Blacksmith is a wife-husband duo that delivers “eclectic acoustic music to tickle your fancy.” With a variety of instrumentation and smooth vocal harmonies, they perform familiar covers and crowd-pleasing originals from genres including blues, folk, rock, traditional, country, pop, and even a splash of jazz.

The Wayouts have a heavy focus on the lead vocals of Cheryl Peterson, and the keyboard antics of area music legend Matt Suomi. The band’s unique sound is retro, synthy keyboards, groove heavy drums from Kris Schaefer, and rock ‘n’ roll guitar from Tom Osier and Rodney Gendron. The result is reminiscent of your favorite memories of attending gigs in the 80’s/90’s.

Strung Together is made up of Ethan VanLete on Guitar, Ryan Moin on Mandolin and Russel Harmon on the Banjo. This local Marquette band plays in the bluegrass/folk Genre. Strung Together is back for their second year at HarborFest.

The Pit Crew is a four man band: Kurt Gronvall, Kim Lenten, and Linda Smith all play acoustic guitar and sing for the band with Seamus Collins playing acoustic bass, vocals, and cello. The Pit Crew is from the local area out of Ishpeming, Michigan and covers acoustic music from the singer-song writer era.

Tuesday Jones is a classic rock band with a bluesy edge to their music. Featuring a no nonsense twin guitar attack, in the pocket rhythm section and gritty heartfelt vocals, you’ll love listening to this band live at HarborFest 2019.

Iron Daisy is a local band that plays a mix of rock, pop, and country music. They have performed all across Marquette County and are coming to HarborFest to play for you! This is also their second time returning at HarborFest.

More activity information to come

Join us for the Annual HarborFest Waterfront Gala Thursday, August 22nd!

Marquette West Rotary is already starting to plan for this year’s 36th annual HarborFest, August 22nd-24th, 2019. Due to popular demand, we will again kickoff the festival with our waterfront ticketed event. Over 250 people enjoy this outdoor private party at Mattson Lower Harbor Park. This year’s event is a Hawaiian theme! We expect to see everyone in their best Hawaiian t-shirts and light colored pants. Everyone will receive a traditional Hawaiian Lie greeting, a chance to show of their stuff at the island themed games, and help support our local community through the auction! There will be beer and wine, plus a Hawaiian inspired cocktail at the bar and a dinner of Hawaiian themed dishes with tropical desserts. Make sure to get your tickets/table and join us Thursday, August 22nd.

HarborFest is the key fundraising effort that helps support Marquette West Rotary’s contributions to numerous non-profit organizations throughout Marquette County. Last year we raised over $35,000 to help support Marquette West Rotary’s donations to over 35 Marquette organizations!

Interested in getting tickets to the Waterfront Gala?

Connect with Michelle:

Michelle Sellers

Vice President Business Banking – River Valley Bank
1140 West Washington St. Marquette, MI 49855

P 906.273.2618

Email Michelle

Please help us reach our 2019 goal! Tables are available for corporate sponsorship or as individual tickets.