Concert series inspired by nature

Forest Trail Music Festival and Summer Sunset Series of concerts take place in the woods between Ludington and Manistee. Courtesy photo.

By Pat Stinson

Noah Cameron said watching the sun set between the trees on his family’s Forest Trail Music Festival property combines northern Michigan’s natural beauty with music, an “incredible” experience. As hosts of the third annual Forest Trail Music Festival, Aug.26-28, the Camerons had another vision for the festival site this year.

“We decided that since we already have a venue for live music, why wouldn’t we utilize it all summer long and bring more music to the area,” he explained.

Their new “Summer Sunset Series” of concerts are held at the Forest Trail Music Festival’s wooded setting along West Forest Trail Road, between Manistee and Ludington. Two concerts remain of the six scheduled for this summer. On July 30, Kyle Brown will open for country band The Bootstrap Boys, and on Aug. 13, local favorite Ben Traverse will open for folk-rockers Erin Zindle and the Ragbirds. Opening acts begin at 5 p.m., main acts start at 7 p.m. and the music continues until 9 p.m.

Forest Trail Music Festival and Summer Sunset Series is located at 352 West Forest Trail Road. For tickets, the festival line-up and information, go to: foresttrailmusic.com. Find them on Facebook and Instagram.

East of the intersection of M-37 and M-55, south on 13 Road, is Coyote Crossing Resort, a four-season destination. Located on 50 acres south of Caberfae Peaks, the resort includes cabin rentals, a restaurant and bar, and an outdoor music venue. Surrounded by the Manistee National Forest, the setting is rural yet not far from Wellston or Cadillac.

Coyote Crossing Resort includes a restaurant and bar (pictured), a music venue and cabin rentals near Caberfae Peaks. Photo by Pat Stinson.

Two sentinels (a pair of coyote statues) outside the entrance to Coyote Crossing’s restaurant and bar, southeast of Cadillac. Photo by Pat Stinson.

Coyote Crossing Resort includes an outdoor music venue. Pictured is a raised dias for the sound crew in front of the music patrons’ entrance to the restaurant/bar. Photo by Pat Stinson.

The Coyote Crossing Music Series takes place outdoors, on the edge of the woods, in a semi-shaded setting. A raised and covered stage, outdoor bar, sound booth, and tables and chairs are situated next to the restaurant.

Music stage at Coyote Crossing Resort on 13 Road near Caberfae Peak west of Cadillac. Photo by P. Stinson.

Picnic tables await listeners inside the music venue at Coyote Crossing. Photo by P. Stinson for Freshwater Reporter.

Five of six scheduled concerts this summer include Steppin In It, with opening act Adam Joynt, on July 30; Drew Hale Band, with opening act The Moonhowlers, on Aug. 13; Michigan Rattlers, with opener Raylon Vance and Nick Sake, on Aug. 25; Sam Morrow, with Doug Henthorn Band, on Aug. 27; and The Insiders on Sept. 3.

Coyote Crossing is at 8593 South 13 Road, Cadillac.  For tickets and information, go to: coyotecrossingresort.com. Concert times vary. Updates are posted on the resort’s Facebook page.