Local Ground
Celebrating Local Musicians
Together we celebrate and support local musicians with short outdoor performances for Series ticket holders to enjoy while picnicking before the shows and for guests to enjoy while visiting the farm during our Lavender Fest Fridays and other select events.
If you are interested in learning more about Local Ground, please contact us at events@lavenderhillfarm.com and put Local Ground in the subject line. The application deadline for the 2025 season is December 10, 2024. We look forward to hearing from you!
Brian McCosky
June 22, 2024, at 6pm
Best known for his work with Northern Michigan staples such as Pocketwood Mandingo and The Mudbugz, Brian recently returned with a new artistic vision. Combining acoustic and electric guitars, songwriting, and today’s latest music technology, Brian bridges the gap between producer and performer.
From live looping to electronic beats, heartfelt lyrics to fingerpicked instrumental arrangements, his music finds something for everyone.
Owen James
June 29, 2024, at 6pm
Owen James is one of Michigan’s premiere guitarists, specializing in unique virtuoso solo finger-style treatments of Jazz standards, Bossa Nova favorites, Folk/Americana tunes and Rock, Pop & Soul classics by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Antonio Carlos Jobim, the Beatles, James Taylor, Prince, Sting and many more.
As a soloist or group member, Owen has performed at venues across the country, including The Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island), The Jazz Kitchen (Indianapolis) and the Mount Hood Jazz Festival (Oregon). In addition to being an in-demand performer, Owen is also an accomplished composer.
Ryan & Mike Cassidy
July 19, 2024, at 6pm
Ryan Cassidy’s show will take you on a musical journey. Prepare to hear songs you know and love, featuring the rock ‘n’ roll roots of the 1950’s, the British pop of the 60’s, the classic rock of the 70’s, the new wave of the 80’s, and the alternative of the 90’s.
Ryan’s original music is often described as a blend of these genres and thensome. Ryan is often joined live by his father, Mike Cassidy, providing backing vocals and percussion to the mix. In 2020, Ryan was joined on a duet by Cherie Currie, front-woman of the iconic 70’s rock band, The Runaways, alongside Joan Jett and Lita Ford. The song, Small Price, was written by Cassidy and also features Sav Buist and Katie Larson of Michigan’s own The Accidentals on strings.
Northern Express states that the song is “one of the loveliest music moments you’re likely to hear this year,” as well as placing Ryan’s debut album, Between Two Normals, in their list of Top 5 Albums Created by a Michigan Artist that year, with the likes of Billy Strings, The Accidentals, and Greta Van Fleet.
Hanna Von Bernthal
July 20, 2024, at 6pm
Hanna was born and raised in metro-Detroit and has been singing and playing music for as long as she can remember. She studied Biology at the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) and also has passions for teaching marine biology, sailing, and skiing. During the summer of 2023, she came across the opportunity to pivot from her other interests and began performing full-time. In the summer, she is based in Northern Michigan, while in the winter, you can typically find her strumming in Arizona’s “Valley of the Sun,” as well as in Vail, Colorado. She finds inspiration from the vocals of Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi, and Amy Winehouse, but also loves playing music from folk-country artists such as Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Chris Stapleton. Hanna’s personal style delivers as a cross between folk, blues, and jazz. You’ll almost always find her putting her own spin on covers and performing with a warm & “woody” Martin. However, behind the scenes, you can also find her writing originals, claw-hammering the banjo, and experimenting with looping pedals – elements she looks forward to incorporating into live shows in the future!
Dorothy Gerber Strings Program
July 26, 2024, at 6pm
The DGSP offers opportunities for students from four years old through seniors in high school, including in-school strings classes, individual lessons, and a growing youth orchestra program.
Peter Allen Jensen
July 27, 2024, at 6pm
Peter Jensen is often found playing across Northern Michigan with his finger-picking bluesy tunes. A resident of Petoskey, Peter is paving his own path in the great Northern Michigan music scene.
He specializes in country blues, ragtime and piedmont blues and most recently performed at the Great Indoor Folk Fest in Traverse City.
Denning & Johnson
August 10, 2024, at 6pm
Tana Denning and Fred Johnson have been playing as a duo for over seven years after meeting at a jam session.
Tana teaches Suzuki piano at the MSU Community Music School and performs on fiddle and Celtic harp. Fred has played in numerous bands over the years on fiddle, guitar, and mandolin. They found common ground in the music they play and delight in sharing it with audiences at festivals, workshops, dances, farmers markets, and more.
Jeff Pagel
August 17, 2024, at 6pm
For your listening pleasure … please enjoy some songs from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, crossing through many genres including pop, folk and rock! I’ve been singing and playing guitar and have accumulated many songs through the years.
Ty Parkin
August 31, 2024, at 6pm
Tyler Parkin (Ty) is singer-songwriter and performer. He grew up in a small town in northern Michigan where he learned to play guitar, sing and write songs.
He took his dream to Nashville Tennessee where he played on the busy strip of Broadway downtown Nashville.
He sang and entertained for Tootsies orchid lounge, The stage, legends corner, Kid Rocks, second fiddle, Rippys, honky-tonk central, FGL House, Redneck Riviera, Crossroads, Nudies, Tin Roof, Hard Rock Cafe, Nashville underground and many more.
He spent four years in and out of Nashville touring the north & south. He played Spring break shows in Panama City beach and festival shows opening for artists such as Tyler Farr, Eddie Montgomery, and Craig Morgan. He also, spent time recording under Dark horse Studios in Franklin Tennessee among top producers.
Steel & Wood
September 6, 2024, at 6pm
STEEL & WOOD is a traditional bluegrass band based in Petoskey. Members include John A. Neiswander of Petoskey on lead guitar and vocals, Irene Kazmers of Petoskey on fiddle, guitar and vocals, Dave Eggebrecht of Eastport on mandolin and fiddle, Paul Bachleda of Bay City, Higgns Lake and Petoskey on banjo, and John Belfy of Wolverine on upright bass.
Kelly Shively & Melissa Welke
September 14, 2024, at 6pm
Kelly Shively, a Northern Michigan native, infuses the songs she sings with hope. Her clear, warm voice weaves her stories as she accompanies with banjo, banjola and fiddle.
Melissa Welke has been singing and writing songs for several years. Performing at such venues as Blissfest Music Festival, Mackinaw City Outdoor Amphitheater, Boyne City Strolling the Streets, Harbor Springs Street Musique, Charlevoix Area Library Folk Music Series, Alliance of the Arts Farmers Market and numerous other private gigs she aims to project a positive attitude in her music.
While wintering in Florida she found the ACMA, and has performed at many shows. Melissa always leaves the listener walking away feeling inspired.
