The Wheatland Music Festival is a music and arts festival organized by the Wheatland Music Organization, a non-profit organization specializing in the preservation and presentation of traditional arts and music. Community outreach services include programming for Senior facilities and schools across mid-Michigan, year-round instrument lessons, scholarship programs, Jamborees, Traditional Dances, and Wheatscouts - a free program educating children through music, dance, storytelling, crafts and nature. Each year, the organization holds its annual Traditional Arts Weekend the weekend of Memorial Day, and its annual festival during the second weekend in September in the unincorporated community of Remus in the state of Michigan, in the United States.
The first Wheatland Music Festival was held August 24, 1974.
In the early seventies a small group of Mt. Pleasant Food Co-Op (now the GreenTree Cooperative Grocery) members and local musicians were staging free concerts and benefits around the Big Rapids and Mt. Pleasant, MI areas. Common sites were city parks and public halls. Proceeds enabled the food co-op to pay rent and utilities. Meanwhile, founders of the Wheatland Music Organization were organizing about two conerts a month during the summer.
The First Wheatland Bluegrass Festival was held as a benefit for the Mt. Pleasant Food Co-Op, August 24, 1974. It was a one-day event held on the Rhode family farm, located four miles east of Remus on M-20. June Rhodes' utility room became festival headquarters, her backyard was the backstage area, and her sister-in-law's yard across the road was the parking lot. The flatbed trailers were in place along with the first-aid tent, a sound system, and a hotdog stand.
Several hundred people attended the First Wheatland Festival. Perhaps the single most important attendee was the local postmaster. Before the first festival was even over he had already offered the use of his farm for the next year. The one improvement he could offer was a hayfield instead of corn stubble and dirt. All in all he knew just what the festival idea needed.
Who was that postmaster? And why would he want hundreds of strangers sleeping across his 160-acre backyard? What would his wife have to say about this? Mark and Gladys Wernette were contemplating taking a big step towards an uncertain future. But like their parents, Mecosta County's Alsatian pioneers, Mark and Gladys were committed to what they thought was their civic responsibility and offered to lend a hand.
By 1975 Wheatland was born. Elections were held and the board of directors was established. Many of the first directors are still active in the organization. This can be attributed to their faith in each other, their commitment to community service, and passion for preserving and presenting traditional music and arts.
1974
1st Wheatland Music Festival (one-day event on Aug 24th)1975
Board of Directors Established (May 13)Articles of Incorporation filed as "Wheatland Music Organization" (May 29)Festival moved to Wernette Farm1976
Wheatland Music Festival becomes a 2-day eventInformation tent was born: rented from the Beal City Knights of Colombus1977
Wheatland Bylaws are ratified/amendedNon-Profit Status is awarded1st Wheatlan Music Festival album is produced1st WMO Reunion is held at Central Michigan University1978
1st "Main Stage" is built1979
"Our Front Porch" radio show is developedCostabella Cloggers make 1st appearance at Wheatland Music FestivalPublic Transportation 1st used at Wheatland Music Festival1980
Day-long textile arts workshops held at Wheatland in March6 Albums are now on Wheatland's Record Label1st Grant was received to host a Community Education Program in October1981
1st WMO Newsletter is established1982
WMO purchases their 1st computerWCMU Begins taping the music festival1983 Land purchase: WMO puts $100 down on Gunnison Property
WMO Sponsors 1st Music ConferenceWMO Begins Old Time Country dances in Mt. Pleasant1984
"Our Front Porch" radio show is offeered to National Public RadioLand Contract signed to purchase 20 acres from Mark and Gladys Wernette1985
Wheatland Cabin is builtKids Hill Playhouse is built1986
More work done at Kids Hill: 5 picnic tables built along with a wood framed swing and fenced in area for sheep1987
A recycling program is introduced at WheatlandIce made available for sale on site for first timeWheatscouts program for children begins at WheatlandWMO monthly Jamboreed begin at Wheatland1988
"Third Stage" Dance Pavilion is builtWMO added "Inc." to its nameWMO Logo Trademarked/PatentedTeen Dance at the Festival is established1989
Elyce Fishman Scholarship established1st Wheatland Dance Camp is held over Memorial Day Weekend (May 26–28)WMO collaborates with MSU to produce "Michigan In Song" Michigan performers cassettesWMO Presented with "Ambassador's Award" by Mecosta County Chamber of Commerce1990
140 Acres purchased from Mark and Gladys WernetteWMO Board develops revised mission statement, bylaws and organizational goalsWMO Copyright registration process beginsThe Gladys Wernette Classroom Building is built1991
Kitchen Building is builtWheatland Memberships beginMark and Gladys Wernette celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary1992
Information Building is builtElectricity became available at all work stations and lighting is added to the campgroundsOrientation Workshops begin for campground volunteers"Peace Train" added to Kids Hill1998
Original "Main Stage" is moved to Kids HillThe structure now known as "Main Stage" is built2001
The Hospitality Building known as the "Post Office" is built in honor of Mark Wernette"2014" whoo-hoo!! 40th. Anniversary Wheatland music festival. "Carry it on" dance project. To hopefully another 40 years.
2013
Bela Fleck & Abigail WashburnLa Bottine SourianteThe Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn BandThe DuhksBig Sandy and His Fly-Rite BoysBilly Strings & Don JulinCarry it on... Dance ProjectThe RevelersThe BoxcarsRun Boy RunThe WaymoresHenrie BrothersNorthern Kentucky Brotherhood SingersThe Appleseed CollectiveBennettSteppin’ In ItThe Palooka BrothersMichigan Songwriters: Rachael Davis, Kitty Donohoe, Michelle Chenard2012
Eric Bibb StringbandHoots & HellmouthCedric Watson & BijouDe Temps AntanRuthie FosterHogwire StringbandGibson BrothersDeke DickersonPaul ThornGood Foot Dance EnsembleDrew Nelson and Highway 2The Crane WivesLindsay Lou & the FlatbellysBlack Jake and The CarniesPlanet D Nonet2011
The Freight HoppersAbigail Washburn & the VillageCraver, Hicks, Watson & NewberryLos TexmaniacsPeter Rowan Bluegrass BandRhythmic CircusThe Starlight SixRay BonnevilleWayne “The Train” Hancock & Willie “Big Eyes” SmithAn DroBlack Jake and The CarniesBlue Water RamblersJessie Nieves & Nic Gareiss: Life After LimerickShades of GreyThe LawsOld ForestersRed Sea PedestriansMichigan Songwriters: J. Oscar Bittinger, Karisa Wilson, Kirby & Susan Harrison2010
Dave Alvin & the Guilty WomenJoel Mabus TrioBig MedicineBeauSoleilRory BlockLaura CorteseDelilah DeWylde and the Lost BoysThe Hotmud FamilyGenticorumNic Gareiss & FriendsThe Paschall BrothersSlide IrelandJeff & VidaThe Cornfed GirlsRalston BowlesOpen RangeDavis vs. DavisThe Red Sea PedestriansSeth and MayThe Wild TurkeysStarlight 6Steppin’ In ItMichigan Songwriters: Jill Jack, Barbara Jordan, John Latini, Josh Rose2009
Crooked StillThe SteelDriversAubrey Ghent BandRed Stick RamblersRuthie FosterRhythm in ShoesDelilah DeWylde and the Lost BoysThe RadiatorsThe Deadly GentlemenDe Temps AntanThe WildersGinny Hawker and Tracy SchwarzSam AmidonRobin and Linda Williams and Their Fine GroupBruce Olsky and Big HoedownDetourDrew NelsonMichigan Songwriters: Dave Boutette, Robin Lee Berry, Michael Camp, Dan Hazlett2008
Crooked StillDavid "Honeyboy" EdwardsThe Pine Leaf BoysThe Freight HoppersThe Tarbox RamblersThe RagbirdsDale WatsonCheryl WheelerThe Cherryholmes FamilyThe Chicken ChokersTim Graves & CherokeeThe RefugeesSole ImpactSlideBichini Biz Congo Dance Theater Co.Michael SmithThe Jeremy Kittell BandLost World String BandNic Gareiss & FriendsMadcat, Kane, Schrock & ShimminCurly Miller and Carole Anne Rose and the Old 78′sThe Rhythm BilliesMichigan Songwriters: Jen Cass, Jen Sygit, John Lamb, Michael Camp2007
Eric BibbUncle EarlAubrey GhentThe DuhksThe GimblesGiveWayThe Lost Bayou RamblersOrpheus SupertonesSeth Bernard & Daisy May ErlewineMountain HeartEarthworks MusicThe Tarbox RamblersRusty BlaidesRhythm in ShoesTom RussellLike Water Drum & DanceDetourThe Great Lakes Ceili BandThe MilroysThe Schrock BrothersFloyd King and the BushwhackersMichigan Songwriters: Drew Nelson, Rawlston Bowles, Jen Sygit, Jen Cass2006
Seth Bernard and Daisy MayIra Bernstein and Riley BaugusThe BiddiesCalvin CookeDetourThe DuhksFoghorn StringbandFreshwaterGradaGreen Grass CloggersWhit Hill and The PostcardsHurry The JugJay and Molly and Their Family BandJive At FiveRandy Kohrs and The LitesLafayette Rhythm DevilsLos BanditsPat MaddenMamadou Diabate EnsembleMichigan Songwriters in the RoundMountain Town MoonshinersTim O'BrienSally PotterThe RagbirdsRootstand2005
CharivariHillbilly IdolRobert JonesKing WilkieLaurie LewisMaria Muldaur and Her Red Hot Bluesiana BandPierce PettisRed Stick RamblersRhythm In ShoesThe RockinghamsSteppin' In ItLe Vent du NordThe Wilders2004
Campbell BrothersFootworksWhit Hill and The PostcardsKing WilkieLouisiana RedThe MammalsMollie O'Brien and Jive At FiveSteve Riley and the Mamou PlayboysDarrell ScottSolasDale Watson and His Lone StarsThe WildersRobin and Linda Williams and their Fine Group2003
Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite BoysCharivariThe Dixie HummingbirdsDonna the BuffaloDoor NailsGrasshoppahJosh Graves and Kenny BakerJive At FiveThe MammalsTim O'BrienRamble ShoeRed Clay RamblersRhythm In ShoesSaffire - The Uppity Blues WomenDick SiegelChris SmitherRodney SuttonBlake TravisVishten2002
AztecEric BibbNorman and Nancy BlakeClayfoot StruttersGeno DelafoseRachael DavisJohnny Gimble and the Hot Club of CowtownBuddy and Julie MillerMillishMelvin Mosley and The Spirit of MemphisMountain HeartRhythm In ShoesApril Verch2001
Balfa ToujoursBarachoisBig Sandy and His Fly-Rite BoysBlue HighwayCalvin Cooke Sacred Steel EnsembleChief O'Neill's House BandGuy ClarkStacey EarleFootworksJohn Hammond, Jr.Ill-Mo BoysTom, Brad, and AliceThe Whites2000
Howard Armstrong TrioLee Benoit and the Bayou StompersIra Bernstein and CompanyBlue HighwayBlues SwingersGuy DavisFat City String BandHillbilly IdolLynn Morris BandTim O'Brien and The CrossingLos Pleneros de la 21Claudia SchmidtTongue and GrooveVolo Bogtrotters1999
Los BanditsBarton and SweeneyBlues SwingersLee Benoit and the Bayou StompersCephas and WigginsGuy ClarkThe Dixie HummingbirdsFootworksFreight HoppersHillbilly IdolImprobabilliesPatty LarkinClaire Lynch1998
Ira BernsteinRalph Blizard and the New Southern RamblersContinental DivideCritton Hollow String BandDe DannanThe Dixie HummingbirdsIowa RoseJive At FiveJoel MabusTim and Mollie O'Brien with Jerry DouglasSteve Riley and the Mamou PlayboysRhythm In ShoesSally RogersSaffire - The Uppity Blues WomenSamiteRobin and Linda Williams and their Fine Group1997
Bone TonesContinental DivideRamblin' Jack ElliottFootworksFreight HoppersJohnny GimbleJive At FiveLos BanditsLarry PennRhythm RatsPaul Rishell and Anne RainesSchryer TripletsSolasRosalie SorrelsGillian Welch and David Rawlings1996
Mac Benford and His Woodshed AllstarsBenoit Bourque and Gaston BernardIra BernsteinBing BrothersBurns SistersJohnny Gimble and Texas SwingLaurie Lewis and Grant StreetRaisin Pickers and Crows FeetRed MulesRhythm In ShoesPeter Rowan and Jerry DouglasSaffire - The Uppity Blues WomenDick SiegelPop Wagner and Glenn Ohrlin1995
AmaryllisCritton Hollow String BandDel McCoury BandFootworksJive At FiveSi KahnLos BanditsKate MacKenzieTim and Mollie O'Brien and the O'BoysOpen HouseRaisin PickersRenegadesSteve Riley and the Mamou PlayboysSaffire - The Uppity Blues WomenSamiteSecond Opinion1994
Kitty DonohoeGospel WarriorsIndian Creek Delta BoysJive At FiveJohn HartfordKapelyeLonesome River BandPoodlesRhythm In ShoesSteve Riley and the Mamou PlayboysJody Stecher and Kate BrislinThundering CannonballsClaude "Fiddler" Williams1993
Ira BernsteinBone TonesCritton Hollow String BandDry Branch Fire SquadFeltlinersFiddle Puppets with Rodney SuttonHeartbeatsLonesome River BandJoel MabusPeter Ostroushko and Dean MagrawUtah PhillipsRed Mule String BandPeter Madcat Ruth and Shari KaneReunited Gospel EchoesSally Rogers and Claudia SchmidtTrianVolo BogtrottersRobin and Linda Williams with Jim Watson and Kevin Maul1992
Ira BernsteinBone TonesBryan BowersCephas and WigginsCathy Fink and Marcy MarxerGinny Hawker and Kay JusticeHoosier HumdingersTim and Mollie O'BrienTim O'Brien and the O'BoysOld time Missouri Fiddlers and DancersPashami DancersPorkypinesRed Mule String Band1991
Howard Armstrong and Ray KamalayMac Benford and His Woodshed AllstarsBone TonesCobb BrothersDrummers and DancersFiddle PuppetsHolmes BrothersAlison Krauss and Union StationLost World String BandTim and Mollie O'BrienOld Time Missouri FiddlersRobin Petrie and Danny CarnahanRanch RomanceSaginaw Ojibwe SingersDick Siegel1990
Birmingham SunlightsRalph Blizard and The New Southern RamblersKevin Burke, James Kelly, and Gerry O'BeirneCritton Hollow String BandDrummers and DancersHenrie BrothersDavid HoltSantiago Jimenez, Jr.Laurie Lewis and Grant StreetNorth Carolina Blues RevueMaura O'ConnellRhythm In ShoesSaginaw Ojibwe SingersDick SiegelSong SistersVolo Bogtrotters1989
Ira BernsteinRalph Blizard and The New Southern RamblersDelton Broussard and The Lawtell PlayboysCephas and WigginsFiddle PuppetsHenrie BrothersJohnny GimbleHoward LevyLaurie Lewis and Grant StreetJoel MabusMemphis Beck and the Red HotsMillie OrtegoSong SistersSukayWildcatsRobin and Linda Williams1988
Ralph Blizard and The New Southern RamblersGreg BrownChicken ChokersLes Danseurs de la Rivière-RougeFiddle PuppetsJohnny GimbleDavid HoltHeartbeatsIowa RoseLaketown BuskersNashville Bluegrass BandLaVaughn RobinsonTerrance Simien and The Mallet PlayboysSong SistersThe Tannahill WeaversDick TarrierVolo Bogtrotters1987
Chicken ChokersLotus Dickey and Bob LucasKitty DonohoeFairfield FourFiddle PuppetsFolktellersGreen Grass CloggersThe Horse FliesDenny Jones, Paul Kovac, and Clear ForkKentucky WarblersRed Clay RamblersPeter Madcat RuthJohnny Shines, Peter Ostroushko and the Mando BoysVolo Bogtrotters1986
Ira BernsteinKen BloomBob Brozman and Brownie McGheeThe Dixie HummingbirdsLost World String BandReel World String BandRiders In The SkyPeter Madcat RuthSavoy-DoucetHoward "Sandman" SimsSkylarkRosalie SorrelsPete SutherlandDick TarrierUncles and the FootnotesRobin and Linda Williams1985
O.J. AndersonDewey BalfaIra BernsteinCostabella CloggersCritton Hollow String BandPercy DanforthSheila DaileyThe Dixie HummingbirdsDoug dillard BandEclectricityFiddle PuppetsCathy FinkFriends of Fiddlers GreenThe Horse FliesHot RizeIowa RosRay KamalayJoel MabusMalone, Carroll, Keane and O'ConnellRed Knuckles and the TrailblazersRugcuttersDick Tarrier1984
O.J. AndersonBeausoleilKen BloomCanebrake RattlersCostabella CloggersDouble Decker String BandDave and Kay GordonHot RizeIowa Rose and Riff RaffIra BernsteinSi KahnKinvaraRed Clay RamblersRed Hot PeppersClaudia SchmidtShuffle Creek DancersSweet Honey in the RockDick TarrierTrapezoid1983
BeausoleilSandy Bradley and The Small Wonder String BandMajor Contay and the Canebrake RattlersCostabella CloggersJean DennyRobert DodsonDouble Decker String BandFiddle PuppetsFoot LooseDay and Kay GordonHenrie BrothersHot Mud FamilyLost World String BandJoel MabusNa Cabar FeidhReel UnionSally RogersClaudia SchmidtMike SeegerDick Tarrier1982
Blue VelvetBoreal String BandDan Brandon, Rex and Letha RaymondBryan BowersCostabella CloggersDe DannanFiddle PuppetsHotfoot QuintetHot Mud FamilyLost World String BandMulligan DancersNew Pairie RamblersNorthland College VoyageursUtah PhillipsRiders In The SkySally RogersDick TarrierWill White and Paul GiffordRobin and Linda Williams1981
Bosom BuddiesWilma Lee Cooper and the Clinch Mountain ClanDance All NightDe DannanRick and Maureen Del GrossoFiction BrothersFiddle PuppetsHenrie BrothersHot Mud FamilyKen BloomMulligan DancersNa Cabar FeidhPercy DanforthRed Clay RamblersSally RogersDick TarrierJohn Turner and the Fiddletree BandWhetstone RunWilliams Family1980
Backwoods String BandTony BarrandCostabella CloggersHazel DickinsFiction BrothersFiddle PuppetsHenrie BrothersSi KahnLost World String BandMichael, McCreesh, and CampbellQuackgrassReel World String BandJim Ringer and Mary CaslinRoustaboutsSweet CornJohn TurnerWhetstone RunRobin and Linda Williams1979
Backwoods String BandCostabella CloggersPatrick CoutonDekalbDutch Cove String BandGreen Grass CloggersGypsy Gypo String BandHenrie BrothersHot Mud FamilyLost World String BandJoel MabusPort City Bluegrass BoysQuackgrassRed Clay RamblersReel World String BandJean RitchieRoustabout String BandTracy and Eloise SchwarzMike Seeger and Alice GerrardSinclair Bros.Carl StoryWilliams Family with Jay Round1978
Patrick CoutonKitty DonohoeFall City RamblersFlat Pickers Local No. 169Green Grass CloggersHighwoods String BandHot Mud FamilyLost World String BandJoel MabusWade MainerMartin, Bogan and ArmstrongNew Pine River Valley BoysQuackgrassQuality QuinnRed Clay RamblersSinclair Bros.Swamp CatsJay Ungar and Lynn HardyVice VersaWilliams Family1977
Bluegrass Extension ServiceBluegrass ReunionCabbage CrikAlice GerrardHot Mud FamilyMcLain Family BandRed Clay RamblersJean RitchieMike SeegerSounds of the SouthWilliams Family1976
Cabbage CrikEasy PickinsHighwoods String BandPine River Valley BoysMike SeegerStillhouse String BandSweet CornWilliams Family1975
GLA GrassKathy Ann and the Sounds of the SouthKentucky GrassPine River Valley BoysRFD BoysStillhouse String BandDon Stover and the White Oak Mountain BoysSunset ExpressWilliams Family1974
Bean Town Valley RamblersEasy PickinsKentucky GrassRoy McGinnis and the SunnysidersPine River Valley BoysTennessee Valley Boys
