The Fun begins with a variety of pre-festival activities. here are jam sessions, tune exchanges, hiking events, and outings to local establishments. Please join us if you can!

Come early for the pre-fest!

- Spontaneous improptu jams anytime, anywhere

- Daily Ukulele, Fiddle, Dulcimer and Dixieland jams

- Kayak the river and ride the bike trail

- Perform at the Farmers Market

- Play for the local church

- Pin ribbons at Fair Board Breakfast.

Schedule:

Friday, July 12, 2024:

U?ke jams, 10-11:30am at the Lions pavilion. If you own a copy of the book, The Daily Ukulele, by Liz and Jim Beloff, please bring your book to the jam. This is the yellow book, from their three book series.

Hammer Dulcimer jams, 1-4 ?pm and ?7-10 pm in the ODPC Pavilion. All instruments are welcome.

Mountain Dulcimer jams, check the whiteboard at campsite A25 for times.

Rick Thum "Beyond A-Z of Hammered Dulcimer". For details & registration, see the Pre-Fest Academy. there is a cost for this class

Dixieland Jam: 2-4:15pm daily at the Swine Barn. All instruments welcome; not limited to traditional Dixieland instrumentation. Discover the joy of the old time favorites performed in a Dixieland style: Bill Bailey, Darktown Strutters’ Ball, When the Saints, Alabama Jubilee… Coordinated by Jim Janofski

Saturday, July 13, 2024:

U?ke jams, 10-11:30am at the Lions pavilion. If you own a copy of the book, The Daily Ukulele, by Liz and Jim Beloff, please bring your book to the jam. This is the yellow book, from their three book series.

Hammer Dulcimer jams, 1-4 ?pm and ?7-10 pm in the ODPC Pavilion. All instruments are welcome.

Mountain Dulcimer jams, check the whiteboard at campsite A25 for times.

Dixieland Jam: 2-4:15pm daily at the Swine Barn. All instruments welcome; not limited to traditional Dixieland instrumentation. Discover the joy of the old time favorites performed in a Dixieland style: Bill Bailey, Darktown Strutters’ Ball, When the Saints, Alabama Jubilee… Coordinated by Jim Janofski

9:00am - Jam at the Evart Farmer’s Market. Join us any time between 9 am and 1 pm. Everyone is welcome! 200 South Main St, Evart, MI at the Evart Depot next to the Pere Marquette Rails to Trails.

Fiddle jams, 2 ?- 4 ?pm at the Lions pavilion.

Sunday, July 14, 2024:

U?ke jams, 10-11:30am at the Lions pavilion. If you own a copy of the book, The Daily Ukulele, by Liz and Jim Beloff, please bring your book to the jam. This is the yellow book, from their three book series.

Hammer Dulcimer jams, 1-4 ?pm and ?7-10 pm in the ODPC Pavilion. All instruments are welcome.

Mountain Dulcimer jams, check the whiteboard at campsite A25 for times.

Dixieland Jam: 2-4:15pm daily at the Swine Barn. All instruments welcome; not limited to traditional Dixieland instrumentation. Discover the joy of the old time favorites performed in a Dixieland style: Bill Bailey, Darktown Strutters’ Ball, When the Saints, Alabama Jubilee… Coordinated by Jim Janofski

Fiddle jams, 2 ?- 4 ?pm at the Lions pavilion.

10am - Church Service Performance, Evart Free Methodist Church. Try to arrive by 9:30am to setup. A musical service played by festival attendees. The church is located just to the west of the fairgrounds at 6151 95th Ave. All instruments are welcome. Here is the Playlist (revised July7). For questions, contact Jim Janofski

7pm - Gospel Sing in the Fairgrounds Community Building. A long time Evart tradition. Bring yourself, your voice and/or your backup instrument. Special music welcomed and encouraged.

Monday, July 15, 2024:

U?ke jams, 10-11:30am at the Lions pavilion. If you own a copy of the book, The Daily Ukulele, by Liz and Jim Beloff, please bring your book to the jam. This is the yellow book, from their three book series.

Hammer Dulcimer jams, 1-4 ?pm and ?7-10 pm in the ODPC Pavilion. All instruments are welcome.

Mountain Dulcimer jams, check the whiteboard at campsite A25 for times.

Dixieland Jam: 2-4:15pm daily at the Swine Barn. All instruments welcome; not limited to traditional Dixieland instrumentation. Discover the joy of the old time favorites performed in a Dixieland style: Bill Bailey, Darktown Strutters’ Ball, When the Saints, Alabama Jubilee… Coordinated by Jim Janofski

Fiddle jams, 2 ?- 4 ?pm at the Lions pavilion.

Rick Thum "A-Z of Hammered Dulcimer" For details & registration, see the Pre-Fest Academy. there is a cost for this class

9am-12am - Dave Haas "Mountain Dulcimer Track 1" Novice thru Intermediate workshop offered for 3 half days. For details & registration, see the Pre-Fest Academy. there is a cost for this class

1pm-4pm - Dave Haas "Mountain Dulcimer Track 2" Intermediate thru advanced workshop offered for 3 half days. For details & registration, see the Pre-Fest Academy. there is a cost for this class

Stage Assembly (Grandstand) (Volunteers Needed)

9am-4pm Make a Gourd Drum - Old Office (building 14 on the map). Cut and lace your drum head. Learn the history of gourd drums. Cost for materials $50. Contact Karen Brown at [email protected]

10am - Sloth Jam at the ODPC Pavilion. This is a slower than slow jam for beginners

8pm-10pm Jam at the SSDS Silvers Strings tent. All are welcome.

9:00am-4:00pm Brett Ridgeway Ukulele Workshop - clawhammer ukulele style! For details & registration, see the Pre-Fest Academy. there is a cost for this class.

Tuesday, July 16, 2024:

U?ke jams, 10-11:30am at the Lions pavilion. If you own a copy of the book, The Daily Ukulele, by Liz and Jim Beloff, please bring your book to the jam. This is the yellow book, from their three book series.

Hammer Dulcimer jams, 1-4 ?pm and ?7-10 pm in the ODPC Pavilion. All instruments are welcome.

Mountain Dulcimer jams, check the whiteboard at campsite A25 for times.

Dixieland Jam: 2-4:15pm daily at the Swine Barn. All instruments welcome; not limited to traditional Dixieland instrumentation. Discover the joy of the old time favorites performed in a Dixieland style: Bill Bailey, Darktown Strutters’ Ball, When the Saints, Alabama Jubilee… Coordinated by Jim Janofski

Fiddle jams, 2 ?- 4 ?pm at the Lions pavilion.

Rick Thum "A-Z of Hammered Dulcimer" For details & registration, see the Pre-Fest Academy. there is a cost for this class

9am-12am - Dave Haas "Mountain Dulcimer Track 1" Novice thru Intermediate workshop offered for 3 half days. For details & registration, see the Pre-Fest Academy. there is a cost for this class

1pm-4pm - Dave Haas "Mountain Dulcimer Track 2" Intermediate thru advanced workshop offered for 3 half days. For details & registration, see the Pre-Fest Academy. there is a cost for this class

9:00am-4:00pm Brett Ridgeway Ukulele Workshop - clawhammer ukulele style! For details & registration, see the Pre-Fest Academy. there is a cost for this class.

7:30am - Fair Board Breakfast in the Community Building. Annual breakfast sponsored by the Fair Board. You can also update/renew your membership information at this event.

7:30 am - Ribbon Pinning Party in the Community Building. Eat your breakfast, then join us to pin the festival ribbons.

9am-4pm Make an Ocean Drum. Old Office (building 14 on the map) Make and decorate an ocean drum. Cost for materials $65. Contact Karen Brown at [email protected]

9am-4pm Dan Levenson Fiddle class. For details & registration, see the Pre-Fest Academy. there is a cost for this class

10am - Sloth Jam at the ODPC Pavilion. This is a slower then a slow jam for beginners

8:30pm-10:30pm Jam at the SSDS Silvers Strings tent All are welcome.

Wednesday, July 17, 2024:

U?ke jams, 10-11:30am at the Lions pavilion. If you own a copy of the book, The Daily Ukulele, by Liz and Jim Beloff, please bring your book to the jam. This is the yellow book, from their three book series.

Hammer Dulcimer jams, 1-4 ?pm and ?7-10 pm in the ODPC Pavilion. All instruments are welcome.

Mountain Dulcimer jams, check the whiteboard at campsite A25 for times.

Dixieland Jam: 2-4:15pm daily at the Swine Barn. All instruments welcome; not limited to traditional Dixieland instrumentation. Discover the joy of the old time favorites performed in a Dixieland style: Bill Bailey, Darktown Strutters’ Ball, When the Saints, Alabama Jubilee… Coordinated by Jim Janofski

Fiddle jams, 2 ?- 4 ?pm at the Lions pavilion.

Rick Thum "A-Z of Hammered Dulcimer" For details & registration, see the Pre-Fest Academy. there is a cost for this class

9am-12am - Dave Haas "Mountain Dulcimer Track 1" Novice thru Intermediate workshop offered for 3 half days. For details & registration, see the Pre-Fest Academy. there is a cost for this class

1pm-4pm - Dave Haas "Mountain Dulcimer Track 2" Intermediate thru advanced workshop offered for 3 half days. For details & registration, see the Pre-Fest Academy. there is a cost for this class

9:am - 4:pm ODPC Office Open - volunteer signup, membership renewal & tee shirt sales

9am - 4pm Dan Levenson Clawhammer Banjo Class. For details & registration, see the Pre-Fest Academy. there is a cost for this class

9am - 4pm Gourd Rattle Class. Old Office (building 14 on the map) Each student will design their gourd rattle and add beads, beans and or seeds to get the sound they like from their rattle. A handle will be attached and decorative elements can be added as well. There will be fur scraps, dyes, beads and wood burning tools to use during the class. Cost for materials $30. Contact Karen Brown [email protected]

9:30-2:30pm Mark Alan Wade Hammered Dulcimer Class sessions 1-3 For details & registration, see the Pre-Fest Academy. there is a cost for these classes

10:00am - Hammered Dulcimer Stage Show Opener Practice at the Swine Barn.

10:00am - Sloth Jam at the ODPC Pavilion. This is a slower then a slow jam for beginners

11:45am - The Battle Cry of Freedom - Music and Revivals of the Civil War Era at the Lion's Club Pavilion. Reminders of the captivating, powerful, and time tested music and spiritual revivals during this turbulent era in our American history.) Presented by Jim Janofski—instruments and players welcomed!

1:15-2:30pm Randy Clepper - Irish Accompaniment: How I Do It for all accompaniment instruments – All Levels. For details & registration see the Pre-Fest Academy. There is a cost for this class.

3pm - 4:15pm Mark Alan Wade Mountain Dulcimer Class Session 4 For details & registration, see the Pre-Fest Academy. there is a cost for these classes

3:00-4:15pm Randy Clepper Open Clinic for bouzouki, guitar, tentor banjo & Mandolin. For details & registration see the Pre-Fest Academy. There is a cost for this class.

4:00-6:30pm - Baked Potato Dinner in the Community Hall. This is a fundraiser for the Osceola County 4-H Small Animal Program. Cost: 5 & up - $12

7:00pm - Dixieland Jam in the Community Hall

Evening - Squirrels' Nest Open Jam - All are welcome.

Thursday, July 18, 2024:

Stage Show Lineup:

Crandell Family Band
Nick BlantonKatelyn Baas
Squirrel Symphony Orchestra
Nicole Tressler
Brett Ridgeway
The Fiddle Section  
Larry Unger
Hannah Harris
Hedda & the Scat Cats

9:00am - noon Children's Activities (Rabbit Barn)

9:00am - 5:00pm Workshops

9:00am - 4:00pm ODPC Office - volunteer signup, membership renewal & tee shirt sales

10:00am - 6:00pm Vendor Sales

1:00pm - 4:00pm Children's Activities (Rabbit Barn)

6:30pm - 10:00pm Evening Stage Show (Grandstands)

Evening - Squirrels' Nest Open Jam - All are welcome

Friday, July 19, 2024:

Stage Show Lineup:

Mountain Dulcimers Show Opener
Nate Pultorak
Les Gustafson-Zook
Buckeye Roadshow
Bill Bosler
Dan Levenson
DeeDee Tibbits - Sonas
David Haas
Bing Futch
Randy Clepper
Ted Yoder

9:00am - noon  Children's Activities  (Rabbit Barn)

9:00am - 5:00pm  Workshops

9:00am - 4:00pm OPDC Office - volunteer signup, membership renewal & tee shirt sales

10:00am - 6:00pm  Vendor Sales

1:00pm - 4:00pm  Children's Activities  (Rabbit Barn)

6:30pm - 10:00pm  Evening Stage Show  (Grandstands)

7:00pm  - 9:00pm Friday Night Dance  (Community Hall)

Evening -  Squirrels' Nest Open Jam - All are welcome.

Saturday, July 20, 2024:

Stage Show Lineup:

Hammered Dulcimer Show Opener
Bill Robinson & FriendsMickey Sweeney
Ilace Mears
Matthew Dickerson
Katie Moritz
Pam Bowman
Colin Beasley
Karen Ashbrook & Paul Oorts
Mark Alan Wade
Rick Thum & Friends

9:00am - 5:00pm   Workshops

9:00am - 4:00pm OPDC Office - volunteer signup, membership renewal & tee shirt sales

10:00am - 6:00pm   Vendor Sales

10:00am - 11:30am   Youth Concert  (Grandstands)

1:00pm - 4:00pm  Children's Activities  (Rabbit Barn)

2:00pm - 3:30pm   Open Mic Concert  (Grandstands)  Signup to Perform

6:30pm - 10:00pm   Evening Stage Show  (Grandstands)

Evening -  Squirrels' Nest Open Jam - All are welcome

Late Evening -  Irish Jam - All are welcome (Building 11)

Sunday, July 21, 2024:

9:00am - 9:50am Gospel Sing - A gospel service. Led by Pastor Jim Janofski. (Community Hall)

10:30am FunFest Wrap-up meeting (CODPC Office)

Stage Disassembly (Grandstand) (Volunteers Very Much Needed)

Festival Dates: July 18 – 21, 2024

Venue: Osceola County Fairgrounds, 101 Recreation Avenue Evart, MI 49631

Admission $10 per day / $20 for the weekend

Rustic & Electric Camping call 231-734-5481

Electric & Water RV and primitive camping is available on a first come-first served basis.

Kids 12 and under are free.

Click Here for more information.