2025 Schedule
Winter Wheat at the Intersection
Saturday, Jan 11, 2025, 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
We'll be welcoming you with a jam in the 'Stache. Bring an instrument and join us! We will offer our 60 Songs of the 60's Hootenanny. Then 9 more bands on 2 stages will keep the music playing til 11.
Tickets: https://wheatlandmusic.org/
Bear, California Dan, Julia Kent, Nate Myers and Banjo-Jim
Northeast Michigan Art Center
Sunday, Feb 9, 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
3233 Grove Street Rd, Standish, MI 48658, US
We're heading up to Standish to the NE Mich. Art Center for an afternoon concert.
Bear, California Dan, Nate Myers, Julia Kent and Banjo-Jim
Howell Opera House
Friday, February 21, 2025, 7:30 - 10 PM
123 W. Grand River, Howell, MI 48843
Historic Howell Opera House has been restored and updated by a crew of loving volunteers. We are priviledged to perform there on Friday, Feb. 21 this year. Doors open at 7.
Bear, California Dan, Banjo-Jim, Julia Kent and Nate Myers
Acoustic Stew presents the Blue Water Ramblers Sold out
Sunday, Mar 23, 2025, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Thank you all!
Grand Rapids, 1130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
In the intimate Koning Auditorium of Wealthy Theatre the Blue Water Ramblers examine modern themes in tradition settings.
Tickets: https://grcmc.vbotickets.com/event/Blue_Water_Ramblers/134216
Bear, California Dan, Nate Myers, Julia Kent and Banjo-Jim
West Bloomfield TWP Library
Sunday, March 30, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
West Bloomfield Township, 4600 Walnut Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48323
Join us in the beautiful West Bloomfield TWP Library for an afternoon concert of our compositions and traditional songs.
Bear, California Dan, Nate Myers, Julia Kent and Banjo-Jim
Al Exoo Memorial Gala
Sunday, April 13, 2025, 3 PM (doors open at 2:15)
Sound Check Theater at Lowell United Methodist Church
621 E Main St, Lowell, MI 49331
Six bands raising money for "Neighbor to Neighbors" in honor of our pal, Al Exoo. Early on Al performed often at the Degege Coffee house in downtown GR for those residents. Now Neighbor to Neighbors takes help directly to the housed and unhoused there.
Beats Settin' Home Reunion (Bear, Banjo-Jim, Jay Round & Tom De Vries)
Hawks & Owls
Gooder 'n' Grits
Lake Effect
Cherry Blossom Ramblers
Kinsfolk
Traditional Arts Weekend at Wheatland
Friday - Sunday, May 23 - 25, 2025, all day and night
Join us for a weekend of workshops, instruction, dance and performance at Wheatland. Traditional Arts Weekend has become a popular Wheatland event for those seeking more personal instruction. Over 80 workshops in traditional forms of dance, music, crafts, vocal and instrument instruction provided.
Here is our schedule:
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Friday Night - 60's Hootenanny Sing-A-Long
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Saturday Noon - Family Dance
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Sunday Morning - Family Dance
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Sunday Afternoon Bluegrassy Jam
https://wheatlandmusic.org/Online/Online/Events/Traditional-Arts-Weekend
Banjo-Jim, Bear, Nate Myers, Julia Kent and California Dan
Aldo Leopold Festival
Wednesday - Sunday, May 28 - June 1, 2025
At the Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center. That's the Hessel School House, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI 49745.
The Les Cheneaux Island String Band will hold forth during the Picnic Dinner on Saturday, May 31 at 5:15 - 6:30 PM. The musicians: Bear Berends, Mark and Carol Palms, Bruce Gartner, and Ron Fowler. Bring a dish to pass and a chair. The music begins at 5:15.
About the festival: https://aldoleopoldfestival.org/
Nor-East'r Music and Art Festival
Friday - Sunday, June 13 - 15, 2025
A wonderful music and art festival on the sylvan grounds of Oscoda County Fair Grounds, Mio, MI.
1889 Caldwell Rd. Mio, MI 48647 approximately 6 miles NE of downtown Mio.
Tickets available Nov. 1, 2024 at https://www.noreastrfest.org/tickets.
Bear, California Dan, Nate Myers, and Banjo-Jim
Thursday, June 19, 2025, 6 - 8 PM
We'll set up at Adams Park adjacent to City Hall at 309 E. Chicago Blvd. in downtown Tecumseh. Come on down for some very entertaining music!
Bear, Nate Myers, and Banjo-Jim
Three Oaks
Saturday, June 21, 2025, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Dewey Cannon Park - there really is a big cannon to climb on - in Three Oaks down in the southwest corner of Michigan. We'll set up on the classic gazebo and sing in the beginning of summer. The park is on E. Central just east of S. Elm St.
Banjo-Jim, California Dan, Nate Myers, and Bear
Sparta
Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 7 - 9 PM
Join us in the quaint Village of Sparta for a Concert in the Park.
Bear, California Dan, Nate Myers, and Banjo-Jim
Mill Creek Park, Spring Lake, Mich.
Thursday, June 26, 2025, 7 - 8:30 PM
Please join us for an evening of traditional music at Mill Creek Park: 971 W Savidge St, Spring Lake, MI 49456.
Banjo-Jim, Bear, California Dan, and Nate Myers
Manton
Friday, June 27, 2025, 6 - 7:30 PM
It's up to Manton for a Concert in the Park on a summer evening.
Bear, California Dan, Nate Myers, and Banjo-Jim
Smiling Acres Music Festival
Friday - Sunday, June 27 - 29, 2025
We hit the stage Sunday afternoon at this sweet little festival near Trufant. Located on 40 acres of incredible ground under Michigan’s wide-open skies, Smiling Acres Music Festival is three days of music, food, art, camping, and community. People from all over come out to Smiling Acres in Trufant every year to hear a spectacular lineup of musicians – but the music is only the beginning!
In addition to dozens of incredible bands from across the country and near to home, there’s also yoga, food vendors, workshops, and artists of all kinds.
Special Discount. When you order your tickets use the code SAMF25BWR for 5% off. Order your tickets now at
http://events.eventgroove.com/event/Smiling-Acres-Music-Festival-2025-103892
Smiling Acres Campground, 3060 N Johnson Rd, Trufant, MI 49347
Bear, California Dan, Nate Myers, and Banjo-Jim
Dow Gardens
Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 12 - 1:30 PM
We're playing the beautiful Dow Gardens for a lunch time concert again. Bring a lunch and enjoy the setting and our music.
1809 Eastman Avenue, Midland, MI 48640.
Bear, Nate Myers, and Banjo-Jim
Grand Lady Riverboat
Thursday, July 3, 2025, 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Join us for some riverine tunes on the luxurious, broad beamed Grand Lady Riverboat. The Grand Lady dock is located at
Steamboat Park Campground
825 Taylor St, Jenison, Michigan 49428.
Check back here for details and a link to purchase tickets.
Bear, California Dan, Nate Myers, and Banjo-Jim
Music in the Marsh at Bay City State Park
Saturday, July 12, 2025, 7 - 8:15 PM
We'll play Great Lakes Michigan songs overlooking Saginaw Bar at the state park.
3582 State Park Dr, Bay City, MI 48706
Bear, California Dan, Nate Myers, and Banjo-Jim
Hiawatha Sportsman Club - members only
Tuesday, July 15, 2025. 7 - 8:30 PM
Hwy 2 just west of Naubinway
We're excited to be returning the the Hiawatha Sportsman Club for some homegrown Michigan music.
Bear, California Dan, Nate Myers, and Banjo-Jim
Les Cheneaux Maritime Museum
Friday, July 18, 2025, 7 – 8:30 PM
Hwy M-134 & Lake St, Cedarville, MI
We'll sing songs of Michigan and the Great Lakes. Join us for this free community concert.
Bear, California Dan, Nate Myers, and Banjo-Jim
Planetarium Masters
Monday - Thursday Mornings, July 21 – 24, 2025
Banjo-Jim teaches astronomy at the Chaffee Planetarium of the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
Ludington State Park
Saturday, July 26, 2025, 7 - 8:30 PM
Ludington State Park has a very active Friends group and they mount summer concerts.
Bear, California Dan, and Banjo-Jim
Harrisville Harbor Series
Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 7 - 8:30 PM
Harrisville on Lake Huron: One of the prettiest harbors along the lake. Join us for a summer eve concert.
1 E Harbor Ln, Harrisville, MI 48740
Bear, Banjo-Jim, Nate Myers, and California Dan
Lake City
Thursday, July 31, 2025, 7 - 8:30 PM
Lake City has a pretty little park at the corner of John and Front Streets on the shore of Lake Missaukee. Our concert includes a raffle of gifts from local businesses.
Bear, Nate Myers, and Banjo-Jim
Mecosta Music on the River
Friday, August 1, 2025, 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Join us at Bromley Park in the middle of Mecosta on M-20 for an evening of music on the Little Muskegon River.
Bear, California Dan, Nate Myers, and Banjo-Jim
FarmFest
Friday - Saturday, August 8 - 10, 2025
Johannesburg, Michigan
California Dan will perform on Main Stage Sunday at 1:40 PM. Tickets and information: https://farm-fest.com/
California Dan
Music on the Porch – Les Cheneaux Community Library
Thursday, August 14, 2025 7 – 8:30 PM
75 E Hodeck St, Cedarville, MI 49719
We will set up on the library porch for a concert of Americana old and new.
Bear, California Dan, Nate Myers, and Banjo-Jim
Wild Blueberry Festival in Paradise, Michigan
Friday – Sunday August 15 – 17, 2025
Paradise Community Center, 49748 Hulbert/M-123
Starting at 1 PM Sunday we'll perform gospel, Great Lakes and Michigan music. Do join us for blueberry pancakes, intriguing crafts and fine music.
Bear, California Dan, Nate Myers,and Banjo-Jim
Erickson Center for the Arts
Wednesday August 20, 2025. 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Saw-Wa-Quato St, Curtis, MI 49820
We'll play in the Gazebo overlooking the Manistique Lakes. Be sure to visit Kitch-iti-kipi Spring.
Bear, Banjo-Jim, Nate Myers, and California Dan
American Legion Park, St. Ignace
Thursday, August 21, 2025. 7 - 8:30 PM
200 N State St, St Ignace, MI 49781
Back to St. Ignace for an evening concert watching the Mackinac Island ferries zip by.
Banjo-Jim, California Dan, Nate Myers, and Bear
Lucky Wolf
Friday, August 29, 2025, 7:30 PM
404 E. Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, MI 49079
The Lucky Wolf in Paw Paw, Michigan offers concerts all year round. The venue is the former Paw Paw Playhouse at 404 E. Michigan Ave. in downtown Paw Paw. National touring bluegrass band The Special Concensus is coming to town and the Blue Water Ramblers are honored to be the opening act.
Purchase tickets from their website, https://theluckywolfpawpaw.com/events/.
Bear, Banjo-Jim, California Dan, and Nate Myers
Grand Lady Riverboat
Saturday, August 30, 2025, 5 - 7 PM
Join us for some riverine tunes on the luxurious, broad beamed Grand Lady Riverboat.
The Grand Lady dock is located at Steamboat Park Campground,
825 Taylor St, Jenison, Michigan 49428.
Check back here for details and a link to purchase tickets.
Bear, Nate Myers, and Banjo-Jim
Wheatland Music Festival
Friday, Sept. 5 - Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025
Heaven on Earth for traditional music - Wheatland! We will hold forth on Kids Hill at 7 PM Friday and at 1 PM Sunday.
Please join us for a riotous Family Dance in the Dance Pavilion Sunday morning at 11. And there will be plenty of jamming at Rambler Camp in Performers' Campground - please join us.
Bear, Nate Myers, California Dan, and Banjo-Jim
WMBMA Fall Fest
Friday, September 19, 2025. 5 & 7 PM
St. Louis Church of God Campground
8489 North Bagley Road, St. Louis, MI 48880
What an honor to perform at the West Michigan Bluegrass Music Association Fall Fest. We'll cruise over to the St. Louis CoG Campground for Main Stage sets at 5 and 7 PM. Love bluegrass? Then this weekend is where you want to be!
Banjo-Jim, Nate Myers, and Bear
Hawkwoods Nature Center Fall Festival Oct 04, 2025, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
3799 Bald Mountain Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Bear and Banjo-Jim are heading east for the 27th annual Auburn Hills Fall Festival. We have been privileged to be the musical entertainment since the first one back in 1998. Join us for donuts, cider, hotdogs, pumpkins, horse drawn wagon rides and more!
Bear & Banjo-Jim
Rochester Hills Public Library
Sunday, October 12, 2025. 2 - 3:30 PM
500 Olde Towne Rd, Rochester, MI 48307
We love playing libraries! Every seat is good and you can hear every note. Please do join us.
Bear, Nate Myers, and Banjo-Jim
Box Factory for the Arts
Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, 7:30 - 9:30 PM
We'll perform our best songs at the Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joseph at 1101 Broad Street. Doors open at 7 and we start at 7:30 PM. Information and tickets at info@boxfactoryforthearts.org.
Bear, Nate Myers, and Banjo-Jim
The Playhouse at White Lake (aka Howmet Theater)
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 7:30 PM
304 S Mears Ave, Whitehall, MI 49461
We have the honor of performing at the historic Playhouse at White Lake, presenting fine arts and entertainment to the greater West Michigan area since 1916. And we're splitting the bill with our friends Ruth and Max Bloomquist! They have been charming audiences with heartfelt songs and tuneful arrangements for over 45 years. Read their story at https://ruthbloomquist.com/bio.
See the Playhouse website or call (231) 894-0119 for tickets.
Bear, Nate Myers, and Banjo-Jim
Ruth and Max Bloomquist