ENJOYING THE RHYTHM OF SMALL TOWN CHARM
THE MUSIC SCENE IN MASON, MI
By Jenny Black
The Sun Dried Music Fest
For a small city, the historic community of Mason has a lively music scene. And if you are looking for an inspiring place to listen to live music, Mason’s Sun Dried Music Fest is one of the best. Blending the charm of a small town setting with the impressive talent of a variety of musicians, this festival, which is free and open to the public, hits the quality of life balance just right. The whole community comes together to put on an amazing weekend of exceptional live music, food, beverages, vendors, and activities for the whole family.
The most recent Sun Dried Music Fest was the 13th annual, in a string of successes that just keep building upon one another since the festival began in 2009. There are now approximately 10,000 to 12,000 visitors who come to downtown Mason for this musical celebration in late August.
“We have visitors from all over the place – California, Georgia, South Carolina…some even plan their family vacations around the festival,” said Leon Clark, president of Sun Dried Music Fest, Inc.
In addition to being the driving force behind the festival, Clark is a musician in his own right as a member of the Backwoods Band. As the festival has grown and developed year after year, the quality keeps improving.
“We now have a professional stage company and a professional sound company,” Clark said. “We’re proud to be able to bring people together to listen to some really great musicians.”
Shawn VanSteeland, Vice President of Sun Dried Music Fest, Inc., has been helping put together the festival for over 8 years. A Mason native, he is also involved in coordinating several Music in the Park programs including ones in Mason, Grand Ledge, and Lansing. VanSteeland enjoys being involved in lining up the talent for the Sun Dried Music Fest.
“It’s all about the music. We have a range of performers, from seasoned musicians to people just starting out. I enjoy discovering new talent,” VanSteeland said. “We take good care of our musicians. This is a festival they really like to be a part of.”
On Friday night of this year’s festival there was a featured act preceded by an opening act, while Saturday was an extravaganza with multiple groups, on two separate stages, featuring a different band every hour. Showcasing local talent is one of the things the Sun Dried Music Fest does best.
This year’s Friday night act was American Idol contestant and Dansville native, Jacob Moran. Moran was among the top 20 contestants on American Idol in 2022. On Saturday, Mason High School graduate Rebecca Brunner wowed the crowds. Brunner competed on the Voice in 2017 and was among 55 contestants who made it through to final judgements.
The opportunity to listen to these local rising stars, live and free of charge, is a part of what makes the Sun Dried Music Fest so unique. Where big-city music festivals tend to be expensive and full of logistical and parking challenges, the small city of Mason is easily accessible.
And while you are tapping your toe to the beat of the music, there is plenty else to do. There are food trucks, a beer and wine tent, and a Chamber-hosted arts and crafts vendor show Saturday afternoon. Activities include a cornhole tournament, pony rides, and bounce houses. All of this in a historic downtown with plenty of room to walk around or relax on the courthouse lawn. Local businesses are also open during the festival, offering visitors unique shopping, food and drink options.
According to VanStreeland, the high caliber of the music is enhanced by the picturesque town. “To be in downtown Mason, with the courthouse as a backdrop, is a beautiful setting,” he said.
Each year, the tradition is to wrap up the festival by turning the stage over to local churches on Sunday. The Sun Dried Worship Service is part of what makes this festival so special to the community. After the excitement of the previous two days, the peaceful service on the courthouse lawn is a nice way to conclude a full weekend.
This free festival would not be possible without the community’s incredible sponsors and hard-working volunteers. “We are fortunate to have such a strong community that supports us,” Clark said.
Wolverine Engineering was the title sponsor this year. In addition, many others sponsored, including the Mason Downtown Development Authority, Xfinity, Mason Area Chamber of Commerce, Dart Bank, The Daily Scoop, Maple Street Mall, Community Construction, Clone’s Country Store, and Granger Waste Services, just to name a few.
One of the things the Covid-19 pandemic taught us was that people like to go to events and gather together. When the Sun Dried Music Fest was canceled in 2020 due to Covid, some members of the community were concerned about the festival coming back. Their fears have been put to rest, as the festival came back in 2021, persevered through the aftermath of a severe thunderstorm in 2023, and is still going strong, better than ever.
Thursday Night Live Concerts
While the Sun Dried Music Fest is the headline event to look forward to all summer, there is another great source of musical entertainment that takes place all summer long on Thursday evenings in Mason.
“Thursday Night Live!” is a summer series of free musical concerts held every other Thursday evening from May through the middle of September. Now in its 17th year, this series is hosted by the Mason Area Chamber of Commerce. It showcases local acts and takes place on the lawn in front of the historic courthouse. Shawn VanStreeland helps secure the talent for this series, as well as for the Sun Dried Music Fest.
In addition to live music, the Mason Optimist Club runs a concession stand as a fundraiser for their Mason kids’ programs.
Sharla Horton, Executive Director of the Mason Area Chamber, is in charge of this successful musical series that brings approximately 200 to 250 people to every concert.
“We really enjoy bringing music to the community and look forward to bringing it for years to come,” Horton said.
On a pleasant Thursday Night Live Concert evening, you will see people of all ages sitting in lawn chairs or relaxing on blankets on the courthouse lawn. Concerts begin at 6:30 pm and run for about an hour and a half.
The Thriving Music Scene in Mason
The Sun Dried Music Fest
Since 2009, the Sun Dried Music Fest has entertained visitors with talented musicians, food and beverages, activities for kids, arts and craft vendors, and more. It is held annually at the end of August in historic downtown Mason. For more information on the festival, see their website at www.sundriedfestival.org and their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MasonSunDriedMusicFest.
Thursday Night Live Concerts
Now in its 17th year, this free series is hosted by the Mason Area Chamber of Commerce. It showcases local acts and takes place on the lawn in front of the historic courthouse, roughly every other Thursday from May through mid September. To learn more about this series, visit the Mason Area Chamber of Commerce website at www. masonchamber.org and see their Facebook page
at facebook.com/masonchamber.
Live Music at Bad Brewing Company in Downtown Mason
Whether it’s Vinyl Night, the annual Fall Block Party, the annual Anniversary Party, or another event, the Bad Brewing Company hosts a variety of live musical performances and vinyl listening opportunities. Check out their Facebook page for the latest information at facebook.com/BadBrewing.
The Mason High School Bands, Drumline, and Choir
Football isn’t the only form of entertainment on a Friday night. Enjoy listening to the marching band and drumline during home high school football games. In addition, the marching band performs at parades and community events. There are also performances year-round by the Mason music education program, including basketball pep-band, jazz band, concert band, choir, and solo & ensemble. Students may participate in Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Concert Choir as well. For the latest information and schedule of performances, please visit the school website at www.masonk12.net.