Sat 6/8 @ 11AM
Put-in-Bay has a reputation as a party town for young singles. But in fact, the island has so much more to offer, for people of all ages, especially kids and families. And special events, such as the Put-in-Bay music festival, now in its third year at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, are intended to draw a diverse crowd and show off how the island is for everyone.
The National Park festival grounds open at 11am, with the young School of Rock musicians from Farmington, Michigan hitting the stage at noon.
Other bands include Detroit’s Cold Shot, with a trio of hotshot guitarist; Fuel on Fire, featuring four brothers from Buffalo, now living in Nashville, who play both originals and classic cover tunes; Few Miles South, an original country band fronted by Los Angeles vocalist Tori Lund and Georgia guitarist Blake English, who cite artists like Hank Williams and The Band as influences; and Nebraska’s Kris Lager Band which combines blues, classic rock, funk and R&B in a high-energy show.
And after ranging far afield for its lineup, the festival found its headliner closer to home: Bob Gatewood and Calabash out of Cleveland have been a popular staple in the island’s bars for years. Gatewood’s “Friends of the Bay,” the unofficial island anthem, will close the festival.
There will also be special activities for kids, including a ukulele workshop, a craft area to make musical instruments and a “Battle of Lake Erie” cornhole toss.
The Toledo Food Truck Association will be sending a couple of its members to provide edibles, with the trucks and beverage tent opening at 11. Proceeds from the beverage tent will benefit the nonprofit Lake Erie Islands Historical Society. No outside food and drink is permitted but you’re encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.
Go to millerferry.com to plan which ferry you’re going to catch to get you to the free event.