Exploring the 2026 Blissfest Lineup, Part I

Happy Spring Equinox! In Northern Michigan, that means (hopefully) melting snow and maple syrup, but it can sometimes mean unpredictable blizzards or ice storms. 

Regardless of the weather, every day we are still getting closer to our favorite weekend. We can't wait to gather in the field, the woods, and around the stages!

To prime your ears and dance moves, get to know our 2026 artists. We have a rich collection of musicians whose genres result from a melting pot of cultures and musical traditions.

Music from Louisiana has unique influences, spanning from French-speaking Acadians of Canada spawning Cajun music and culture to Creole communities with African, French, Haitian, and Native American ancestry inspiring Zydeco rhythms. We bring you Jourdan Thibodeaux et Les Rôdailleurs and K.Jones & The Benzie Playboys to showcase these sounds!

Steeped in the birthplace of jazz is Galactic and Lowdown Brass Band. The cultural DNA of New Orleans brought us forms of the blues, R&B, funk, brass band traditions, and surely more! Both groups share crossover elements but diverge in the parade.

Hailing from another, but different, southern state is Tan and Sober Gentlemen taking on the traditions of Ireland and Scotland that made their way to the North Carolina mountains where Old-Time music was created. Here, European melodies were combined with African rhythms and phrasing. This band takes it all and makes it punk rock.

Explore, discover, and listen to this week's highlighted artists from our 2026 Blissfest Folk + Roots Festival lineup!