This weekend The Nippersink Music & Arts Festival kicked off its first year as many music festivals begin. Crowds of dedicated music fans showed up, claimed their camping turf and began to ready themselves for a dose of live music under the sun. This festival was a bit different than most though.
Located next to the Nippersink Creek in Spring Grove, IL the festival grounds had plenty of space to spread out and cool off in the creek or in the many areas of shade that were provided by this beautiful rural landscape. Certainly a welcome amenity with temperatures reaching 89 degrees during both days of this Bluegrass and Jam band infused gathering.
Music fans from as far away as Oregon and locals alike enjoyed back-to-back sets of music from over thirty bands on two stages. As soon as the music stopped on one stage, another band would fire up at either “The Creek Stage” overlooking the Nippersink Creek or an intimate and shade speckled “Hideout Stage” tucked into a meadow just a few yards away. The constant volley offered nonstop entertainment.
The music consisted of a lineup of folk, Americana, bluegrass and rock including headliners like Tea Leaf Green, Family Groove Company, Henhouse Prowlers, Pert Near Sandstone and Mr. Blotto. A few of the daytime acts included Bands such as Eric Lambert & Friends, The Leadfoot Band and Fresh Hops.
Vending booths set up by local artists and restaurateurs bordered the perimeter of the festival grounds and offered a fine assortment of colorful handmade clothing and Jewelry as well as an enjoyable assortment of freshly prepared food. From a simple cheese burger and vegetarian fare to a more unique offering of a Bosnian sausage that I once enjoyed while serving in the Army in Sarajevo, Cevapcici Chicago took care of fans like they were family.
As an avid live music lover, musician and artist I have been to many music festivals over the years. The reason this festival sticks out in my mind is not only the terrific lineup or location, but the way the staff treated the fans and musicians. As I spent time shooting photos of the bands, I noticed that the staff at Nippersink made sure that people were safe and taken care of and the grounds were clean.
After having a discussion with the promoter Bill Mackey it was clear that this was more about music or art. It was about a community of people that care about the environment, local business and family. It was about a group of artists and likeminded people that collaborated and worked hard to make sure that this family friendly, music packed weekend went off without a hitch. I hope to see more from the crew of Nippersink Music & Arts Festival and Mackey’s Music Production Inc.