The National Cherry Festival in Traverse City features eight nights of music events, all on a stage located right next to beautiful West Grand Traverse Bay. From a 90’s reunion tour featuring Smash Mouth, Blues Traveler, Sugar Ray and Uncle Kracker to country headliner Justin Moore (pictured above), there’s something for everyone’s musical taste at these Northern Michigan events. Enjoy the breeze off nearby West Grand Traverse Bay as you rock out under the sun at this Northern Michigan festival.

The best way to enjoy all eight nights of music is to purchase a Bay Side Music Pass. For $50 you gain general admission to each concert. Purchase Bay Side Music Passes, and also tickets to individual Cherry Festival concerts, at Vendini.com.


The gates for all concerts open at 6 pm.  The National Cherry Festival concert line-up is as follows:

Collective Soul — Saturday, July 5th

Hailing from Stockbridge, Georgia, American rock band Collective Soul is known for their hit single “Shine.” With nine albums and seven number one hits, Collective Soul has been one of the main faces of the 90’s alternative rock/post-grunge movement.

Here Come The Mummies — Sunday, July 6th

Funk/R&B band, Here Come the Mummies, are best known for their performances in which band members perform in full mummy attire. It is rumored that various members are Grammy winners, although it’s hard to identify as band members are kept literally under wraps—literally.

The Bihlman Brothers — Monday, July 7th

Emmy Award-winning Bihlman Brother are a bluesy, funky force of nature from Traverse City. Brothers Jabo and Scott Bihlman have backed, recorded or appeared with bands such as Kid Rock, Ted Nugent, BB King, ZZ Top, Dido and more.

Gin Blossoms — Tuesday, July 8th

American Rock band Gin Blossoms, from Tempe, Arizona, first came to notice with their hit song “Hey Jealousy.” After break-up’s and line-up changes, Gin Blossoms has managed to record five albums with a series of charting songs.

George Thorogood & The Destroyers — Wednesday, July 9th

George Thorogood is an all American blues rocker from Wilmington, Delaware, known for his hit song “Bad to the Bone” as well as numerous covers of blues standards. George Thorogood and The Delaware Destroyers have released sixteen studio albums, including two that were certified Platinum and six that were certified Gold. He has sold over 15 million albums worldwide.

Under the Sun Tour — Thursday, July 10th

The 90’s reunion you don’t want to miss. Featuring Blues Traveler (“Hook” and “Run-Around), Smashmouth (“Walkin’ on the Sun” and “All Star”), Uncle Kraker (“Follow Me”) and Sugar Ray (“Fly” and “Someday”) it’s sure to be a fun-filled concert.

Justin Moore feat. Ryan Whyte Maloney — Friday, July 11th

Justin Moore is one of country’s leading male singer/songwriters. With three released albums and eight titles on the Hot County Songs chart, he’s the kid from a small town with a rowdy heart who’s able to sing about it.

Traverse City’s own Ryan Whyte Maloney is back after his spin on NBC’s The Voice to open for Justin Moore at the Traverse City National Cherry Festival. Maloney’s strong, high-registered voice gained him a spot on the NBC hit back in April. Read more about Ryan Whyte Maloney’s time on the voice here.

Tommy James and the Shondells — Saturday, July 12th

Tommy James and the Shondells close out the festival with their 1960’s styled American rock and roll. With hits like “Hanky Panky” “I Think We’re Alone Now” and “Sweet Cherry Wine” Tommy James and the Shondells have charted twelve hits on the Top 40 list and released numerous albums.


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