From start to finish, Radio Waves was fun

 

From the smooth opening notes of the North Shore Community Swing Band on Saturday morning to the closing beat of ’70s rockers Earth, Wind & Todd on Sunday night, WTIP’s Radio Waves Music Festival was a smashing success. For the 5th year, WTIP offered an eclectic mix of music that kept a steady stream of traffic heading to the Grand Marais Rec. Park on September 8 – 9.

WTIP, with help from the North Shore Music Association, kept the show going. With two stages, there were never more than a few minutes without music to enjoy in the big tent and the dance floor was seldom empty.

Frequently, the dance floor was filled with kids who had enjoyed some time in WTIP’s kids’ activity tent. Children with faces decorated with fanciful butterflies or superhero masks jumped, twirled, hopped and boogied to the music, shaking handmade music shakers.

Great food available onsite from a variety of restaurants and vendors rounded out the event, creating a fabulous festival atmosphere.

WTIP lined up 24 wonderful acts for the 2012 Radio Waves event, from solo performers to full bands. D’Merritt offered a mix of modern pop, rock and country as well as three original songs that got the crowd up and dancing.

WTIP Executive Director Deb Benedict sent out a message thanking everyone who helped make Radio Waves such a success—the volunteers, the city of Grand Marais, Rec. Park staff, the food vendors, the amazing musicians and the community. She said over 1,000 people came out to enjoy Radio Waves this year. Benedict said, “Mark your calendars for the sixth annual Radio Waves Music Festival, which will take place the weekend after Labor Day 2013. See you there!”

The activity tent for kids offered all kinds of fun activities. These young ladies had their faces painted and then made some delightful sock puppets.

Bump & Barbara Jean shared some new songs and old favorites with the Radio Waves crowd on Sunday.

Musician Jim Miller took a turn on the dance floor with his little boy, James. They were joined by Nikki Boostrom of Grand Marais.