The Radio Waves Music Festival on Friday – Saturday, September 11- 13 featured the many talented performers on the North Shore, as well as the Carpenter Ants from West Virginia. Joining the acclaimed rhythm and blues band during the Sunday morning gospel performance were local artists Gordon Thorne, Al Oikari and Chris Gillis. Gillis added some fun with spoons and washboard.
The 8th Radio Waves Music Festival, held Friday – Sunday, September 11-13, 2015 was the best-attended event to date. After counting wristbands and tally sheets, WTIP Community Radio announced that 2,300 people came to the Grand Marais Recreation Park to enjoy over 30 musicians and groups and to dance the weekend away.
WTIP spokesperson Jana Berka said, “A big ‘thank you’ goes out to the many talented musicians for sharing their music; the emcees for introducing the musicians; Jerry LaVigne for sound engineering; Bob LaMettry for hauling gear (with a smile); the Grand Marais Music Collaborative for selling musician CDs; the great food and beverage vendors; the many businesses and organizations that donated prizes; Belle Janicek and the Kid’s Tent helpers and also the volunteers who helped with setting up, tearing down and staffing the information tent.”
Berka added, “We are especially grateful to the Grand Marais Rec Park for providing and maintaining a wonderful space and for coordinating parking.”
A new combination of talented performers joined forces to form The Brother Love Band—Bret Berka, Al Oikari, Rod Dockan and Rich Mattson. They also invited others on stage, including Brian Bennett who played the didgeridoo.
The weather cooperated and the many attendees enjoyed lounging on the sliding hill or relaxing in camp chairs around the tent while not dancing.
“Seeing all the adults and children (and pets, too) enjoying music and the company of others was pretty wonderful,” said Berka.
She added, “Again, we appreciate the support and participation of everyone involved, and look forward to next year!”
Above: Kids enjoyed dancing—and having their faces painted! Right: Dancers Annie and Mike DeBevec took a spin on the dance floor during the wonderful Clearwater Hot Club set.
Earth, Wind and Todd, the North Shore’s “groovy” ‘70s dance band rocked the tent on Saturday evening. Band members at Radio Waves were Todd Miller, Amy Brooks- Varga, Amanda Hand, John Mianowski and drummer John Varga.
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