What started as a simple invitation to a party deep in the Manistee National Forest has blossomed into an annual tradition that has captivated music lovers across the region. The Smokin' Dobroleles, a band led by Brandon Tabor, the bassist, have been hosting this Halloween extravaganza on their family's beautiful tract of land south of Baldwin, Michigan, and this year, they decided to open the doors to their loyal fans, creating an unforgettable night of music, merriment, and magic.

Unleashing the Rhythm of the Wilderness

Full Cord: Bluegrass Brilliance Ignites the Crowd

The evening kicked off with the incomparable Full Cord, a band that has won the prestigious Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition. Their set was a masterclass in bluegrass excellence, with the magic of Brian Oberlin's mandolin, Eric Langejan's guitar, Todd Kirchner on bass, and Grant Flick on fiddle captivating the audience. The band's original tunes, like "Train (Carry Me Away)," seamlessly blended with beloved classics like "Gainesville Rain," "Amos Moses," and "Eastbound and Down," creating a musical tapestry that had the crowd huddled in the garage and tent, eager to soak in every note.

Campfire Camaraderie: Beaver Crossing and Cookie Lovegood Ignite the Flames

During the set break, the party spilled out into the crisp autumn air, where Beaver Crossing and Cookie Lovegood of Those Guys (Grand Rapids) took center stage around the blazing fire. Their tunes and the infectious energy of the crowd created a sense of community that embodied the spirit of the event, with everyone joining in the revelry.

The Gitchel Duo: A Virtuosic Guitar Showcase

As the second set began, the crowd was treated to a virtuosic guitar showcase as Luke Gitchel joined the band, trading licks with Eric Langejan and raising the temperature in the garage through sheer musical friction. The band's renditions of Merle Haggard's "Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle to You," "Little Maggie," and "Panama Red" had the audience captivated.

The Smokin' Dobroleles: A Dobro-Fueled Finale

As the night drew to a close, the stage belonged to the Smokin' Dobroleles, featuring Abe Kurzer on Dobro, Mike Renna on the ukulele, Brandon Tabor on bass, and John Ellsworth on drums. Joined by Cosmic Knots' Tom Wall, the band unleashed a high-energy performance, ripping through classics like "Shady Grove," "Howl at the Moon," and "Slide on In." The crowd's enthusiasm was palpable, and the band fed off the energy, delivering a finale that left everyone wanting more.Throughout the evening, the music and camaraderie were complemented by the stunning natural surroundings. As the night sky twinkled with stars, the terrestrial stars on stage captivated the audience, reminding everyone of the magic that can be found when music and nature collide. This annual Halloween bash in the Manistee National Forest has become a must-attend event for music lovers, and those who were lucky enough to experience it will undoubtedly be talking about it for years to come.