Porkies Music Fest Readies 20th Production

The Porcupine Mountains Music Festival (PMMF), presented by the Friends of the Porkies will celebrate its 20^th production August 28 & 29, 2026 at the Winter Sports Complex (Ski Hill) of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. This activity is supported in part by an award from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.

This year’s headliners will be the Steel Wheels, of Harrisonburg, VA who will be performing their last show with Kevin Garcia, their drummer of 16 years; and the 2026 Grammy nominated band Southern Avenue of Memphis, TN.  The main stage lineup also includes Charlie Parr, Blair Crimmins & The Hookers, The Fretliners, Blue Moon Marquee, Felix Y Los Gatos, Abby Posner Trio, Cousin Curtiss, TAE & The Neighborly, Boss Mama & The Jebberhooch, and Danny Frank & the Smoky Gold.  PMMF is family friendly and has two additional stages: the indoor Chalet Stage, and the “Busking Barn” stage where performers play for tips; plus a children’s tent located on the festival grounds with crafts & activities for young attendees.

At the conclusion of the 20^th PMMF its leadership team will undergo restructuring with the exit of original co-founders Linda Kermeen, Accounting & Program Director 2007-2012; and Don Kermeen, Booking Coordinator.  In 2002 the Kermeens purchased a resort business and moved to Ontonagon. The first time they visited the Porkies ski hill they agreed that it would be a great venue for a music festival. As fate would have it, Zach Miller-Ember of Urbana, IL booked a stay at their resort and the conversation quickly turned to music. Zach had prior experience with non-profit organizing, folk show booking, and festival organizing, and he agreed to team up with the Kermeens and serve as the first PMMF Project Director. The trio found allies in Jim Bradley, then President of Friends of the Porkies, who was instrumental in getting the Friends’ organization onboard as the non-profit presenters of PMMF; and former Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Supervisor, the late William “Bill” Doan, who worked very hard to secure State approval to move the project forward.  In 2005 PMMF made state history by becoming the first music festival to be held within a Michigan State Park.

When the founders were asked to comment on the festival’s trajectory over the past 2 plus decades, Linda said “This festival reflects the dedication of so many people. I am amazed to see how far it has come” Don agreed, “I am grateful to all of the people who have continued to support the festival year after year.”  Zach elaborated further, “Coming together to share the experience of art, community and natural beauty is one of the best things I can imagine a group of humans doing. All these people making the choice to care and work together showed that a thing can go from an idea, to a conversation, to a plan, to an event…to a generation-spanning cultural institution.”

Also exiting after this year’s festival wrap-up will be the current Program Director, Cheryl Sundberg, who worked alongside the founders and stepped into the lead position in 2013.  “As music has always been my passion, being able to live in my small U.P. hometown and be involved with a music production of this scale and quality has been the joy of my life,” Sundberg said, adding, “I am grateful for the commitment and enthusiasm of the Friends in doing what it takes to continue the music festival, and the time for change after our 20^th production milestone feels right.”

Assistant Director, Jennifer Jackman (18 years of service) will also be taking her final bow at the conclusion of this year’s festival.

Since its inception audiences have witnessed many up-and-coming artists in their early days, such as Billy Strings, Allison Russell and the War and Treaty, along with many legendary artists such as Iris DeMent, Buckwheat Zydeco, David Bromberg, John Doe, and The Holmes Brothers. A link to the complete performer history can be found on the PMMF website home page.

The 7-member Board of the Friends of the Porkies has unanimously committed to the continuation of the PMMF. The Friends thank Park staff for providing the space at the ski hill as the backdrop of the festival.  “Park staff dedication is one of the many reasons the festival has been so successful. We are grateful for park staff, area businesses, residents, festival attendees and volunteers who have always welcomed and supported the festival” Joanie Hawley, President of the Friends said. “The Music Festival has provided a unique outdoor recreation experience for locals and park visitors for two decades and fills the campgrounds with music goers” said Michael Knack, Park Manager.

Board members have been in communication with PMMF leadership for nearly 2 years, taking notes and observing. A shadow music committee has also been in place this year observing the booking process. The Friends have created a job description for the incoming future director’s position which can be found on their website and social media. Applications are now open.   

The Friends goal is to ensure that the 2027 festival continues to be a family friendly, volunteer based, music event for the community.

• For more information on the 20^th Porcupine Mountains Music festival visit porkiesfestival.org