Inspired by a laid-back evening strumming a guitar around the campfire, Lutsong Music Festival co-founders Scott Schuler and Molly Maher set out to create something different. They envisioned an event that would spotlight talented musicians while fostering a strong sense of community and the kind of musical intimacy often lacking in other festivals.
This July marks the return of the Lutsong Music Festival for its fourth year on the North Shore.
“The overall vibe is kind of a singer-songwriter thing, but we always throw something in that’s a little rowdy, or punk, or country,” said Schuler. “There’s always a ringer in there that’s a little different.”
The Lutsong Music Festival is a three-day event that begins on July 10 with a free community festival kick-off party located at North Shore Winery along Ski Hill Road in Lutsen. The first band to open the festival is The Scarlet Goodbye Duo from Minneapolis, followed by Dusty Heart.
The festival takes place in two locations, with live music occurring at North Shore Winery and Caribou Highlands. Festival goers can drive, bike, walk, or take a shuttle between the two locations along Ski Hill Road.
On Friday, July 11, the lineup begins at Caribou Highlands with the Stonebridge Singers, Jack Klatt, Jeremy Messersmith, and Molly Dean. Then, festival goers will head over to North Shore Winery to enjoy the folky Americana sounds of headliner Wild Horses.
“The Wild Horses trajectory has been crazy,” Schuler said. “They’ve grown in a huge way.”
Known for their blend of folk, western, and rock, the Minnesota-based band has gained significant recognition across the state and the Midwest in recent years. They’ve also shared the stage in the past with Trampled by Turtles, another well-known Minnesota band.
The following day, July 12, festival attendees can start their morning off with a light morning hike in Lutsen and an exclusive trailside concert with artist Sarah Morris. Then, later in the afternoon, Rogue Valley will kick off the set, followed by Eli Gardiner, Nicky Diamonds, and Lucy Michelle.
The evening at the Caribou Highlands stage includes artist Sara Kae, Skarlett Woods, Twins of Franklin, Lynden Graham, and Turn Turn Turn. Starting at 7:30 p.m., St. Paul-based band The Honeydogs will begin their headlining set at North Shore Winery.
Last but not least, the music festival wraps up on Sunday, July 13, with artist Teague Alexy and the Josh Cleveland Band.
Beyond the stage performances, one of the most treasured traditions of the Lutsong Music Festival happens each night at Caribou Highlands after the final performance.
Each night concludes with the Caribou Campfire Guitar Pull, an open gathering where performers, friends, and festivalgoers are invited to circle around a campfire with guitars in hand. The gathering is an intentional nod to the night Schuler and Maher spent strumming on a guitar while sitting around a campfire, crafting the idea of a music festival along the North Shore.
Throughout the four years, Schuler said the Lutsong Music Festival has grown and evolved, not only in festivalgoers but also in musical artists.
“It almost doubled from the first year to the second year,” Schuler said. “The musicians absolutely love playing in it. It’s kind of a musician’s festival.”
Many of the artists are based in Minnesota, with several playing shows at popular venues in the Twin Cities area. Schuler said some artists come from farther away, such as Wyoming or cities across the U.S.
Schuler described the Lutsong Music Festival as a “passion project” but requires constant coordination, scheduling, booking musicians, finding volunteers, and collaborating with local and regional businesses. “There are a lot of moving parts. But we love it.”
In addition to North Shore Winery and Caribou Highlands, the Lutsong Music Festival is sponsored by 89.3 the Current, Cook County Home Center, National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation, and Music Mission.
Day passes for the Lutsong Music Festival are $60 or $115 for the entire weekend. Tickets are available at the event or online: lutsongmusicfestival.com.
