Thunder on the Iron Range Music Fest was created in 2015. Originally keeping with Country, Southern Rock and Bluegrass genres, after public polling in 2019 we added Classic Rock artists to the lineup as well. The following is our mission statement.:
“Thunder on the Iron Range Music Fest was organized to promote the appreciation of the Americana-Roots Music Performing Artist and the unique Cultures they’re derived from. All operations are exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, the promotion of the Musical Performing Arts, and to provide support to local school programs and civic groups in the historic Upper Peninsula iron mining town of Negaunee Michigan. Thunder on the Iron Range turns Negaunee’s Jackson Mine Park into an outdoor concert venue for 8000 lucky music fans!
The 2019 Thunder on the Iron Range Music Fest was held Mid-August, it was our goal to bring the music fans of Upper Michigan a safe, high quality live outdoor music event featuring national, regional, and local country, classic and southern rock artists. The proceeds of which would benefit the Historic Vista Theater in downtown Negaunee and the Negaunee High School Girls Softball Program (a self-funded program). Having very little sponsorship money, a tiny advertising budget and only sixty-eight days to sell tickets, we were greeted that weekend by a near sellout crowd. Our 2019 endeavor was able to give $4000.00 to the selected charities and was deemed by all involved a tremendous success, even being referred to as one of the area’s Premier Outdoor Music Festivals by many in the regional music scene.
Armed with the successes of 2019, an expanded venue space with added capacity and the full support of the City of Negaunee we planned and put together an even bigger and better event for 2020. A full weekend of some of the best touring country, classic and southern rock artists, a variety, and lineup unmatched by any other event in the area. Unfortunately, we all know what 2020 brought and by late spring the difficult decision was made to cancel the 2020 festival. Early 2021 brought with it more uncertainty making it very difficult to commit to planning an event while at the time gatherings of any size being strongly discouraged. We decided to not proceed with planning a 2021 festival.
2022 brought a renewed excitement and energy surrounding the U.P.’s live music scene and an eagerness for us to again build on the successes of our 2019 Thunder on the Iron Range Music Fest. Thunder on the Iron Range brought Upper Michigan three days of great live music in 2022! The lineup consisted of some of the biggest names in 80’s Rock, some of the best new Southern Rock artists and the best in true outlaw / alternative and honky-tonk country music!