Winter Solstice Gathering

Saturday, December 20, join us for this annual celebration of the return of the light at Crooked Tree Art Center. The night features a musical cocktail hour with local favorite Mr. Jake, a raffle & auction to support the work of Blissfest Music Organization, and a headlining performance by Dead at Winery and all hosted by Seth Bernard. 

Dead at the Winery

Dead at the Winery is a band that keeps the spirit of the Grateful Dead alive, blending musicianship, improvisation, and the joy of live performance. Rooted in the Dead’s legacy, they bring a fresh energy to every show, turning each set into a unique journey shared with the audience.

The band features:

  • Rob Nelson – lead guitar & vocals, blending the melodic spirit of Jerry Garcia with the rhythmic drive of Bobby Weir.
  •  Michael Bush – lead guitar & vocals, also drawing on both Garcia’s soulful improvisations and Weir’s colorful rhythm work.
  • Stew Preston – bass, laying down deep grooves that hold it all together.
  • Mike Vartanian – keyboards, weaving melodic textures that elevate the sound.
  • Tom Sheppard – drums, delivering the pulse and dynamics that keep the music alive.

At the heart of Dead at the Winery is the interplay between Rob and Michael, who share and trade the Garcia/Weir roles on stage, creating a sound that feels both authentic and alive. Their chemistry gives each performance an unpredictable spark, where songs expand, evolve, and take on a life of their own.

Every Thursday night, the band brings this energy to their home stage at Northville Winery and Brewing Co., where fans gather weekly to dance, sing, and share in the music together.

Every show is different, fueled by improvisation, harmony, and a shared love for the music. Whether reimagining Dead classics or taking a jam into uncharted territory, Dead at the Winery invites every listener to be part of the moment — celebrating the music and the community it creates.

Mr. Jake

Mr. Jake grew up right here in Harbor Springs. Jake has developed a unique sound with just his guitar and voice. We think it comes from a blend of the spring water, the Carolina coast, late nights at Blissfest, public radio, and those early coming-of-age after-school jams with Something Different in the Homemade Jam. He puts a groove to any tune you throw at him and hits those coveted high lonesome notes with ease.

HOST: Seth Bernard

Seth Bernard is a powerhouse of Michigan’s music scene, an award-winning singer-songwriter, and a passionate environmental advocate whose artistry transcends the stage to inspire social change. Renowned for his soul-stirring blend of folk, rock, and roots music, Seth’s deeply evocative lyrics resonate with timely themes of environmental stewardship, social justice, and human connection. As the founder of the Earthwork Music Collective, he has not only helped to shape the Michigan music landscape but has also catalyzed a movement of collaboration, cooperation, and community empowerment. His music, which calls listeners to reflect, act, and unite, solidifies Seth as both a visionary artist and a dedicated force for a better, more harmonious world.