Pumpstock Festival Fundraising for June 6 Concert

This summer, the annual Pumpstock Music Festival will be returning to East Lansing for its 16th year, an effort that’s made possible by supportive community members, event organizer Dudley “Smitty” Smith said.

The Pumpstock festival, held in the Bailey Neighborhood, will feature musicians from Lansing to Uganda from 2-8 p.m. on Saturday, June 6. The festival includes artists who tell stories through their music, Smith said.

“It’s really about the songwriting as well as playing instruments – but you know, good lyrics,” he said.

This year’s festival will feature eight bands and a music workshop on two different stages in Bailey Park. Additionally, there will be vendors and activities for people of all ages. Pumpstock is free to attend, but is collecting donations through Kickstarter.

The festival will largely feature artists playing American roots and folk music. Information about performers can be found on Pumpstock’s Facebook page.

Smith had the idea of creating Pumpstock festival 17 years ago after being inspired by the music scene in Nashville.

“My late wife and I moved to Nashville for my job and kind of fell in love with both the singer-songwriters that are all over Nashville,” Smith said.

“It was a pretty quick thought: ‘Wouldn’t it be fun to do a bigger event, like a festival outdoors?’” Smith said.

Pumpstock is unique because it is free to attend and funded by voluntary contributions from the city and area residents.

“We borrow a stage from the city, we borrow some tents to create a green room, and a merch table from some friends,” Smith said.

“At the end of the day, all the money that we fundraised, all the money from a few sponsors and that people donate in the buckets – we give it all to the musicians after we pay the sound guy.”

In years past, Smith and other volunteers would collect donations in buckets during the festival. However, crowdfunding now begins beforehand. Smith hopes a successful Kickstarter campaign eliminates the need to collect donations during the festival.

“My insurance agent donates a little money, my dentist donates a little money, my car dealer – folks like that,” Smith said.

When the event comes around each summer, Smith hopes that attendees can have a relaxing day with their family.

“Besides good music, probably the other primary thing is the bringing together of people from the neighborhood, but also from the Greater Lansing area. Folks come from a little further away,” Smith said.

Along with live music, Pumpstock will feature children’s art activities, an instrument petting zoo, glitter tattoos and a music workshop. Additionally, Krystal’s Kitchen food truck will sell barbecue, and beverages will be available from Sweet Lee’s Teas.

Families are welcome to bring blankets, chairs, and even their dogs to enjoy the festival.

As Smith looks ahead, he wants to continue putting on the festival to spur community engagement.

“It fits the neighborhood, it fits the vibe, if you will. Just continuing to bring great music that impresses and delights people,” Smith said.