What is KeweenawEsomefest?
Keweenawesomefest is a celebration of local music and the community of the Keweenaw Peninsula located in Michigan’s snowy Upper Peninsula.
Presented annually by Michigan Tech’s own College Radio Station WMTU, and in collaboration with other University student orgs, Kfest allows local artists to experience a larger venue and increased crowd size while bringing in artists that would not normally come to the Houghton area. As a low-cost event Kfest caters to the entire community for a weekend of fun and entertainment for friends and family alike.
2025 SHOW TIMES
Friday
6:00 - Ben Toporski
7:00 - Mess Dress
8:00 - Fast Car
9:00 - Tollways
10:00 - StarDawg
11:00 - Jasno
Saturday
2:00 - Robby V
3:00 - Prince's Point
4:00 - Leaf Blower
5:00 - Storm Drain
6:00 - RUNE
7:00 - Mr. Cesar & The Lucha Tones
8:00 - Suffer No Fools
8:45 - Jaztek
9:45 - I Think I Need More Sun
10:45 - Willowby
EVENT DETAILS
Date & Time
Keweenawesomefest 2025 will be on Friday March 21st & Saturday March 22nd.
Doors open Friday at 5:30PM & Saturday at 1:30PM.
Location
Keweenawesomefest is held in McArdle Theatre located on the 2nd floor of Michigan Tech’s Walker Arts & Humanities Building. To access it, enter the Walker Arts & Humanities Building and ascend the stairs immediately next to the door to the second floor.
More information about McArdle Theatre can be found on Michigan Tech’s website:
Tickets
Students
Due to the Student Activity Fee, we are pleased to announce that student tickets for KFest 2025 are free!
Community
In collaboration with the Rozsa, tickets are pay as you’re able. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at the Rozsa Center.
MEET THE Artists
Willowby
Brought together by camaraderie and a kaleidoscopic vision to create, Willowby was created by a group of musicians in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The group offers a relaxed sound, with indie, classic rock, and a northwoods influence, creating a truly unique tone.
I Think I Need More Sun
just trying to help
Suffer No Fools
Suffer No Fools is a Michigan-based band known for their raw yet polished sound. They bring high-energy performances that blend intensity with musical skill.
Mr. Cesar &
The Lucha Tones
Mr. Cesar is a surf rock lucha band from Houghton, Michigan, blending high-energy surf jams with a unique Lucha-inspired twist. Their music is the perfect soundtrack for anyone looking to embrace their inner Lucha COOL.
Fast Car
Fast Car is a high-energy 90s/2000s cover band known for their nostalgic jams and crowd-pleasing hits. Expect a fun, throwback experience that gets everyone moving—whether you're reliving your youth or introducing it to a new generation. Don't be surprised if you hear someone say, "Our parents would eat this stuff up!"
Jasno
Jasno is a band from Marquette, Michigan, dedicated to making music they love for their fans, regardless of fame or financial success. They aim to provide an arena-level show, even for small crowds, and play a mix of genres they’ve coined "midwest alternative." With a focus on inclusivity and passion, their slogan is “nothing is stopping you from doing exactly what you want to do, so just do it.” They encourage everyone to keep going, offering music through albums, EPs, and live performances.
RUNE
Rune is a jam band made up of an amazing group of musicians playing off of each other and creating intricate improvisational jams.
Jaztek
Jaztek is a Houghton-based fusion band that blends jazz with a variety of other genres, evolving from its roots as a jazz combo. They deliver a dynamic mix of original compositions and covers, bringing a fresh and exciting take on jazz fusion to every performance. Their intricate sound and creative approach make them a standout act in the local music scene.
Leaf Blower
Leafblower is a Houghton-based band blending shoegaze, dreampop, and alternative rock into a lush and immersive sound. With dreamy vocals, atmospheric guitars, and a tight rhythm section, they create a captivating live experience.
Storm Drain
Storm Drain is a Houghton-based indie/shoegaze/rock band known for their atmospheric and dynamic sound. With layered guitars, expressive vocals, and a powerful rhythm section, they create immersive performances that blend energy and emotion. Keep an eye out for their shows and experience their unique take on the indie and shoegaze genres.
Robby V
Robby V is a singer-songwriter based in Houghton, using music as a heartfelt medium for storytelling. After starting in the local scene as a keyboardist for Willowby, he has since embarked on a solo journey, crafting introspective folk-inspired songs about relationships, nature, and self-discovery. Performing with just his acoustic guitar, his debut solo set promises an intimate and personal musical experience.
Prince's Point
Prince’s Point is a fusion band that blends genres from jazz to metal, delivering a dynamic and improvisational sound. With a setlist primarily composed of original compositions, their performances feature expressive jazz jams and high-energy riffs. Their unique instrumentation, including guitar, bass, drums, and EWI (Electric Wind Instrument), creates a one-of-a-kind musical experience.
Tollways
Tollways is a band with a classic rock influence, featuring two guitars, dual vocals, bass, and drums. They focus on performing all-original music, bringing their own unique twist to the rock genre. With their tight instrumentation and powerful vocals, they create an engaging and authentic rock experience.
ST☆RDAWG
Stardawg is a Houghton-based indie rock band known for their energetic sound and heartfelt performances. With catchy melodies, dynamic instrumentation, and a passion for storytelling through music, they bring a fresh take to the indie rock scene.
Ben Toporski
Ben Toporski, originally from metro Detroit and having spent a significant part of his life in Sault Ste. Marie, is a folk/singer-songwriter influenced by folk and country artists. His music features a blend of original songs, with a focus on his new album, along with a mix of other new tracks and a few covers.
Mess Dress
Mess Dress is a Houghton-based indie/rock band composed of MTU students, performing a mix of original songs and covers. Since forming in the spring, they have played various shows around Houghton, including house gigs and student organization events. Their set features indie/rock favorites like Sasquatch .22 by Bay Faction, along with unique genre-bending covers