Executive Editor

Not only will Leilapalooza – the free music festival with only a parking fee – return to Battle Creek next weekend with a new format, it will feature a new partner with an entire night featuring another demographic of artists.

That’s according to Blvcksheep co-founder and rap and vocal artist Allah, also known as James McGee, who has intentionally merged his label with the longstanding event to appeal more to people of color, he said.

McGee and his Blvcksheep, artist collective which also features co-founder Brandon Fitzpatrick and his band, Minor Element, have booked 15 performers for the Friday night, July 30, 4 p.m. to midnight stage at Leila Arboretum (928 Michigan Avenue) that also includes interim sounds by DJ SICMUSIQ to keep the energy flowing, he said.

Local acts on the “Club Fantasy” stage that night include both Allah and Minor Element, along with OT$, Mia Vatoz, Kela, Geno Banks, Jess, Nichole Hunter, Carlis, J. Cam. G, GVO Rose, Woodgang Cell, Brelia Renee, Rashad Reed, DJ Tate 5.

Some are associated with Blvcksheep, some are associated with Farroc Records and some are independent artists.

“This is the first time that Leila is going to bring a very young and POC (people of color) driven demographic to a certain stage, with intent, for sure,” said McGee, who has been a solo act at Leilapalooza in the past. “This is what I would call a majority Battle Creek’s best when it comes to hip-hop, R&B, jazz and soul.”

The Leilapalooza Music Festival, Battle Creek’s biggest music event, returns to Leila Arboretum Thursday, July 29, through Saturday, July 31.

“In previous years, 40-plus bands occupied four to six stages for one long festival day,” according to a press release from Leila Arboretum. “This year, to accommodate COVID maximum occupancy rules, we have limited down to one stage and spread out our bands and musicians over a three-day event.”

Each day will have a slightly different genre focus to ensure everyone can see the bands they love on the same day, according to spokesperson Michelle Barry. 

“However,” she said, “to get the full Leilapalooza experience, we encourage you to come out all three days.”

The event is free and open to the public, but there will be a parking fee, with proceeds going to the Leila Arboretum Society (LAS.)

Blvcksheep Music joins the Battle Creek Metropolitan Area Moustache Society (BCMAMS) and Leila Arboretum in organizing the event.

“I think it’s better to join a lemonade stand than to start your own in many instances if that makes sense,” said McGee about how Blvcksheep joined the festival hosts. “I wanted to help bring other demographics, cultures and ages there.”

McGee, who recently joined the Leila Arboretum Society Board of Directors, said his ideas regarding the festival were enthusiastically received by both the board, staff and the BCMAMS.

“I established genuine friendships and got to know people,” said McGee, who also happens to appear in a new commercial for Battle Creek’s downtown coffee shop and deli, Cafe Rica. “Same way you do anything. Just connect with folks and sign on that you want the same thing and they trusted my vision for what it could be and where I see the future for hip hop and R&B and soul and for POC…people like those type of events.”

So Leilapalooza features his vision for the event, which McGee said is inspired by the SXSW (South by Southwest) Music Festival held annually in Austin, Texas.

That festival is billed has one that “brings together artists, industry professionals and music lovers from around the world to make connections, elevate their careers and celebrate the magic of live music, from legendary performers to the most exciting new talent.”

Just as Blvcksheep mentors young talent in how to find their sound, find a producer, navigate a recording studio and hone their skills, the “Club Fantasy” night stage is designed to mix established local talent with artists who will making their onstage debuts.

“I’m just trying to give artists in Battle Creek something to look forward to annually,” said McGee, whose biggest online hit so far is Scoot Scoot. “I’m trying to get young demographics, specifically POC something to look forward to annually. I called it ‘Club Fantasy’ because I didn’t want it to be an event with acts versus like acts an event.

“When you say an event with acts,” he continued, “that means that the whole day is just about those acts and ideally, when you speak of Leila, in general, that’s what it is.

“But, I wanted people to come there more so to just enjoy themselves and get the pleasure of hearing the artists and not hone in on the fact that, ‘Oh, man, this is just a bunch of local acts, I don’t want to show up for that.’”

After each local act, DJ SICMUSIQ will play 20 minutes music in between each set.

“Then that cleans the pallet of what you just heard,” McGee said. “You can be in preparation for what you’re about to hear and it’s also a chance to hear music that’s already out and not only dedicated to local acts and it also keeps things moving.”

McGee releases his own music on iTunes, Spotify and Apple Music, he said.

“I’m like on everything except for YouTube so far,” he said. “My project I dropped called “‘I Don’t Care Who’s Watching’ did 100,000 streams. I was really excited to hear about that.”

Blvcksheep will be the music professionals at Leilapalooza, he said.

“I’m just trying to show Battle Creek the other side of the music here,” he said. “We’re not scary. We’re not something to be afraid of. And, we deserve recognition, too.”

The festival kicks off Thursday, July 29, from 4-10 p.m., with a family-friendly mix of music: alternative, acoustic, classic rock and more.

Thursday, July 29

5 p.m. Michael Angelo

6 p.m. Tyler Roy

7 p.m. Feeding Grizzlies

8:30 p.m. Barefoot Blonde

Continuing on Friday, July 30, from 4 p.m. to midnight, festival-goers can enjoy Club Fantasy night, powered by Blvcksheep Record Label, featuring hip hop, R&B, jazz and more.

The lineup, according to McGee, is hosted by Pro-Up Dagget of 3rd Coast Ave.

“Saturday, July 31, will be the longest day of Leilapalooza [11 a.m. to midnight],” said Barry, “featuring music we know and love from past years, including rock, punk, alternative and folk/country.”

Saturday, July 31

Noon Papa G & The Traveling Horse Club

1 p.m. Modern Adventures

2 p.m. Kate Hinote Trio

3 p.m. Sam Luna

4 p.m. Ada Leanne

5 p.m. Astronaut On Juda

6 p.m. Dr. Emeritus

7 p.m. Retrofit

8 p.m. SXX

9 p.m. Klashing Black

10 p.m. Something Borrowed

In addition, all three days will offer food and drinks, art vendors and yard games. 

Festival grounds at the arboretum will be fenced off and no alcoholic drinks purchased within the festival will be allowed outside of the beer garden, organizers.

Outdoor coolers are not permitted, but blankets and chairs will be welcomed.

Food and drink vendors will surround the Fantasy Forest stage; vendors will be catering to most diet types, with options for kids and vegetarians, too, Barry said.

“In light of COVID, we are still practicing social distancing and rules are subject to change depending on CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] regulations,” said Barry.

More information on the fest is available online at Facebook.com/Leilapalooza.