Baystock 2012
Baystock is a unique small music festival that hosts some spectacular individuals and groups over four days in a remote camp in Bayfield County. The fesitval was started 33 years ago by a few friends who just wanted to get together and enjoy some music. For the first few years Baystock was held in the back yard of one of the founders. In 1993 a plot of land was purchased in rural Bayfield County to host the event.
After 33 years these guys have it all worked out. They have built a nice stage in a natural ‘bowl’ with the audience sitting on the hill before it. At the top of the hill is a large fire pit where many people gather. The stage has lighting and a professional quality sound system. All this is powered by a generator hidden over the hill so the noise does not interfere with the music. The music is even broadcast on a small low powered radio transmitter so everyone can listen to the music at their camp sites.
The variety and caliber of the bands is surprisingly good, especially since they all come and play for free. The first night started with a jam session of some of the founding musicians. Next was a punk band. I have never especially been a fan of punk music, but they were very good. The next three days consisted of a variety of bands, solo acts and even a tribal story teller. Most of the day acts could be classified as folk or blue grass style of music. The nights got a little more upbeat with some classic rock bands. The final night closed with a Reggae band that was phenomenal. They took some 80’s era songs and created their own reggae version that lasted as long as 20 minutes. The band had a lot of fun and in turn so did the audience. The last two songs they played had the back drop of lighting from the storm blowing in surrounding the whole camp area and creating a magical feeling.
Baystock is reminiscent (as I can only imagine) of the hippy communes of the 60’s. It seems that everyone has their job and contributes to the weekend community. There is a guy who cooks breakfast and dinner for all the organizers, there is a group that place tiki lights throughout the trails and makes sure they stay lit, another group acts as security.
The communal shower has been created out of an old popup camper, farm style water transport container, a propane water heater and a solar powered pump. All of this is surrounded by a blue tarp enclosing the old camper. And by the way it is someone’s ‘job’ to bring in the water and put the tarp up each year.
All in all this was an amazing weekend of music and a break from the a fast paced life. So where is Baystock? And how do you get tickets? Sorry, Baystock is a semi private party. It is open to friends and friends of friends only. So if you hear any of your friends talking about it, make sure you do not ignore them and ask for an invite to next year's Baystock.
This Article was written by staff writer:
David Gouwens
If you know of any events or hidden places David should check out, please email them to 
E-mail Info
See more photos at our facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/NorthwoodsToday#!/NorthwoodsToday