About UnCaged

Leelanau UnCaged is inspired by John Cage, the American composer and philosopher, whose interpretation of rhythm and music was original in every way. He famously said, "Get yourselves out of whatever cage you find yourself in." One of our founders witnessed the amazement of a Cage event and carried it forward to fuel his vision of UnCaged.

​

The creative spirit behind Leelanau UnCaged traces its roots to a single chaotic, and inspiring event. In April 1970, at the Macalester College field house in St. Paul, Minnesota, the experimental composer John Cage staged his groundbreaking concept: a Musicircus.

​

About 25 music and dance groups, spaced around the infield of a track, performed simultaneously as attendees walked around the oval. This "simultaneous performance of multiple music and dance performers of a variety of genres,” Cage believed, was a powerful expression and celebration of the creative force. The event went on to inspire similar performances in Paris, London and other European cities.

​

It was this very event that inspired Leelanau UnCaged founder Andy Thomas. Just as Cage encouraged his contemporaries to “get out of whatever cage you may find yourself in,” our festival was born from the desire to break down traditional boundaries and celebrate creative freedom at a deliberate time of year.

​

​​

 

Musicircus and Leelanau UnCaged Today The spirit of Musicircus is the creative blueprint for Leelanau UnCaged. This concept is the reason why our festival is so unique:

​

• A Multi-Stage Experience: With seven outdoor stages all playing live music at the same time, the festival mirrors the simultaneous performances of a Musicircus. You can hear a bit of jazz mingling with folk music as you walk the street.

• Freedom of Choice: The festival has no central ticket booth or main event. You are invited to wander freely, creating your own personal experience by choosing which stages to visit, which artists to see, and which sounds to follow.

• A "Free" Festival: Just as Cage's concept was a free-form experience without a single path, Leelanau UnCaged is a free festival for all to attend. This allows everyone in the community to freely explore and discover their own piece of the magic.

 

 

 

More Than Music: A Strategic Community Event The timing of Leelanau UnCaged is no accident. Holding the festival on the last day of September is a deliberate choice. It signals the end of the busy summer season, embracing a more relaxed pace. It also provides a crucial economic boost to local businesses, offering a final surge of activity as the autumn season begins. Most importantly, it acts as a much-anticipated reunion for family and friends, musicians and artists alike.

​

Leelanau UnCaged, approaching its 12th year, is a day to celebrate and stimulate the senses! We hope you come and enjoy.

This event is brought to you by local volunteers who care very much for this county and are proud of the talents and resources the people, the land and water provide.

We could not do this without the many who give countless hours preparing for this wondrous day. Please take a moment during the festivities to thank a volunteer or two.

There is no admission charge for the festival. It is paid for by donations from merchants, foundations and individuals. If you would like to become an UnCaged Sponsor, click the donate button or send a check to:

Leelanau UnCaged
P. O. Box 181
Northport, MI 49670

Your dollars are tax deductible, will help with expenses, and allow us to give you a day to remember. We'll also list your name and/or business logo on our sponsorship page, which is pretty cool. 

Thank you!

See you at the 12th annual Leelanau UnCaged, Saturday, September 26, 2026!

-The Leelanau UnCaged Crew