Live music is a key component of the Black Swamp Arts Festival (BSAF), with three stages hosting a mix of genres. Ranging from folk and soul to rock and jazz, this year’s lineup includes both local talent and nationally renowned acts.
“The 2025 Main Stage music lineup reflects a bridge of the past, present and future,” said BSAF Performing Arts Chair Cole Christensen. “Each year we focus on finding a diverse musical palate that appeals to a wide audience while raising the bar on musicianship.”
The Main Stage music lineup kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5 with Leadfoot Granny. The group is currently gaining attention from national record producers for their recently published self-titled album.
Friday performances continue through 10 p.m.
Saturday’s Main Stage lineup features Malawian musician Sam Shaba starting at noon. Shaba is known for fusing traditional African rhythms and contemporary jazz.
Following Shaba’s performance, Chloe & the Steel Strings perform at 1:30 p.m. The group is a Toledo-based group that plays a mix of Americana and psychedelic folk rock.
Miller & The Other Sinners then perform at 3 p.m. The Buffalo-based southern soul band features Memphis soul, gospel spirit and blues.
Paul McDonald and the Mourning Doves perform at 4:30 p.m. McDonald’s voice has been compared to that of Bob Dylan.
Additionally, Kendall Street Company returns to the festival to perform at 6:15 p.m.
Alejandro Escovedo also returns to the festival to perform at 8 p.m. Escovedo has worked with many artists including Bruce Springsteen.
Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel closes out Saturday at 10 p.m. The group features roots rock, blues and improvisational.
Sunday’s lineup kicks off at 11 a.m. with EMP Group featuring a wide variety of genres including Latin. Following EMP is Chris Canas at 12:30 p.m.
Then, Cristina Vane performs at 2 p.m. featuring pre-war blues, old-time fiddle banjo, country and bluegrass music.
Finally, LADAMA closes out the festival at 3:30 p.m. The all-women ensemble features songs sung in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
The Black Swamp Arts Festival takes place September 5-7, 2025.
A full performance schedule is listed below.
Friday, September 5
5:00 pm: Leadfoot Granny
6:30 PM: Telula
8:00 PM: AJ Lee & Blue Summit
10:00 PM: Shadowgrass
Saturday, September 6
Noon: Sam Shaba
1:30 pm: Chloe & the Steel Strings
3:00 pm: Miller & the Other Sinners
4:30 pm: Paul McDonald and the Mourning Doves
6:15 pm: Kendall Street Company
8:00 pm: Alejandro Escovedo
10:00 pm: Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel
Sunday, September 7
11:00 am: EMP Group
12:30 pm: Chris Canas
2:00 pm: Cristina Vane
3:30 pm: LADAMA
