Land of NOD Experiment

What the Hell's the Land of NOD Experiment

by Sara Aldridge

'Tis the season for summer festivals. From Movement and Coachella to Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza, music lovers travel from coast to coast to watch a roster of artists from electronic and folk to rock and rap. This year, Metro Detroiters don't have to travel far to get a glimpse of some of the music world's most talented national and local acts. The Land of Nod Experiment will stake its claim in Jackson from July 23-25 and bring one of the most eclectic lineups in Michigan's summer festival history.

What started as an attraction within the VOODOO Music Experience in New Orleans from 2000-2008, Land of Nod has since broken away to expand as a solo event. "We decided to bring it to Jackson in 2007 and hosted successful preview events on the site in 2008 and 2009," says Dan Sheridan, one of the event coordinators. "This year will be the first full scale weekend camping event of our own."

Sheridan [above left] and Jason Reed [above right, with Andrea Bacon, a production coordinator] have been working around the clock for two years to bring this event to Michigan. With 32 years of combined experience in event production, Reed and Sheridan are gathering an assemblage of creative minds to exhibit an amazing display of art, music and creative expression. "Be prepared this year to have fun, shake your butt, gain new friends and experiences," says Sheridan.

Sheridan says that the mission of the grassroots music and arts festival is "to provide a platform for underground art to be exposed to people who might not otherwise experience it, and to showcase the pioneers [of] various musical genres." And with such a unique list of musical acts and displays of creativity, it seems hard for them not to succeed.

Admittedly, when you think of Jackson, the first thing that probably crosses your mind is not an all-inclusive art, music and camping festival. Racetracks, Republicans and jails would be more likely references. So why would such a unique event pick Jackson for a home? "After touring the site 12 years ago, it was decided that a festival-style gathering must take place there someday. Jackson is a very beautiful area and centrally located in the Midwest. The camping area where weekend festival-goers are encouraged to spend their time is shrouded in maple trees, giving the area a fairytale, dreamlike feel," says Sheridan. "Land of Nod is a magical place you go in your dreams where anything you imagine can and will come true."

So, why should you venture to Jackson? "Land of Nod is a smaller scale event, based around more of an intimate experience than most festivals. Most of the artists and bands involved will be onsite all weekend to hang with the people and take in the entire experience," says Reed. In addition, national acts like Tokyo Police Club, Eagles of Death Metal, Dr. Octagon and Of Montreal will be taking to the stage.

There will be a number of local musicians like Silverghost, Prussia and Audra Kubat also bringing their talent to Nod. Aside from the killer lineup of bands, the event boasts a lengthy list of creative happenings. "There will be theatrical performances, buskers, spoken word, aerialists, parades, live art creation and community involvement," says Reed. Creative art troupes from all around the map — including Detroit's Motor City Vaudeville Review, New Orleans' Tap Water Mind Control and Sacramento's fire troupe, Sirena Serpetina — will also grace the stages. So pack up the van, grab your pals and journey to the Land of Nod. | - Real Detroit Weekly