Article Contributed by Dan Ward
Published on October 30, 2025
River Valley Rangers | photo(s) by: Dan Ward
The evening has grown cold and dark rain clouds fill the fall sky. Off a rural side street just outside Niles, Michigan, a gathering of bluegrass fans has assembled for Blooming Bus Farms’ “Boo-Grass.” The venue owners have pulled out all the stops to create a spooky atmosphere—floating candles, a giant demon figure—and the friendly llamas remind you it’s all in good fun.
The stage is set in the woods, with fire pits for warmth and hay bales for seating. Two food vendors and a bar complete the setup, keeping everyone fueled for the night.
The first act, Sundogs, is a bluegrass duo made up of Brett Vredevoogd and Chris DeMaar—joined tonight by Brett’s daughter, Fern Vredevoogd. The trio draws from all genres and filters familiar tunes through an acoustic, harmony-rich lens. Fans nod along to favorites in the lineage of Greensky Bluegrass and 8th Mountain Division.
As the cold settles in, Fern ducks out for some warmth. The original duo carries on with a soulful take on Bob Marley’s “Waiting in Vain,” followed by Deadhead favorites “Jack-A-Roe” and “Friend of the Devil.” The forest echoes with good vibes as Sundogs deliver a heartfelt rendition of Irving Berlin’s “Blue Skies.” The evening is off to a strong start.
Up next are hometown heroes, the Redbud Ramblers. The band is tight, with full harmonies that cut through the dark woods. “Tear My Stillhouse Down” gets an extended ride and sets the crowd in motion. Daniel Regal (guitar), Hank Nelson (guitar), and Bill Schnell (banjo) set their fingers ablaze while Stephen Kowalski (upright bass) thumps out a steady pulse.
Michael Rowland (mandolin) joins Beth Helm (fiddle/vocals) for a dreamy version of “Harvest Moon” that perfectly suits the scene—leaves changing, a fall wind sweeping the trees, and Beth’s sweet voice floating over soft mandolin. The Ramblers flex their range with “Kaw-Liga,” “Where Is My Mind?,” and “Dark Hollow,” then toss a curveball with Greg Kihn’s “The Breakup Song.” “I Feel the Blues Movin’ In” stands out—so well-blended it borders on a heavenly choir. They close with “White Rabbit,” proving these pickers can do it all.
Blooming Bus hasn’t forgotten its youngest fans, either. A haunted farm store, straw bales around the fire pits, lighted trails, a costume contest, and even color-changing fire powder keep kids wide-eyed and smiling. The result is an evening that’s spooky, safe, and full of joy for the whole family.
Finally, the River Valley Rangers—Mark Messer (mandolin, vocals), Jesse Beilfuss (upright bass, vocals), and Ben Zorn (fiddle, vocals)—take the stage. Hailing from Illinois, they reshape any tune into an instant bluegrass classic. Tonight, Caleb Peter (Miles Over Mountains) fills in on guitar, and he never misses a beat—his flatpicking is so clear and precise each note rings like a bell, whether leading or blending.
Jesse Beilfuss has that subtle presence bass players admire—always there, never in the way—a gentle guide keeping the band locked in. He can solo, sing, and hold the pocket, all with a Cheshire grin. Mark Messer is the voice of the Rangers and a virtuoso on mandolin, a natural entertainer whose rapport with Jesse underscores that this is a labor of love. Ben Zorn’s intuitive fiddle style fits every song; his harmonies slide in perfectly, and his solos blaze—especially on “If You’re Ever in Oklahoma.”
The Rangers say goodnight, and the bands mingle with fans under the night sky. Boo-Grass proves to be a joyous time: a little spooky magic and a lot of family-friendly fun. The folks at Blooming Bus Farms deserve big credit for creating such a safe, welcoming, and memorable atmosphere—we’ll be watching for their next event.
