Little Dipper’s First Time at Leelanau Uncaged - Northport, MI

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.