Resonator Fest is set to return on April 19th at Kognisjon Bryggeri in Marquette, Michigan—a celebration that merges a deep local heavy music tradition with innovative craft brewing. This year’s installment promises a fresh yet familiar experience, uniting longtime locals with newer audiences through music, beer, and a shared passion for the underground scene.
At the heart of Resonator is its unmistakable connection to the local heavy music scene. Head brewer Kris Thompson, who played a central role in the festival’s creation, recalled his personal ties to Marquette. “I grew up here, went to local shows, and really loved the heavier, harder music,” Thompson explained. His nostalgic association with the early days of the scene was a driving force behind relaunching Resonator after last year’s unexpected success. Even as the local heavy music scene had waned over the years, Thompson expressed genuine excitement about its resurgence and his role in reviving the culture.
Resonator Fest is not merely a music festival—it is also an evolving celebration of craft beer culture. The festival’s namesake beer has an origin story that ties together both music and brewing innovation. Originally conceived as a special “420 beer” brewed with hops chosen for their cannabis-adjacent flavors, the festival beer has grown in character and complexity with each year.
The brewing process itself was a collaborative education for many. Thompson detailed how modern brewing techniques—including detailed hop scheduling that extracts the perfect balance of bitterness, flavor, and aroma—were shared with enthusiastic collaborators from local bands. Members from Caving Grounds, who worked closely with the brew team, described the process as “a field trip” into the art and science of beer making, underscoring the deep-rooted curiosity and passion behind the craft.
Resonator Fest 2025 features a carefully curated lineup that bridges local talent with regional favorites. Thompson began by inviting the members of Caving Grounds, who had long shown interest in being part of the event. He also brought back The Hard, known for their high-energy shows and loyal crowd appeal. Beyond these key acts, the festival welcomes diverse sounds ranging from Wisconsin’s instrumental post-metal outfit The Gray Area to Lansing’s Room 101, a band blending death-doom influences, and even the once elusive Bog Wizard.
Bog Wizard's music video for "The Frog Lord:"
Each band’s inclusion was deliberate; Thompson emphasized the importance of variety within the heavy music landscape. “There are countless ways to experience heavy metal,” he noted. “It’s about weaving together different sounds and vibes so the event appeals to everyone—from the devoted old-timers to the new, younger fans.”
Kurt Hauswirth spoke with Thompson and the band members about the next fest:
With Resonator Fest quickly becoming a flagship event in Marquette’s music calendar, the creative drive behind it is already pointing to the future. Thompson hinted at a plan to hold additional themed events throughout the year. “After Resonator, we’re looking at a second flagship event—possibly a two-day fest around Halloween,” he revealed. Future offerings may include a fusion of immersive music, innovative beer experiments (like a monster cereal beer series), and even themed parties that transform the brewery’s space into a playground for heavy metal and creative expression.
Find more details on Resonator Fest, including band announcements, beer release updates, and collaborations, on Kognisjon's Facebook and Instagram pages.
