MI Earth Day Entertainment
All staged musical performances will be held at the Party Stage in the large tent
behind (east of) the Rochester Mills building at the northeast corner of the festival.
Grab a bite and a drink, then sit back and enjoy some great music. When you are
out enjoying the exhibits, make sure to take a moment to enjoy the energy and intimacy
of a variety of street entertainers and musicians.
Whether the music comes from America, Africa, Europe or Asia - or some amazing combination
- it provides us a common language to share our joy and hopes for the future. What
celebration of Earth Day would be complete without music and its heart-felt expression
of the richness of cultures around the world? We hope you enjoy the artists who have
so generously given of their time as a measure of their commitment to our environment
and community. These talented musicians and bands are listed alphabetically below.
Musical Acts
16 more miles – Saturday, 3:00 PM
16 more miles is a band out of Ann Arbor. Jason
Magee, Brian Poore and Ben Lorenz have known each other since high school and together
were The Restroom Poets, a highly-regarded band in the ‘90’s. They broke up, grew
up, got back together to hang out and be friends, while continuing to write songs.
They added Erik Santos on bass and vocals, let Ben sing, and created some of the
best music of their career in the soon-to-be released “The Race You Never Run”. Jason’s
passionate vocals and songwriting talents have garnered much respect from their fellow
musicians. And they’re a really good band, too.
Billy Brandt’s Mission Band – Sunday, 3:00 PM
Billy has been a vital presence on the
Detroit music scene for a long time now, and has been a staunch supporter and practitioner
of roots music, whether through his record label Drum Dancer Records, or through
his own playing and songwriting. He’s been in bands such as Ash Can Van Gogh, Righteous
Willy, Jill Jack and Grievous Angel. He’s shepherded the careers of bands like Red
C, Spank and Jill Jack. He has great musical taste. He writes great tunes. He’s one
of the hardest-working musicians in the Detroit area. He loves, more than anything
else, to play music, and playing music with soul and heart is what Billy is all about.
Billy’s most recent endeavor, his solo record ‘The Mission Band’, exemplifies all
those things. It has heart, and soul, and elegant guitar work. He’s an artist you
won’t want to miss.
Chad Hoffman – Saturday, 1:00 PM
Chad Hoffman is a soulful, solo-acoustic singer/songwriter
based in Southeast Michigan. Chad is a passionate live performer whether he is playing
his own material or reinterpreting cover songs. His original works conjure sounds
of his many influences including Cat Stevens, Pink Floyd, Pearl Jam, Radiohead and
Ben Harper. Before moving to Michigan, Chad was the leader of several Columbus, Ohio
based bands including Aunt Dick, Marblehead and Orchard. In 2001, Chad released his
first studio recording, the acclaimed Marblehead EP, “Secrets Locked Away.” In 2003,
he began focusing on his career as a solo-acoustic musician. He has since honed his
skills as a songwriter, while developing an impressive catalogue of classic and modern
cover songs which he performs with a fresh new spin. In late 2006, Chad moved to
Rochester Hills, MI, just outside of Motown. Shortly after this transition, he began
recording his first solo album, which is expected to be released in the Summer of
2010. You can visit www.chadsolo.com to learn more, view Chad’s schedule of upcoming
shows or stay up to date on the progress of his forthcoming album.
JC’s Drummin’ Music – Sunday, 11:00 AM
You will find JC’s student drummers everywhere
during the festival – in the parade, in small groups as street entertainers, and
on stage Sunday morning! Last year’s performance included audience participation,
so be sure to bring your young percussionists!
Jill Jack – Saturday, 4:00 PM
Hometown favorite Jill Jack creates a musical tapestry
that balances elegance, grace, and rugged self-reliance in equal parts. That she
can carry them all in the grain of her voice as the foundations of hard-won truth
is simply captivating. . Her 6th CD “Moon and the Morning After” put her on the national
radar, receiving airplay around the US - one radio station said: "Jill Jack; I just
keep thinking somehow that if Waylon Jennings was a woman, it would be her! She's
sharp, she's witty, and she's got soul. Most important, I think based on her songwriting
and style, she's got staying power; she gives Tift Merritt some real competition."
Her recently-released CD and DVD, “Songwriter Sessions”, looks poised to make an
even bigger impact. Winner of innumerable Detroit Music Awards and with seven records’
worth of music to draw from, Jill is always looking for the next goal, reaching for
new horizons and new ways to connect with her audience. Her warmth and talent will
captivate you!
Drew Nelson – Sunday, 2:00 PM
Listening to Drew Nelson perform is like listening to
nature - quiet, real, passionate, earthy and reflective. From Grand Rapids, Drew's
latest record "Dusty Road to Beulah Land" has done extremely well on the European
Americana charts as well as drawing attention here at home. His music draws on the
rich populist folk tradition, from Woody Guthrie to Bruce Springsteen, with lyrics
that reveal an incisive ability to capture ordinary folk in a decisive moment - a
depiction drawn with sympathy and clarity - and a love and appreciation for the natural
world around us. Legendary songwriter John Gorka says, "Drew's songs sound like the
rest of us feel." Andrew Calhoun of Waterbug Records says, "Drew Nelson's songs
move like the river under ice. He writes like a man who has learned to make use of
his setbacks, to become a voice of community and renewal."
October Babies – Saturday, 5:00 PM
October Babies was founded by Japanese singer Toko
Shiiki and bassist/arranger Erik Santos and produced their debut CD "Ao-zora Radio"
(Blue-sky Radio) in 2008 and are currently working on a new record. Joined by guitarist/vocalist
Dale King, and drummer Ben Lorenz - the October Babies have a bright and energetic
spirit which excites their American audiences, combining the bright spirit of Japanese
pop with a jam-band vibe. This is a band that will get you dancing and smiling, even
though you might not have any idea what they’re singing about! Band website: octoberbabies.net
(videos available there)
Rochester Conservatory of Music – Saturday, 11:00 AM
The Conservatory’s talented students
will be giving a formal performance onstage Saturday morning – and look for them
in small groups throughout the festival as they ‘busk’ for your enjoyment!
Jo Serrapere – Sunday, 1:00 PM
Whether recreating old songs from the Mississippi Delta
or performing songs in her own confessional style, Jo's music stands original while
always reflecting her love of American roots music. Her eclectic writing and performance
fuses elements of various modern and traditional folk music, old-time and electric
blues styles, roots rock, garage surf, swing, hot jazz and alt-country. Jo's band,
the Willie Dunns (John Devine, Jef Reynolds and Stuart Tucker) brings added depth
and musical styling to Jo's original songs as well as classics from such artists
as Mississippi John Hurt, Bessie Smith and Tom Waits.
Jen Sygit – Saturday, 2:00 PM
Jen grew up in Port Huron and Marysville and has three
albums under her belt with her latest “So Long Pollyanna” released on Earthwork Music
in May ‘09. Her last release “Leaving Marshall St.” was nominated for a Detroit Music
Award for BEST ACOUSTIC/FOLK ALBUM in 2007 and made it to 9 on the independent roots
music charts that year. The album also landed on a number of ‘Best of’ lists as well.
Now, besides regionally touring and playing shows, Jen can also be found hosting
the popular weekly open mic at Dagwood Tavern in Lansing. She has been host of the
thriving scene for almost five years. Jen has been doing a lot of guest vocals lately,
including Jill Jack’s latest record, “Songwriter Sessions”. Jen is also one fourth
of a band called Stella! with Jo Serrapere, Tahmineh Gueramy and Katie Grace. Additionally,
she plays in a duo with Sam Corbin when she does acoustic shows.
