Howard Levy is a master of the diatonic harmonica, a superb pianist, innovative composer, educator, and producer. At the age of 19, he discovered how to play the diatonic harmonica as a fully chromatic instrument by developing techniques on it that had never existed before. Peter Madcat Ruth’s C.A.R.Ma. Quartet features eclectic traditional and improvisational music played by four veteran Ann Arbor musicians.
It’s human nature to look back, and to try to make sense of that which has gone by. For the luminous indie folk duo of Joshua Lee Turner and Allison Young, it’s a question not only of what should be relinquished, but also what might be worth taking with you. The pair share an eclectic nostalgia for sounds of the past—Jazz and Classical, Golden Age musicals, big bands of the ‘40s, singer-songwriters of the ‘60s, dewy indie rock of the early 2010s—as well as a passion for instrumental music and covers.
The earth speaks to us in a myriad of ways — through ice cores, through uplift and erosion, through tree rings — languages we have the potential to restore our literacy in. Reconnecting with these quiet messages has set Seth Glier, a Grammy-nominated artist from Western Massachusetts, on a path of channeling nature’s longing for communion with humanity into song. Antje Duvekot is a compelling live performer and a crafter of intricate, closely observed songs. She’s the winner of some of the top songwriting awards, including the Grand Prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition, the prestigious Kerrville (TX) “Best New Folk Award” and the Boston Music Award for “Outstanding Folk Act.”
In two decades on the road Jeffrey Foucault has become one of the most distinctive voices in American music, refining a sound instantly recognizable for its simplicity and emotional power. With a string of critically acclaimed studio albums – “Stark, literate songs that are as wide open as the landscape of his native Midwest” (The New Yorker), “Beat-up troubadour folk whittled to dolorous perfection” (Uncut), “Songwriting Brilliance,” (Irish Times) – he’s built a brick-and-mortar international touring career and a devoted following, one that includes luminaries like Van Dyke Parks, Greil Marcus, and Don Henley.
Born and raised in Detroit, BLKBOK was immersed in a household filled with music. Showing exceptional talent, he quickly made a name for himself as a piano prodigy, garnering recognition and willing prestigious competitions at both the statewide and college levels by the time he was 8. His live performances are an electrifying display of energy and cultural resonance, aiming to captivate audiences like never before with his unique piano-based showmanship.
"In 2024, more than 25 years after releasing our first holiday CD, we are still at it. This year, we will be leaning into some harmonies and making an intimate but hopefully holy ruckus. It won’t be all Christmas music: we’ll certainly mix in tunes from many of our records along the way. But hopefully it’s still true: hopefully you haven’t heard anything quite like it."
Fill the holidays with rock and modern blues! Chicago's Billboard chart-topping quartet The Empty Pockets are bringing their 'MistleTunes' Holiday Concert to town. Seasonal classics like "Silent Night" and "Run Run Rudolph" are given new life through this band's joyful energy. Plus, fresh and fun original songs like "Party at the North Pole" and "Snow Day" are a welcome change from the same-old-songs, year after year. Join The Empty Pockets, as they ignite a bright flame by harnessing a joyful friction between Americana, folk, and rock ‘n’ roll spiked with roots soul.
Johnny grew up in South Dakota surrounded by cornfields and gravel roads. He became a state champion runner in high school and later attended college on a scholarship. In his dorm room he started recording and producing music but eventually left college to pursue his passion full-time. In his mid-twenties, he relocated to Charleston, SC and released his album "Secret Wave" with the help of his friend and producer Wolfgang Zimmerman (Band of Horses, Susto). While in Charleston, Johnny helped produce and record various artists' records and co-created the band SUSTO. In 2016, he left the band to start the prog-rock group The Artisanals. After touring internationally as the frontman, Johnny is now focusing on his solo work. His new album, "Para Llevar," is set to release in November 2024 with the New West Records team.
Celebrating its 17th anniversary, the Ebird and Friends Holiday Show has become known for connecting audiences with stellar artists in the Michigan music community. Four performances of this festive revue will occur December 12 through 14.
Celebrating its 17th anniversary, the Ebird and Friends Holiday Show has become known for connecting audiences with stellar artists in the Michigan music community. Four performances of this festive revue will occur December 12 through 14.
Celebrating its 17th anniversary, the Ebird and Friends Holiday Show has become known for connecting audiences with stellar artists in the Michigan music community. Four performances of this festive revue will occur December 12 through 14.
Celebrating its 17th anniversary, the Ebird and Friends Holiday Show has become known for connecting audiences with stellar artists in the Michigan music community. Four performances of this festive revue will occur December 12 through 14.