November’s first-ever statewide conference for musicians, photographers and poster artists in Jackson will feature art exhibits, band performances. workshops, a music market & more. The lowdown.
Celebrating Artists and Making the Music Scene Stronger: November’s GIG Conference organized by Chuck Marshall. (Courtesy Photos)
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Music encompasses more than just songs and performances.
So the first-ever “GIG: The Art of Michigan Music” conference aims to cover the gamut of Michigan’s music scene, from concert photography to poster art to music industry expertise to diverse entertainment from regional acts.
Taking place Nov. 8-10 at Art 634 in Jackson, the unique three-day event spearheaded by Detroit-bred photographer, publisher and “lover of Michigan music” Chuck Marshall will roll out art exhibits (concert photos, posters, T-shirts, album covers), live music, professional development sessions, a music market, food and beverages.
“Working as a concert photographer, I got to know a number of fantastic photographers and graphic artists who had a deep passion for music and art,” said Marshall, recently retired as an IT manager for Michigan Medicine. “I felt that we needed some way to showcase these visual artists who contribute so much to the Michigan music scene.”
So, eight years ago he curated an “Art of Michigan Music” art show in Ann Arbor, planting the seeds for creating “something bigger and better” and more all-encompassing when it comes to Michigan music. Hence, the Jackson GIG conference was born with assistance from the nonprofit Michigan Music Alliance, Marshall and his wife Brenda’s Life in Michigan publication, The Stratton Setlist, Experience Jackson and several other organizations.
Chuck Marshall: Hosting ‘a vivid cross-section’ of bands at GIG. (Courtesy Photo)
“GIG is an opportunity to celebrate these artists and immerse yourself in the art that makes music shine,” Marshall insisted. “It’s like having a backstage pass to Michigan’s music and art scenes, while also enjoying the show.”
That ‘show’ will feature Friday night performances by Allegan County native, Americana star and Local Spins’ 2023 Emerging Artist of the Year Myron Elkins, soulful Americana duo Jennifer Westwood and Dylan Dunbar, bluegrass band Wilson Thicket and “multi-dimensional” tunesmith Jon Torrence. Grand Rapids’ soulful rock band Nathan Walton & The Remedy will headline Saturday night’s lineup, which also features Detroit gothic rock outfit The Blueflowers, psychedelic rock’s Carbon Decoy and roots rock’s Ladyship Warship.
Marshall called the lineup “a vivid cross-section of Michigan music. It highlights the diversity and strength within our music community. It also includes musicians who are just too damn good to miss.”
MUSICIANS’ WORKSHOPS, NETWORKING AND A MUSIC MARKET
Saturday’s schedule also features five workshops, covering concert booking, grants and “Start Your LLC” hosted by the Michigan Music Alliance, “Social Media and Branding” by Hip in Detroit and live podcast recording by Aaron McCall.
The GIG Art Exhibit will feature examples of concert photography, gig posters, T-shirt designs and album artwork. The conference kicks off on Friday with a “Meet the Artists” reception and closes out on Sunday with a “Music Market” featuring vinyl records, T-shirts, posters and other merchandise. (Local Spins photographers Derek Ketchum, Chelsea Whitaker and Jeff Brinn will be featured as part of the exhibit.)
Nathan Walton & The Remedy: Headlining GIG on Saturday. (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
“We want to celebrate these artists for giving us compelling and complementary artwork that makes the music shine. All this creative work is truly artwork in its own right that should be showcased and shared with as many people as possible,” said Marshall.
The conference also aims to appeal to working musicians with “a great opportunity to network with fellow musicians and the visual artists in the music community. … We’d like this event to be a hub to celebrate our music community, learn about what works or doesn’t work, and see what ways we can work together to make the music industry in our state stronger.”
Marshall said he’s hoping for a turnout of 600 to 800 attendees at this inaugural event.
A weekend GIG pass is $45; Friday/Saturday tickets are $25 each. Tickets are available online here. Entry to Sunday’s Music Market is free.
Get more information, a full schedule, directions and more online at lifeinmichigan.com/gig. Art 634 is located at 634 N. Mechanic St. in Jackson.
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