Michigan’s most famous island offers more than fudge, horses and a rich history. Summertime and early fall boast a hotbed of live music with a unique milieu, much of it after-hours. Local Spins takes a gander at Mackinac music in words, pictures and video.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Local Spins occasionally travels the state to provide glimpses of Michigan’s vibrant music scene, including out-of-the-way outposts with a distinctive atmosphere. Such is the case with the tourist mecca that is Mackinac Island, especially in the summer. Local Spins writer Libbie Voltz takes a peek into gigging on the island.
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Fudge, ferries, T-shirts, horses and bikes.
That’s the most common description of Mackinac Island, but those who stay into the evening get a glimpse of the dynamic live music at bars and restaurants.
Just ask Beaverton native Myk Rise, who has been playing gigs on the island on and off since 1982, including 21 straight nights in July.
“We definitely have vibrant live entertainment,” he said. “After the last boat leaves, it’s a different world.
“It’s unique in that you never have the same crowd two nights in a row. There’s a constant swell of people each day. That helps keep it somewhat fresh. People seem more receptive than my experiences downstate because they’re on vacation. They’re just much more enthusiastic.”
Once the ferries stop running, the atmosphere shifts completely. The magic of Mackinac transcends from the scenery to the locals’ favorite hangouts, where tourists who accidentally stumble upon them get to really immerse themselves into what the island’s music scene has to offer.
A MELTING POT OF MUSICIANS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
While Mackinac Island certainly draws a melting pot of tourists, called “fudgies,” Grand Hotel jazz singer Susan Tobocman noted the island also is a melting pot of musicians.
“Most of the musicians that are playing in the hotel aren’t from here,” she said. “They’re from all over, like New York, Virginia and New Jersey. I mean, the pianist (here) is from Slovenia. I’ve met people from all around the world.”
Tobocman, originally from Michigan, now resides in New York City. She’s a returning singer in the Terrace Room at the hotel.
So what attracted her to playing on the island?
“First, I love to play with great musicians, and there’s great musicians here,” Tobocman said. “It’s a very well-known gig in New York City, which is interesting because New York City is the mecca for jazz musicians.”
Among the performers on the bill for the Grand Hotel’s annual Labor Day Jazz Weekend, which takes place Sept. 2-5, are Michael Feinstein, a Grammy- and Emmy-nominated American songbook vocalist, Oregon-based swing and ska band Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, Jane Monheit, a New York jazz and pop singer, smooth jazz icon Bob James and more. In addition, Grand Rapids native and bassist Paul Keller — a jazz weekend veteran –plays the Cupola Bar.
The package is sold out, but there is a waiting list available. Get details online here.
Of course, there’s far more than jazz-hued entertainment on tap for island dwellers and visitors.
‘MUSIC IN THE PARK’ WITH A SONIC ENVIRONMENT ‘UNLIKE ANY OTHER’
Stretching from late June to early August, the Mackinac Arts Council’s weekly “Music in the Park” at Marquette Park below Fort Mackinac featured the likes of Kalamazoo’s Megan Dooley, Grand Rapids-based rock/pop band Valentiger and Jenison native and singer-songwriter Matt Gabriel.
“The sonic environment is unlike any other. There are no cars anywhere,” said Program Director Phillip Rice. “So you get a very different soundscape. There’s no automobile traffic noise, but you also get bells on the horses. It’s a very nice ambient space to perform, especially for the groups that have a folk-rock style to them. It’s a little bit more Americana. It just makes sense.
“Since there’s no cars, there’s a tremendous amount of foot traffic,” he added. “This particular location is right on the main drag where people are walking or biking, and because they’re biking or walking, it’s very easy to stop. It almost has a musical festival vibe, where people are coming and going.”
Gabriel and his band headlined the season’s final concert on Aug. 4, filling the park with acoustic folk music underpinned by blues and rock. It was the performer’s first time on the island.
“The town is totally unique and very much a Michigan staple,” Gabriel said. “We were excited to have the opportunity to perform. The park itself was very beautiful. We had a good sunset.”
Kristina Lynch of Chicago worked on the island this summer, and attended the arts council shows.
“I love that they have the shows here,” Lynch said. “I’ve been doing music for a long time. It’s a great way to spread love with people. You never know who in the audience is having a tough time so being able to share your passion and what you love with people who may need it is great.”
Island worker Sarah Kurfess of Ann Arbor also attended the concerts. “I love coming out every week when I can, and listening to the bands,” Kurfess said. “I always see people I know.”
“It’s really crucial that we provide the arts so that human element of experience is represented here, and that it’s not all fudge and hotels,” Rice added.
“Although all of those things are wonderful, music is also something that should be part of the island experience, which adds to the magic and the charm and the memories.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Music on Mackinac Island
Photos by Sam Staffan
VIDEO: Music on Mackinac Island
Video by Sam Staffan and Zach Smith
Music by Matt Gabriel
UPCOMING MACKINAC ISLAND PERFORMANCES:
The Gatehouse: International request night every Thursday, DJ theme night on Fridays, karaoke on Saturdays.
The Village Inn: Acoustic cover artist, Brian Thomas every Friday and Saturday.
Horn’s Gaslight Bar: Live music six nights a week and DJs on Wednesdays. http://www.hornsbar.com/entertainment.htm
The Pink Pony: Live patio music starting at 3 p.m. and music starting 9 p.m. in the bar.
Mustang Lounge: Aug. 27, DJ Brev; Aug. 28, DJ Bill Da Cat.
Huron Street Pub and Grill: Aug. 26 and 27, Johnny Stevenson & Nikolia (acoustic duo)
The Grand Hotel: Sept. 2-6, Labor Day Jazz Weekend
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