Brother Elsey, Jordan Hamilton, Jack Droppers, Michigander, Stef Chura, Steppes and more closed out the Michigan House runs with a diverse showcase Monday at an Austin nightclub. Recap, photos, video.
SXSW Debut: Grand Rapids’ Brother Elsey on stage Monday at Austin’s Stay Gold. (Photo/Ricky Olmos)
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In a fitting conclusion to Michigan House festivities at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, the pop-up venue hosted its “Michigan Showcase” on Monday at the Stay Gold nightclub, turning the dive bar into a northern oasis flaunting Great Lakes State attractions.
The event boasted Michigan beers on draft, free swag and riveting sets by a diverse blend of artists from across the state: Jordan Hamilton, Jack Droppers & the Best Intentions, The Seventh, Noveliss, Steppes, Brother Elsey, Michigander, Stef Chura and Tiny Jag.
Fetching Pop: Michigander on Monday night. (Photo/Ricky Olmos)
The room in the East Austin club filled slowly but steadily by mid-afternoon, with sets by Kalamazoo hip hop cellist Jordan Hamilton and Grand Rapids roots rocker Jack Droppers starting things off.
Once Detroit artist Noveliss launched into his fiery set, a crowd had formed in front of the stage below an iconic golden disco ball. The hip-hop artist carved out a scorching set of soul and rhymes with a backing DJ, inspiring some carefree dancing.
Flint-area band Steppes followed with a dreamy performance of their signature brand of shimmering indie-rock.
BROTHER ELSEY, MICHIGANDER, STEF CHURA, TINY JAG IMPRESS
One of the best performances of the evening arrived with Brother Elsey. The Grand Rapids collective let loose and unleashed a mind-blowing performance. With unbridled energy, musical perfection, and the kind of harmonies fit for heaven, the five-piece band was a favorite of the evening. Standout songs included “Peacemaker,” “Sarah” and a rocking rendition of “Taker.”
Stef Chura (Photo/Ricky Olmos)
Following suit, Michigander continued the energetic trend, with Jason Singer engaging and wandering through the crowd. Singer and his band rambled through a set of anthemic rock that had the near-capacity crowd singing along.
Another highlight of the evening included two Detroit artists: Stef Chura, who delivered her unapologetic punk style of indie-rock with a backing band, and Tiny Jag, who conjured the spirit of Motor City via beats, bass and grooving verses.
It was a powerful send-off to the evening and to Michigan House’s five-day run of performances, panel discussions and displays of Mitten State creativity at SXSW.
Read more Local Spins coverage of Michigan House at SXSW.
VIDEO: Michigan House at SXSW 2019
Video by Ricky Olmos
PHOTO GALLERY: Michigan House Showcase at Stay Gold in Austin (3/11/19)
