Northern Michigan Events: August is the more relaxed part of a Northern Michigan summer, when the heat lasts throughout the day and leaves the evening as a cool respite from the day's activities. As you wind down your fun filled days, let your August evenings be filled with the sound of local musicians. Check out the list below to see a compilation of some of the best places to see live music!
Blue Tractor–all performances from 5-9 pm
Andrew Sturtz
Thursday August 2
A Traverse City native, Andrew skillfully combines jazz, acoustic and pop into an enjoyable performance. To sample some of Andrew's music click here.
Matt Arnold
Friday August 3
A local artist who returns to the Blue Tractor after performing with musicians such as Jake Stevens. Arnold is a vastly talended singer/songwriter who transitions easily from one genre to another, adding creativity and expertise to every new undertaking.
Ben Swan
Saturday August 4
This Traverse City based singer and guitarist is described as "reminiscent of John Mayer, Martin Sexton and Van Morrison." His alternative acoustic music showcases Swan's "rhythmic guitar style and melodic well modulated vocals." To sample some of Ben's music click here.
Andrew Sturtz
Thursday August 9
A Traverse City native, Andrew skillfully combines jazz, acoustic and pop into an enjoyable performance. To sample some of Andrew's music click here.
Brew
The Accidentals
Saturday August 12, 8-10 pm
This quirky duo of local girls have been a Northern Michigan favorite ever since they joined forces. They have been praised for their witty and original song writing as well as their folky beats. To sample some of their music click here.
Horizon Books–all performances 8:30-10:30 pm
Rose Fraser
Friday August 3
Rose's beautiful voice and melodies will certainly charm! Listen to some of her songs here.
The Accidentals
Saturday August 4
This quirky duo of local girls have been a Northern Michigan favorite ever since they joined forces. They have been praised for their witty and original song writing as well as their folky beats. To sample some of their music click here.
Motus Mixtus
Friday August 10
This four member band (previously Seldomtone) is an amazingly talented group of high school sophomores who do all their own original music! Don’t let their age fool you, because their sound and style is mature and marvelous! The musicians are: Logan Dell’Acqua – Vocals and Piano, David Stone – Drums, Jake Myers – Bass Guitar, and Fisher Diede – guitar.
Bret von Lindenberg
Saturday August 11
Bret von Lindenberg is a blended genre singer-songwriter that hopes to open doors to self discovery through his music.
Songwriters in the Round
Friday August 17
A group of local songwriters who regularly perform together, rotating time in the spotlight and building off each other's energy to create some of their best new material.
Matt Mansfield and Open Mic Night
Saturday August 18
Join local guitarist and DJ Matt Mansfield as he hosts open mic night. Are you a musician, songwriter or singer and want to get some performances under your belt? Then you definitely need to be here! If performing isn't your thing, audience members are also wanted!
Dede & the Dreamers
Friday August 24
"Ethereal Gypsy" music that will have you swaying to jazzy beats the whole performance!
Avant Garde
Saturday August 25
A four piece rock band.
Phil's on Front
236 E. Front Street, Traverse City
Hipps n Ricco
Wednesday August 1, 8-10 pm
This Northern Michigan blues-duo is producing a new sound that is quickly gaining more and more recognition. Ricco (Ypsilanti born Eric Jaqua) provides powerful lead vocals and guitar, as well as the newly developed "footdrums" while Hipps (Charlevoix based Charlier Witthoeft) delivers devilish harmonica rifts, background vocals, keyboard rhythms and masters the ion harp.
Poppycock's— all performances 9-11pm
128 E. Front Street, Traverse City
Andrew Sturtz Trio
Saturday August 4
With a recently released album under their belt, this talented group of twenty somethings include Andrew Sturtz on lead guitar and vocals, Alex Gusler on drums and Sam Messina on bass. To sample their new album click here!
Don Julin & friends
Saturday August 11
Don Julin is a talented Michigan instrumentalist who has performed all over the US and Europe as well as being featured on NPR's All Things Considered.
Jazz Katzz
Saturday August 18
Enjoy live jazz while sipping some of Poppycocks' delicious cocktails!
Medicinal Groove
Saturday August 25
Come and get down to a Michigan based "truly original form of high energy electric-funk-jazz-fusion."
Short's Brewing Company
121 North Bridge Street, Bellaire
Will Pearsall
Wednesday August 1
Inspired by his Florida roots Will Pearsall is an Americana singer and songwriter that transports you to the swamps of Florida with his music. To sample some of his music click here.
Trina Hamlin
Thursday August 2
This very talented harmonica player graduated from Berklee College in Boston and continues to showcase her musical talents all over the U.S. To sample some of Trina's music click here.
Petal Shop
Friday August 3
This traditional bluegrass Michigan band has traveled all over the country to perform (including New York subway stations.) Check out their music!
Valentiger
Saturday August 4
Original singers and songwriters make the music of Valentiger upbeat and unique. Listen to some of their music.
Adler and Hearne
Sunday August 5
This folky duo have brought their songs all the way from their farm in Texas. Sample some of their music here!
Shady Hill
Wednesday August 8
This Northern Michigan band reminds audiences that music and love are both still strong and alive. Check out some of their songs here.
Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys
Thursday August 9
Listening to their upbeat and toe tapping music will put you in a happy mood for the rest of the evening! For some of their music click here.
UnFourgettable
Friday August 10
Performing out of the American Songbook, this band is inspired by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mercery, Nat King Cole and many more! Check out their Facebook page!
Breathe Owl Breathe
Saturday August 11
A band that is both inspiring and fun to watch. This group knows how to create a strong audience connection through both their songs and humor.
Kraig Kenning
Sunday August 12
Kraig is a slide guitarist who puts on a great show!
George Cole and Eurocana
Saturday August 18
This group of musicians all have impressive resumes as soloists and combined they make up quite an incredible group. To hear and read more about the group click here!