Michigan Rattlers started playing years ago in Petoskey’s coffee shops. In June 2019, the band (now based in Los Angeles) opened for Bob Seger at the DTE Energy Music Theatre. The trio is coming home July 31 for a tour stop at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts. 

Michigan Rattlers’ self-titled first EP attracted attention and rave reviews from publications including No Depression, Bluegrass Situation, B3 Science and Rolling Stone, who in 2016 named the band one of its “Ten New Country Artists You Need to Know.” In 2018, Michigan Rattlers released their first full-length album, Evergreen

The band members—Graham Young (guitar), Adam Reed (upright bass) and Christian Wilder (piano)—are looking forward to playing shows in their hometown. Guitarist Graham Young says, “It’s nice to get back home and immerse yourself in everbody that’s still there. You’re guaranteed to run into old classmates and old friends no matter when you’re back.” While in Petoskey, the Rattlers gain inspiration from the people and places around them. Hitting the local bar scene, a favorite of the band’s being Beards Brewery, and sifting through the book-filled shelves at Mclean and Eakin are always on the lineup.

Growing up in Peotskey played a role in their path toward music, Graham says. “The community in Michigan is very artist friendly. We all used to listen to our parents old records. Christain and Adam took piano lessons at a young age, and the music program in the Petoskey school system is pretty incredible. Our shows in Northern Michigan are some of the best performances we’ve ever done.”

Northern Michigan is unlike anywhere else. Whether traversing the beautiful blue waters, tasting local cherries or checking out the scene of eclectic artists, we call ourselves lucky to call this place home. Petoskey, a Northern Michigan city that embodies all things NoMi, is home to the Great Lakes Center for the Arts. The state-of-the-art, 525-seat performing arts venue opened in July of 2018 with the Detroit Symphony and Interlochen Festival Chorus. The center’s mission is, “To inspire, entertain and educate with year-round, world-class performances, accessible ticket pricing and a robust educational program.”

This summer, the center is hosting the Great Lakes Music Festival on July 31. The Northern Michigan event will feature The Crane Wives, hailing from from Grand Rapids, and Petoskey natives, the Michigan Rattlers.

Tickets are available online, or call 231.439.2600. Find the band’s tour schedule on its website.

EVENT DETAILS

When: Wednesday, July 31 at 8 p.m.

Where: Great Lakes Center for the Arts // 800 Bay Harbor Dr., Petoskey

Why: For great tunes by an awesome Northern Michigan band!

Photo(s) by Chris Wixom