Michigan Music Initiative

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Michigan Music Initiative

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The Michigan Music initiative is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating Michigan's vibrant music scene and honoring its incredible talent.

10/18/2026

We’ve seen some great posts this morning coming out of Business in the Key of D, and we absolutely love seeing Michigan’s music community showing up, connecting and supporting one another! ❤️🎶

We did want to clear up one small bit of confusion we’ve noticed—not as a correction, but because we believe strongly in giving credit where credit is due.

**Business in the Key of D is a Michigan Music Alliance program/event, not a Michigan Music Initiative event.** While we’re always grateful when MMI is mentioned and appreciate the support tremendously, the credit for this event belongs to the team at Michigan Music Alliance!

MMI is proud to support organizations, events and people doing meaningful work for Michigan music, and we’re always happy to see more opportunities being created for artists and industry professionals across our state.

There’s room for all of us to contribute to a stronger Michigan music community—and when another organization does great work, we want to make sure they get recognized for it.

Keep supporting Michigan music. ❤️🎶
Michigan Music Initiative

10/13/2026

🎶 A NIGHT WE WON’T FORGET | RHYTHM CORPS AT ST. ANDREW’S HALL
On Friday, October 9, Michigan Music Initiative had the pleasure of attending Rhythm Corps at the legendary St. Andrew’s Hall in Detroit—and this was one of those nights that reminded us exactly why we do what we do.
This is why MMI exists.
To support Michigan artists. To celebrate our music community. And to help keep live, original music alive and thriving in Michigan.
From beginning to end, the show was absolutely electric. Rhythm Corps delivered a powerful set featuring many of the songs fans know and love, while also giving us a taste of some incredible new, unreleased music.
Michael Persh, Davey Holmbo, Greg Apro, and Richie Lovsin left it all on the stage. The energy, musicianship, passion, and connection with the crowd were everything a live music experience should be.
There are concerts you attend—and then there are nights that become part of your story.
For us, this was one of those nights.
This experience will forever be etched into the history of Michigan Music Initiative, and we are incredibly grateful to have been there to experience it.
A huge thank you to Brad Stuart for capturing the night through his photos, and to Tony Villarreal for the passes and for helping make this experience possible.
And to Rhythm Corps—thank you for reminding us why Michigan music matters. ❤️🎶
Live music matters. Original music matters. Michigan music matters.

10/09/2026

🎶 WEEKEND MICHIGAN MUSIC GUIDE | OCT. 9–11
Another fall weekend means another chance to discover Michigan music! 🍁🎶
🎤 BADASS WOMEN BAND | ANN ARBOR
Saturday at The Ark. This powerhouse collaboration includes Michigan musicians Annie Bacon, Annie Capps, Sara Gibson, Carolyn Koebel, Cori Somers, Julianna Wilson and more—a great example of Michigan artists coming together on one stage.
🎷 EDGEFEST 30 | ANN ARBOR
The 30th annual Edgefest continues through Saturday at Kerrytown Concert House. This year's festival brings local, emerging, national and international artists together for four days of adventurous new, improvised and composed music.
🌎 INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL | HOLLAND
Saturday at Holland Civic Center. West Michigan celebrates cultures from around the world with live music and dance performances on the festival's main stage.
🎶 MICHIGAN MADE | COMSTOCK PARK
Friday's Michigan Made Craft Beverage Tasting Festival also includes live music while showcasing producers from around the state.
🎻 SCYTHIAN | ANN ARBOR
Friday at The Ark. Celtic, Eastern European, Appalachian and roots traditions collide in a high-energy live show.
🌟 ALSO IN MICHIGAN: Interpol brings its tour to Detroit's Masonic Jack White Theatre Friday, while Switchfoot and Anberlin head north to Sault Ste. Marie.
But this guide is only the beginning!
Michigan has musicians playing in clubs, breweries, theaters, coffeehouses and neighborhood venues all over the state.
👇 ARTISTS: Where are you playing?
👇 VENUES: Who's on your stage?
👇 FANS: Who should we go see?
Drop the show, city and date below!
❤️ Support Michigan artists. 🎟️ Support Michigan venues. 🎶 Keep Michigan music playing.

10/08/2026

🎬 BEHIND THE SCENES AT MMI
We’re back—and there is plenty happening behind the scenes!
After taking some much-needed personal time, we’re returning with renewed energy and an exciting stretch ahead for the Michigan Music Initiative.
Our current work includes processing 2027 Michigan Music Awards nominations, continuing plans for the November 10 mixer, developing new partnerships and preparing for another year of opportunities to connect and celebrate Michigan’s music community.
The next few months will involve plenty of emails, meetings, planning sessions and important decisions. Most of that work won’t be visible immediately—but each step helps build what comes next.
Thank you for giving us time to recharge. Now, let’s get back to building something meaningful for Michigan music!

10/07/2026

The 2027 Michigan Music Awards nomination season is officially underway—and this is your opportunity to become part of the community behind Michigan’s statewide celebration of music.
Michigan Music Initiative membership connects qualified music professionals from across the state and gives them a voice in our peer-driven awards process.
Whether you’re an artist, producer, engineer, songwriter, venue professional, promoter, manager, DJ, photographer, educator, or another member of Michigan’s music industry, your experience and perspective belong in the conversation.
Join the community and help us recognize the incredible work happening throughout Michigan.
Become an MMI member:
https://michiganmusicinitiative.com/membership-1

10/06/2026

🎼 THIS DAY IN MICHIGAN MUSIC HISTORY 🎼
On October 6, 1911, the University of Michigan fight song “Varsity” was played for the first time at a pep rally inside University Hall in Ann Arbor.
The song was created by J. Fred Lawton and Earl Vincent Moore, who reportedly began writing it while riding together on a Detroit streetcar. Lawton supplied the lyrics while Moore composed the music.
After hearing “Varsity” at the October 6 pep rally, Michigan Marching Band director Eugene Fischer agreed to have the band perform it during the following day’s football game against Case. The Michigan Daily described the new composition as “stirring” and predicted that it would become one of the university’s most popular songs.
More than a century later, “Varsity” remains part of the Michigan Marching Band’s repertoire and the musical tradition surrounding the University of Michigan.
From concert halls and recording studios to stadiums and marching bands, Michigan’s music history can be heard in countless places.

10/05/2026

🎷 MMI VENUE SPOTLIGHT: ARETHA’S JAZZ CAFE 🎷
Nestled inside Detroit’s historic Music Hall, Aretha’s Jazz Cafe is an intimate venue where Michigan’s musical history and its next generation of talent come together.
The space opened in 2006 as the Jazz Cafe and soon became a home for established performers, emerging artists and Detroit’s creative community. In 2019, it was renamed Aretha’s Jazz Cafe, honoring Aretha Franklin’s wish for a downtown venue bearing her name that would help support up-and-coming Detroit talent.
While jazz is central to its identity, the Cafe’s programming also embraces blues, soul, R&B, rock, funk, hip-hop, poetry, dance and musical theatre. Its stage has welcomed acclaimed performers including Jon Batiste, Bettye LaVette, Tuck & Patti, Omar Sosa and Yilian Cañizares, along with countless artists from Detroit and across Michigan.
Aretha’s Jazz Cafe also hosts a weekly Sunday Jazz Jam, creating a welcoming environment where musicians of all ages can perform, improvise, collaborate and grow.
The venue holds a special place in Michigan Music Initiative history. On March 27, Aretha’s Jazz Cafe hosted the sold-out 2026 Michigan Music Awards! The unforgettable celebration included performances by McKayla Prew, Racquel Soledad, Badonna with Kenny Olson, and Ryn Scott with Jake Bass.
Upcoming performances include:
🎶 September 20 — Aretha’s Jazz Jam
🎸 September 21 — Tribute to George Benson featuring the Randal Wilson Project Jazz Band
🎤 September 23 — Charles Prophet Jr.
✨ September 26 — The Alise King Xperience
🎷 September 29 — Donald Harrison Quartet
From preserving Detroit’s musical legacy to giving emerging artists a stage, Aretha’s Jazz Cafe continues to play an essential role in Michigan’s music community.
View the full event calendar and learn more:
https://jazzcafedetroit.com

10/02/2026

🎶 WEEKEND MICHIGAN MUSIC GUIDE | OCT. 2–4
Michigan music is everywhere this weekend! 🍂🎶 Here are a few shows worth putting on your radar, with Michigan talent leading the way.
🪕 MARK LAVENGOOD BAND | BELLAIRE
Friday at Short’s Pub. Grand Rapids-based dobro player and songwriter Mark Lavengood brings his band north for an evening of Michigan-made roots music.
🎶 LINDSAY LOU | ANN ARBOR
Sunday at The Ark. Lindsay Lou’s musical roots run deep in Michigan, from The Flatbellys to The Sweet Water Warblers and beyond. She returns to Michigan for a Sunday night show at one of Ann Arbor’s legendary listening rooms.
🎷 JEFF HAAS QUINTET | ANN ARBOR
Saturday at Kerrytown Concert House. Jeff Haas is joined by an outstanding lineup including Detroit jazz great Marion Hayden, Tariq Gardner, Anthony Stanco and Paloma Ximena for original jazz influenced by Detroit, Motown, funk and more.
🎺 PLANET D NONET | GROSSE POINTE
Saturday at Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe. One of Detroit’s longtime jazz ensembles brings its mix of swing, Ellington, Sun Ra and R&B to the stage.
🪕 PONTIAC TRAIL BLAZERS ft. MIKE SAVINA | ANN ARBOR
Friday at North Star Lounge. The Ann Arbor-area bluegrass group has been part of the local scene for years.
🌾 HARVEST FESTIVAL | FERNDALE
Saturday on Livernois, featuring live music alongside Michigan artists, makers and local businesses.
🌎 ALSO IN MICHIGAN: National touring acts include Foster the People in Sterling Heights Friday and Dan + Shay at Pine K**b Saturday.
👇 Michigan artists—where are YOU playing this weekend? Drop your show, city and date below!
❤️ Support Michigan artists. 🎟️ Support Michigan venues. 🎶 Keep Michigan music playing.

10/01/2026

🏆 2027 MICHIGAN MUSIC AWARDS NOMINATIONS ARE OFFICIALLY OPEN! 🏆
It’s time, Michigan! 🎶
Nominations for the 2027 Michigan Music Awards are officially OPEN beginning today, October 1!
Who deserves to be recognized for their contributions to Michigan music? Now is your chance to make your nominations heard.
📧 ALL NOMINATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO:
[email protected]
⚠️ PLEASE NOTE: Nominations sent to any other Michigan Music Initiative or Michigan Music Awards email address will not be counted.
A complete list of award categories and nomination information can be found on the Michigan Music Initiative website.
🆕 NEW FOR 2027 — PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD!
For the first time, we’re putting one award directly into the hands of the fans!
The People’s Choice Award will be the ONLY Michigan Music Award decided by the general public.
🗳️ People’s Choice voting will be limited to ONE vote per person/email. Duplicate votes will be deleted.
Voting for all other Michigan Music Awards categories remains exclusive to MMI members.
More details about the People’s Choice Award and voting will be announced as we move through the 2027 awards season.
🎤 Artists. Musicians. Producers. Engineers. Venues. Industry professionals. And more.
Who deserves to be recognized in 2027?
📧 Send your nominations to [email protected]
Let’s celebrate the people who make Michigan music happen. ❤️🎶

09/30/2026

The next Michigan Music Awards season begins tomorrow!
Nominations for the 2027 Michigan Music Awards open October 1, marking the beginning of another year of discovering and recognizing outstanding music professionals from across our state.
MMI membership gives qualified Michigan music professionals a place within the community behind this peer-driven celebration of Michigan talent.
Don’t simply watch the season unfold—be part of it.
Learn more and become a member:
https://michiganmusicinitiative.com/membership-1

Address

20 E Front St
Lake Orion, MI
48362

Website

http://MichiganMusicInitiative.com/

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