Home of: Henry Ford, Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr., Motown Records, Madonna, Eminem, The Stooges, Alice Cooper
Fun Facts: State flower; apple blossom, state bird; robin, state song; “Michigan, My Michigan”
The Venues: With a lineup including The Dead, Bob Dylan, Broken Social Scene, Girl Talk, Toots & The Maytals, Ani DiFranco and OurStage artist Underground Orchestra, the second annual Rothbury Festival in Rothbury, Michigan is the place to be for live music this summer. Of course, there is more to the fest than just three days of awesome music: This is a party with a purpose. In addition to the live acts, there will be discussion panels between experts and concert goers about green living.
The Music:
My Dear Disco – Ann Arbor, Michigan’s My Dear Disco may call their track “For Your Love” Dancethink Music, but I call it instant party. I haven’t wanted to dance this much since Junior Senior! Any song that can inspire a lifelong member of the wallflower club like me to bust a move is worth a listen.
Mason Proper – Mason Proper’s noisy pop has been burning up the OurStage charts since 2007. “Lock and Key” is a great piece of indie pop with soulful vocals over strong beats, jangly piano and electric guitar.
P.E.A.C.E. The Poetess – P.E.A.C.E. is the spoken Word category winner of the 2008 Detroit “Bring It” talent competition. Her powerful track “Music” speaks to the ability of music to both inspire and comfort. Think you don’t like poetry? Give P.E.A.C.E. a chance.
Petal Shop – Petal Shop combines the talents of Detroit folk/americana groups Sprout and The Lobiaurs. “Fake-A-Frown” is minimalist, modern folk with sweet boy-girl vocals.
Check out these acts and other great Michigan artists in the playlist below!
