By John LaPine
Music Editor

When Cindy Engle launched Marquette Music Scene in 2012, her aim was to simply create a free listing of music events in MQT. In the two years since its inception, however, the project has grown.

By Brice Burge
Managing Editor

Four bands coming as far as California will provide rock, indie rock and punk rock tonight at Northern Michigan University. The all-ages show will be in Northern Michigan University's Explorer Rooms, located in the University Center.

Sarah Carstens
Staff Writer

After a multiple month hiatus, Kerry Yost will return to her regular Sunday night show at the Landmark Inn's North Star Lounge.

"I couldn't be happier to get back up (in the North Star Lounge)," Yost said. "Its like playing music in your living room. It doesn't get much better."

By Jeremy Johnson
Music Writer

Yesterday afternoon, Northern Arts & Entertainment took to their Facebook page to tease an upcoming artist announcement with a single hint: “He is a metro-Detroit native.”

Guesses on their page ranged from hip-hop artist Big Sean and Eminem to Rock stars like Kid Rock, Bob Seger and Alice Cooper. But in the end, NAE would reveal their next concert to be staring electronic music artist GRiZ.

Born Grant Kwiecinski, GRiZ is an up-and-coming electric producer, DJ and classically-trained saxophonist. Blending live instruments and intense visuals with his electric productions, his music breaks the synthesizer stereotype of most electronic music.

"GRiZ is someone who is unique," said NAE's Social Media Coordinator Chris Salgot. "Even if you're not a fan of the genre, you will still have a great time at the show.

The Young Dubliners, a Celtic rock group will perform on Saturday, November 16 as part or the Northern Nights in the Great Lakes Rooms University Center.  In addition, there will be opening sets by two other groups; Familiar Looking Strangers from Liverpool, England and Sparrow Tree from Marquette.

Formed in Santa Monica, California in 1988, the Young Dubliners have released seven albums and have played in the U.S. and Europe. Keith Roberts and Paul OToole first met on Los Angeles's pub scene circa late 80s at a time when Roberts was composing some Irish ballads. They thought casually about assembling a rag-tag team of fellow Irish transplants and like-minded American rockers. The band evolved through various personnel changes until their first EP Rocky Road.

Familiar Looking Strangers are based in Liverpool, the music capital of the UK. Influenced by Liverpool and American roots. The music is driven by thunderous rhythm and cutting guitar riffs, with blistering melodies, layered with four part harmonies.They write songs of love and life, seen through the eyes and portrayed through the minds of four working class lads from Liverpool and Madrid, Spain. FLS is recognized for their energetic and passionate performances.

Sparrow Tree is an energetic, fresh, four-piece, jam-grass band that is leading the way for a new generation of folk music in Marquette. Consisting of Troy Graham on guitar and lead vocals, Emily Durkin on fiddle, Sam Graves on mandolin and vocals, recent addition Russel Harmon on banjo and Gretchen McKenzie on double bass and vocals, these incredibly talented musicians are infusing a generous shot of youth and vigor into the Upper Peninsula’s folk grass scene with their captivating mix of original compositions and traditional folk repertoire.

Due to these three acts, this concert will have a special start time of 7 p.m. Tickets for the show can be purchased in advance at the NMU Bookstore, Forest Roberts Theatre and the Superior Dome. Cost for students/kids are $6, NMU faculty/staff/seniors 60 and older are $15, while general public are $20.

Information used from press releases sent from the Beaumier History Center, located in Northern Michigan University's Cohodos Building.

Margaret Boyle
Programming Coordinator
Peter White Public Library

Join other acoustic musicians for a community jam session celebrating traditional folk music on Sunday, November 17 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm in Peter White Public Library’s Community Room.

Guitar, fiddle, banjo, dulcimer, bass players and singers are invited to try their hand at great old time tunes by Peter, Paul and Mary, the Carter Family, Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan and more. A limited quantity of sheet music is available for use for those not familiar with the songs.  

A music jam is not a performance but an informal gathering for people interested in playing or singing with others who enjoy traditional acoustic music. Listeners and singers are always welcome. 

Traditional music jams are held monthly at the library on the third Sunday of the month from September through May. 

There is no admission charge to attend the event which is sponsored by the Hiawatha Music Co-op and the Peter White Public Library. 

Call 226-4318 or visit www.pwpl.info for more information.

Press release was sent to MQT Social Scene courtesy of the Peter White Public Library.

By Brice Burge
Managing Editor

There are three rules to playing with Donne Langlois: you can't miss practices, never be late and he can't drink until the last set. Those rules have provided the means for the 59-year-old drummer to overcome alcoholism, a physical disease and his troubled past to make the most of his last opportunity before hanging up his drumsticks this Thursday night.

“I cannot give enough credit to this band for giving me another chance to play music and I have graciously accepted the gift,” Langlois said. “But after this night, I'm done. I'm tired. It wasn't the music, but the politics of running a band that tired me out.”

By: Brice Burge
Managing Editor

The MQT-based band Skunk Fur will be performing their final show this Saturday, June 22 at the Because of Mandy benefit concert. They will be headlining the eight-band line up at the Wooden Nickel and will take the stage at 11 p.m. until bar close.

Originally forming in the summer of 2010, the band has four members: Nate Teates on guitar and back up vocals, Wade Buck on bass, Nick Hallwachs on lead vocals and RC Anderson on drums. Skunk Fur has made a name for themselves with high energy shows incorporating multiple genres into something they call resin-punk.

“We almost try to be unpopular,” Teates said with a laugh.“It's bottom-of-the-bowl punk rock with thrash elements, some ska and some straight up metal,” said Teates.

The band is on good terms and officially calling the stoppage of shows a hiatus. Buck will be attending graduate school at Eastern Michigan University for a Master of Fine Arts in blacksmithing,
a program unavailable in the MQT area.