Celebrating art and music at GIG – The Art of Michigan Music
Gig posters, album covers, and concert photos take center stage at GIG – The Art of Michigan Music on Friday, November 8 through Sunday, November 10 in Jackson.
Anyone who loves music has probably spent a good deal of time pouring over the details of an album cover or CD booklet while listening to their favorite tunes. If they were like me, their room was adorned with posters of bands or memorable concerts. Hell, if you are like me, then your office or music room is currently filled with gig posters and concert photos. All this imagery works in concert with the music to provide a complete visual and aural experience while enjoying the music you love.
With that in mind, have you wished you could go to an art gallery and see the walls lined with gig posters and killer concert photography? Have you wondered who the artists are that create these wonderful posters and photos? I have, and this curiosity led to the creation of GIG – The Art of Michigan Music at Art 634 in Jackson on November 8 – 10 (Friday-Sunday). This is the first of an annual experience.
Over three days, the event space at Art 634 will be transformed into an art gallery, a live stage, a classroom, and a community hall. The idea is that anyone and everyone who loves music will find something at GIG – The Art of Michigan Music. At centerstage is the art gallery, which features 22 Michigan graphic artists and photographers. It will be like the music room of your dreams, with a vast array of gig posters and concert photography filling the walls.
Myron Elkins
Nathan Walton
Friday night is the big kick-off celebration for GIG – The Art of Michigan Music 2024. Many of the artists will be on hand to meet with guests and share insights on their work. The evening will feature live music from a diverse range of musical talent. Performances include:
- Jon Torrence (7-7:30p)
- Wilson Thicket (8-8:30p)
- Jennifer Westwood and Dylan Dunbar (9-9:45p)
- Myron Elkins (10:15 to close)
Saturday afternoon is when the event space at GIG – The Art of Michigan Music 2024 becomes a classroom and community hall. The educational sessions will benefit anyone with a small business/band, those considering such a venture, and anyone curious. Partnering with the Michigan Music Alliance and Hip In Detroit, the sessions include:
- 1p – 1:50p – Booking with Katie Kirchner (Michigan Music Alliance)
- 1p – 1:50p – Grants with Cindy McSurely (Michigan Music Alliance)
- 2p – 2:50p – Social Media and Branding with Sadie Quagliotto (Hip In Detroit)
- 2p – 2:50p – Start Your LLC with Chris Newberg (Michigan Music Alliance)
After the sessions, from 3:10 pm to 4:20 pm, there is a special live podcast recording of Bad Idea Social Club. Freelance graphic designer and independent artist Aaron McCall hosts this podcast, which seeks to gather stories, insights, and ideas from creative people. At GIG- The Art of Michigan Music 2024, Aaron will talk with the creator of this year’s GIG event poster, Craig Horky.
Detroit musician and local music advocate Jennifer Westwood hosts a happy hour media mixer from 4:30 to 6:30p. The goal is to get to know others who share a passion for art/music in a relaxed setting.
Saturday night culminates with more live music featuring performances from:
- Ladyship Warship (7-7:30 pm)
- Carbon Decoy (8-8:30 pm)
- The Blueflowers (9-9:45 pm)
- Nathan Walton and the Remedy (10:15 to Close)
Sunday afternoon (12p to 5p) is your last chance to see the works of the 22 featured artists and take home that gig poster and concert photo you’ve had your eye on.
The GIG – The Art of Michigan Music 2024 event space will be converted into a music market. Hunt for vinyl, snag some art, buy band merch, pick up a new instrument, and take home some swag from the generous sponsors. Grab a screen-printed copy of GIG- The Art of Michigan Music 2024 poster and a commemorative t-shirt too.
GIG is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Michigan’s rich musical and artistic heritage. There is a synergy between the music and the visual imagery found in album covers, t-shirt designs, posters, and concert photos. That imagery, combined with the music, creates a total package for the music enthusiast. GIG – The Art of Michigan Music is a chance for Michigan’s community of music lovers, musicians, and artists to come together and share their passion and shine a spotlight on some of Michigan’s talented artists.
Tickets for GIG – The Art of Michigan Music 2024 are on sale now at Passage Event ticketing with a single day at $25 or a weekend pass for $45. There are also reduced room rates at the Courtyard Jackson and TownePlace Suites Jackson (rooms must be booked by October 8th to get a special rate).