Michigan Music Initiative

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Michigan Music Initiative

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

09/09/2026

Michigan music deserves to be recognized by the people who understand the work behind it.
MMI membership gives qualified Michigan music professionals an opportunity to participate in our peer-driven community and help shape how excellence within our state’s music industry is recognized.
Your experience matters. Your perspective matters. Your voice belongs in the conversation.
Join the Michigan Music Initiative today:
https://michiganmusicinitiative.com/membership-1

09/08/2026

✍️ THIS DAY IN MICHIGAN MUSIC HISTORY ✍️
On September 8, 1927, legendary country songwriter Harlan Howard was born in Detroit.
Although he eventually made his name in Nashville, Howard’s story began here in Michigan. He became one of country music’s most respected songwriters, writing or co-writing thousands of songs during his remarkable career.
His catalog includes classics such as “I Fall to Pieces,” recorded by Patsy Cline; “Busted,” recorded by Ray Charles; “Heartaches by the Number”; “I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail”; and “Blame It on Your Heart.”
Often described as the “dean” of country songwriters, Howard was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1997.
From Motown and techno to rock, jazz and country, Michigan’s influence can be heard across every corner of American music.

09/07/2026

🎤 MMI ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: GLENBROOKE 🎤
Michigan-based singer-songwriter and guitarist GlenBrooke brings powerful vocals, honest storytelling and a rock-and-roll edge to modern country music.
Originally from the Port Huron area, GlenBrooke began her musical journey at just 10 years old. More than 15 years of performing have since taken her to stages at Faster Horses, CMA Fest, Thumb Fest and Blue Collar Fest, along with venues and events throughout Michigan and beyond.
Her commitment to live music is difficult to overlook. During 2024, GlenBrooke averaged three performances per week, building a loyal audience through her authentic sound and commanding stage presence. As both a solo performer and the frontwoman of GlenBrooke & The Wild Weeds, she moves easily between original songs, country favorites and classic-rock influences.
Her most recent single, “What If I Told You,” was released in December 2025. The song explores the vulnerability of opening your heart and sharing how you truly feel—whether with someone new or with a person you have loved for years. It is an emotional showcase for the honesty and vocal strength that define GlenBrooke’s music.
Along with her original work, GlenBrooke’s energetic live performances demonstrate the dedication required to build a lasting career as an independent Michigan artist. Whether performing with her band or stripping a song down to its acoustic foundation, she creates a genuine connection with her audience.
Please join the Michigan Music Initiative in recognizing GlenBrooke and the passion, perseverance and unmistakable voice she brings to Michigan’s country music community!
🎧 Listen to “What If I Told You”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYaBE1_1PPo
📅 See GlenBrooke live at SC4’s Noon and Night Concert Series in Port Huron on February 11, 2027:
https://sc4.edu/event/noon-and-night-concert-glenbrooke-moretz-americana/
Follow GlenBrooke and find more music:
https://linktr.ee/glenbrookemusic

Photo: from Facebook

09/04/2026

🎶 MMI LABOR DAY WEEKEND MUSIC GUIDE 🎶
September 4–7
Labor Day weekend is packed with Michigan talent, festivals and live music!
🌟 MMI/MMA FAMILY SPOTLIGHT
🎤 Jill Jack Band — Michigan State Fair, Novi
Friday, September 4 | 5–8 p.m.
A longtime part of Michigan’s music community and a previous MMI Artist Spotlight subject, Jill Jack brings her blend of folk, rock, country, blues and storytelling to the Michigan State Fair Main Stage.
🎷 DETROIT JAZZ FESTIVAL
September 4–7 | Hart Plaza, Detroit | Free
The 47th Detroit Jazz Festival features four days of music, including Michigan performers Jill Opal and The Bill Meyer Group, the Michigan State University Jazz Orchestra and artists from around the world.
🍻 MINNEHAHA BREWHAHA MUSIC FESTIVAL
September 4–5 | Arcadia Marine, Arcadia
The festival highlights northwestern Michigan talent, including:
• Jim Cummings Band
• Delilah DeWylde
• Atomic BombCatz
• Jennifer Westwood and the Handsome Devils
• Emerging student musicians and community performers
🎸 MORE MICHIGAN ARTISTS
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
• Barelyon — Michigan State Fair Main Stage, Novi | 1–4 p.m.
• The 2XL Band — The Commons Live Music Series, Downtown Midland | 7–9 p.m. | Free
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
• Pride & Joy Band — The Commons Live Music Series, Downtown Midland | 7–9 p.m. | Free
🎟️ TOURING SHOWS
FRIDAY
• Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson with The Hu and O**y — Pine K**b Music Theatre
• Marco Antonio Solís — Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre
• Trace Adkins — Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel
SUNDAY
• Eric Clapton with Jimmie Vaughan — Little Caesars Arena
Know another Michigan artist performing this weekend? Tag them and share their show in the comments!
Always confirm event times, admission requirements and ticket availability with the artist or venue before attending.

09/03/2026

🎬 BEHIND THE SCENES AT MMI
The 2027 Michigan Music Awards nomination season opens October 1—and preparations are already underway.
We’re working behind the scenes to organize category information, review the submission process and prepare the materials needed to make nominations as clear and accessible as possible.
The awards ceremony may be the part everyone sees, but the process begins months earlier. Every nomination, submission and round of voting requires planning and organization before the first award ever reaches the stage.
We’re looking forward to celebrating another year of outstanding music created throughout Michigan.
Watch for complete nomination information as we get closer to October 1!

09/02/2026

Michigan’s music community is bigger than any one city, venue, or genre.
Membership in the Michigan Music Initiative connects you with artists, producers, engineers, venue professionals, promoters, and other industry members from across the state.
The next valuable relationship, collaboration, or opportunity may begin with a simple introduction. Become part of a growing statewide music community working to connect and support one another.
Learn more and become a member:
https://michiganmusicinitiative.com/membership-1

09/01/2026

🎹 THIS DAY IN MICHIGAN MUSIC HISTORY 🎹
On September 1, 1933, jazz pianist Gene Harris was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Known for blending jazz with blues, gospel and soul, Harris rose to prominence as a member of the influential trio The Three Sounds. The group recorded extensively for Blue Note Records and helped shape the soulful jazz sound of the late 1950s and 1960s.
Harris later performed and recorded with an incredible list of artists that included Ray Brown, Aretha Franklin, Lou Rawls and B.B. King.
Gene Harris brought warmth, energy and unmistakable soul to every performance. His story is also an important reminder that Michigan’s musical legacy reaches far beyond Detroit and includes talented artists from communities throughout our state.

08/31/2026

🎶 MMI ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: DAN TILLERY 🎶
Waterford singer-songwriter Dan Tillery creates music with a purpose: to encourage others, inspire change and remind listeners that they are not alone.
Dan’s distinctive sound brings together elements of pop, country, rock, reggae, rap and soul. Whether he is performing for an intimate crowd or sharing an original song, his uplifting energy and honest storytelling remain at the center of everything he does.
That honesty is especially evident throughout his 25-song album, “SHEDDING SKIN.” The deeply personal project explores growth, addiction, recovery, faith and the process of letting go of what no longer serves us. The album earned Dan the 2026 Michigan Music Award for Pop Album of the Year.
Dan has been open about his own experiences with drug and alcohol addiction, using his music to connect with people facing similar struggles. His song “My Old Friend” examines the powerful grip addiction can have, and its recently released official music video gives the message even greater emotional impact.
His newest single, “FIGHT, WORSHIP, PRAISE,” was released on April 17. Dan has described it as his best song to date—a powerful declaration of faith, perseverance and gratitude from someone who has fought through difficult seasons and emerged with a renewed sense of purpose.
Dan’s story is one of transformation, but it is also a story that continues to be written. He remains active in the studio, consistently creating music intended to bring hope, positivity and connection into the lives of others.
Please join the Michigan Music Initiative in celebrating Dan Tillery—a Michigan artist who is unafraid to be vulnerable, cross musical boundaries and turn his experiences into songs that may help someone else keep moving forward.
🎧 Listen to “FIGHT, WORSHIP, PRAISE”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeQkae6eTMk
Follow Dan and explore more of his music:
https://www.dantillery.com/

Photo: from Facebook

08/28/2026

🎶 MMI WEEKEND MUSIC GUIDE 🎶
August 28–30
Michigan stages are busy this weekend! Here are a few opportunities to support Michigan artists, local music events and live performances across the state.
🌟 MICHIGAN ARTIST PICKS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
🎤 Miranda & the M80s — The Commons Live Music Series, Downtown Midland | 7–9 p.m. | Free
🎤 Detroit-born artist Toni Romiti — The Stache at The Intersection, Grand Rapids
🎸 The Romantics with Toto and Christopher Cross — Acrisure Amphitheater, Grand Rapids | 6:45 p.m.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
🔥 Party at the Pavilion — Stratford Woods Park, Midland | 4–10 p.m.
Featuring Flint’s Jon Connor, Twin Terror Music, Kaylo, Balzer, Codeine 505, G Rockwell, Thyrd Eye Trybe, Tragik, RedFace Movement, J-Dro and more. This family-friendly event benefits the Humane Society of Midland County.
🎤 Todd Michael & Johnny Guest Band — The Commons Live Music Series, Downtown Midland | 7–9 p.m. | Free
🎸 The Romantics with Toto and Christopher Cross — Pine K**b Music Theatre | 6:45 p.m.
🎟️ MORE SHOWS AROUND MICHIGAN
FRIDAY
• Tim McGraw with 49 Wi******er — Pine K**b Music Theatre
• The Fray with Dashboard Confessional and Colony House — Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre
SATURDAY
• Ed Sheeran — Ford Field, Detroit
• Tim McGraw with 49 Wi******er — Acrisure Amphitheater, Grand Rapids
• The Rock Orchestra: Arena of Fire — Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre
SUNDAY
• NEEDTOBREATHE with Drew & Ellie Holcomb — Meadow Brook Amphitheatre
Are you an MMI member, MMA nominee, winner, performer or past Spotlight artist playing this weekend? Add your show in the comments and let Michigan know where to find you!
Always confirm event times, admission requirements and ticket availability with the artist or venue before attending.

Address

20 E Front St
Lake Orion, MI
48362

Website

http://MichiganMusicInitiative.com/

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