Tag: Annie Bacon

Global Connections — Telephone Inspires Artists to Interpret Creative Works Across Different Media

Nathan Langston, founder and director of Telephone. Photo taken from Telephone’s website.

In 2010, Nathan Langston craved connection after moving to New York City.

The poet-composer wanted to meet other artists and developed an art project called Telephone, which is inspired by the children’s game of the same name.

“The game seemed like a sneaky way to meet other artists,” said Langston, founder and director of Telephone. “It took a long time, but it worked! At first, I was physically taking work from artist to artist around the city on the subway, but that took too long.”

Instead, Langston and other artists started sharing their creative works online for Telephone.

“We began passing works via the internet, which vastly increased the pool size of possible players,” said Langton, who’s now based in Seattle.

“The other thing we did was to assign each finished work to two or three artists, rather than one. That meant that the game branched outward like a family tree, and if any one artist dropped out, the game could continue expanding.”

To participate, artists sign up through the Telephone website, receive an anonymous piece of artwork from another creative to interpret, and then have two weeks to create their artistic response in a different medium. Continue reading “Global Connections — Telephone Inspires Artists to Interpret Creative Works Across Different Media” →

Songbird — Dave & Kristi Embrace the Spirit of the Chickadee on Their New Folk Album

Dave Boutette and Kristi Davis in the studio at Ann Arbor’s Big Sky Recording. Photo by Misty Lyn Photography.

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared on the Ann Arbor District Library’s Pulp blog.

Dave & Kristi feel a special connection to the chickadee.

The Dexter duo embraces the songbird as a symbol of joy and hope on their new folk album, The Chickadees.

“The chickadee reference is about the spiritual part of you that lives on,” said Kristi Davis about her latest release with husband and musical partner Dave Boutette.

“That’s the hopeful part, and they represent good luck, happiness, knowledge, truth, and adaptability. That’s exactly the stuff that we need right now.”

Davis and Boutette channel the chickadee’s positive spirit as they reflect on love, loss, and aging across the album’s 13 tracks.

“As far as things that are on the record, we’ve experienced a lot of loss in the last two or three years,” Boutette said. “And also this summer we’re both turning 60. It’s everything from family members and friends passing.”

The duo unexpectedly lost three family members and a pet during the last few years.

“Our dog passed very unexpectedly and a week later my dad passed,” said Davis, who sings and plays percussion on the album. “Dave lost his mom and his brother. There’s a little memorial to them on [the album], but it’s been an inspiration for the music.”

Some songs from The Chickadees also reference Dave & Kristi’s growing concerns about the nation’s changing political climate and its impact on our future.

“There are different parts of our foundation that we’ve been walking on for a long time and counting on for a long time that have shifted and are slipping,” said Boutette, the duo’s co-lead vocalist and guitarist.

“We’re OK, we have a roof over our head, and there’s food in the cupboard. It’s just that we’re older now—things are different underneath us now. We’re in uncharted territory, and we’re just trying to make our way through it.”

Dave & Kristi explore those themes and reflections through singable lyrics, rich harmonies, and emotive instrumentation.

To learn more, I spoke with the duo ahead of their June 1 album release show at Ann Arbor’s Old Town Tavern.

Continue reading “Songbird — Dave & Kristi Embrace the Spirit of the Chickadee on Their New Folk Album” →

Over Time — Tom Alter Contemplates Past Lessons and Future Challenges on “Under the Firmament” Album

Tom Alter explores the passage of time on “Under the Firmament.” Photo – Jay Jylkka

The passage of time weighs heavily on Tom Alter’s mind.

The Fraser, Michigan, singer-songwriter examines lessons from the past while addressing challenges of the present and future on Under the Firmament.

“When I write, I usually write songs about things that are staying in my mind for a while,” said Alter about his latest indie-folk-rock album.

“It can be issues or life events that are sticking with me, and I can’t let go. Time is an aspect of it, and I think it is just living and the common experiences that we all have.”

Alter chronicles those experiences through nine perceptive tracks, which feature contemplative lyrics, haunting guitars, and atmospheric instrumentation.

“At my age, I’m even writing more about time now on the songs I’ve been writing since then,” he said. “I think the theme will continue into my next album and project. I think it’s … trying to grapple with life and how it impacts us as individuals and as a community.”

I spoke with Alter about Under the Firmament and the inspiration behind it.

Continue reading “Over Time — Tom Alter Contemplates Past Lessons and Future Challenges on “Under the Firmament” Album” →

“Darkness on the Edge of Corktown” — Bruce Springsteen Tribute Show Features Detroit Singer-Songwriters and Benefits Motor City Mitten Mission January 17 at Lager House

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In December 2022, a group of Detroit singer-songwriters hosted a Bruce Springsteen tribute show to benefit the homeless.

Billed as Darkness on the Edge of Corktown at Lager House, the show featured local artists performing songs from The Boss’ extensive catalog and collecting donated winter clothing for people in need.

“We did it then for the first time and accepted clothing donations, but we didn’t have a nonprofit partner per se,” said Mike Ward, a folk singer-songwriter who co-organized the show.

“Everybody had a great time at it, and [co-organizer] Nick Juno was the one who said, ‘Hey, we should be doing that again.’ And I said, ‘Yeah, you know what, you’re right, we should.’”

Two years later, Darkness on the Edge of Corktown returns January 17 for a second edition at Lager House.

The Springsteen-themed show includes performances from 25 singer-songwriters and benefits the Motor City Mitten Mission, a St. Clair Shores, Michigan nonprofit that supports the homeless.

“Darkness on the Edge of Town is one of Springsteen’s albums and it’s one of my favorite albums of all time. It works because we’re right at the edge of Corktown where Lager House is,” Ward said.

“For this show, we figured out the logistics of having a benefit for the Motor City Mitten Mission and we talked to executive director Gail Marlow. She’s totally into it because she does a lot of promoting with the Detroit Lions—she’s a tireless worker.”

The show also serves as a collection site to donate winter clothing and outdoor gear for the homeless. Only new donations will be accepted.

Show attendees can donate any of the following items—sweatshirts, sweatpants, long underwear, sleeping bags, backpacks, tarps, hand and toe warmers, and more—and receive a discounted entry fee of $5 that night.

People also can make monetary donations at the show or through the Motor City Mitten Mission’s website. All donations and proceeds from the show will go to the nonprofit.

“The Motor City Mitten Mission is a fantastic organization, so we felt like, ‘OK if we’re gonna do this, let’s do it right and reduce the price of admission with the donation of an item,’” said Ward, who started planning the event with Juno last summer.

“Everybody is volunteering for this event, and we’re working with general manager and talent buyer Katelyn Burkart at Lager House to coordinate it.”

In addition to supporting those in need, the show spotlights a myriad of talent from local artists, including Mark Jewett, Ryan Trager, Annie Bacon, George Montrelle, Audra Kubat, Jackamo, Emily Rose and Kate Hinote, Dave Boutette and Kristi Davis, and others. During the show, each artist will perform a different Springsteen song.

“We liked that format of everybody playing a song and everybody had a great time at the first show,” Ward said. “There’s so much camaraderie in this community, and we have all these different performers joining up with others and doing duets—it’s going to be fun.”

Darkness on the Edge of Corktown is January 17 at Lager House, 1254 Michigan Avenue, Detroit. The show is a benefit for the Motor City Mitten Mission. Admission is $5 with donation or $10 without donation. Doors are 7 p.m. and show is 8 p.m. For tickets, visit Lager House’s website.

Homegrown Talent — Steve Taylor Relaunches Monthly Michigan Songwriter Showcase at 20 Front Street on September 19

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As a local music champion, Steve Taylor is eager to showcase some homegrown talent.

The Lake Orion, Michigan singer-songwriter is relaunching his monthly songwriter series spotlighting Michigan artists at 20 Front Street on September 19.

“I’m excited to have a new home to do this series,” said Taylor, who last hosted the series in late 2023 at the now-closed Berkley Coffee & Oak Park Dry.

“I hope it’s something that people will come out and support and help give some love to our local artists who write their own music.”

Known as the Michigan Songwriter Showcase, the first show in the series features Taylor and Metro Detroit singer-songwriters Rebecca Cameron, Dan Cafferty, and Jacki Daniels.

“I’ve done shows with Dan at Trinity House and Berkley Coffee, and he was just getting started with songwriter rounds at that point. He’s such a great guy and talented guitar player, and his songs are upbeat and funny,” Taylor said.

“Rebecca is really talented, and she’s done other shows that I’ve hosted at Berkley Coffee. Since she’s in Clarkston, I thought this would be close by and be a good show for her as well. Jacki also hosts songwriter rounds and she’s been heavily involved in our music scene.”

Continue reading “Homegrown Talent — Steve Taylor Relaunches Monthly Michigan Songwriter Showcase at 20 Front Street on September 19” →

After the ‘Storm’ — Ann Arbor Singer-Songwriter Annie Bacon Explores Grief on Her New Folk-Rock Album

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Annie Bacon explores grief in all its forms on Storm. Photo – Cybelle Codish

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared on the Ann Arbor District Library’s Pulp blog.

When it comes to grief, Annie Bacon doesn’t want people to feel alone.

The Ann Arbor, Michigan singer-songwriter and guitarist views it as a shared emotion that fosters connection and growth with others.

“Something that I’ve done with my art and that I feel like is important is to take on this role and say, ‘I don’t know if anybody understands me, but I’m going to explain what I’m going through in a way that hopefully other people can feel seen and understood,’” said Bacon, who performs under the moniker Annie Bacon & Her Oshen.

“I try to find the places where my experience might be universal and create these little bridges into my experience. That’s one of my philosophical approaches to songwriting: I want to as accurately as possible describe the experience I’m going through in the hopes that it creates a witness for somebody else.”

Bacon masters that honest songwriting approach and explores grief in all its forms on her new folk-rock album, Storm. The record’s 14 poignant tracks take listeners on an emotional odyssey through death, divorce, job changes, the pandemic, and a loss of identity.

Continue reading “After the ‘Storm’ — Ann Arbor Singer-Songwriter Annie Bacon Explores Grief on Her New Folk-Rock Album” →

Detroit’s Mike Ward Brings His Inspirational Folk Songs to AADL April 28

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Detroit folk singer-songwriter Mike Ward. Photo by Danny Ward.

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared on the Ann Arbor District Library’s Pulp blog.

The state of the world weighs heavily on Mike Ward’s mind.

That concern prompted the Detroit singer-songwriter to pen a new folk song called “Why Not,” which sends an encouraging message to help others.

“When I have played it, people get how the song starts out small, gets broader as it goes on, and ends at a point where it’s up to us on a personal level,” said Ward, who’s also a University of Michigan alumnus.

“One of the things I have to work hard at is trying not to be too preachy, especially when I’m writing about things on a political level. It’s one of the areas where I try to find a balance.”

Backed by hopeful acoustic guitar and cello, he sings, “Why not do some good today with the time that we’ve got / Start with something simple / A lesson learned or to be taught / Plant a seed or lend a hand / A little helps a lot.”

“I’ve also been looking at not only how that affects the world in general, but also how it’s affecting people’s relationships,” Ward said. “It goes as broad as the country, but as narrow as some relationships and the struggles that people are having.”

“Why Not” is one of several songs Ward will be performing with Sara Gibson (cello) and Annie Bacon (vocals) at an April 28 show at the Downtown branch of the Ann Arbor District Library.

Ahead of the show, I spoke with Ward about his current state, his career transition from advertising to music, past albums, his latest songwriting efforts, his setlist for the AADL show, and plans for new material.

Continue reading “Detroit’s Mike Ward Brings His Inspirational Folk Songs to AADL April 28” →

Weatherproof – Annie and Rod Capps Celebrate Life’s Highs and Lows on ‘Love and Rain’ Album

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Rod and Annie Capps explore the importance of gratitude on “Love and Rain.” Photo by Jen Prouty.

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared on the Ann Arbor District Library’s Pulp blog.

Annie and Rod Capps weather life’s sunny and stormy moments together on Love and Rain.

Those moments also serve as lighthearted and serious reminders about gratitude on the married duo’s latest album.

“There’s an overarching theme of love and rain being that contrast and balance of life,” said Annie Capps, the duo’s vocalist-guitarist, who’s based in Chelsea, Michigan with her husband Rod Capps. “It’s about not taking the rough stuff too seriously, yet it’s also about being grateful for the good stuff and not taking things for granted.”

The Capps demonstrate that mindset personally and professionally on Love and Rain, which features 10 tracks filled with perceptive lyrics, vibrant Americana instrumentation, and rich harmonies.

“Annie is fortunate because she has an outlet to write songs about these things,” said Rod Capps, the duo’s guitarist-violinist-violist, who will celebrate 30 years of marriage to Annie Capps in June. “My role in the songwriting is to color around the edges. Annie builds these structures, and I help flesh them in and put filigree in.”

I recently spoke to the Capps about celebrating their anniversary, working with their bandmates, exploring different themes on the album, writing and recording tracks for Love and Rain, preparing for their annual Valentine’s Day show at The Ark, and planning for other performances and projects.

Continue reading “Weatherproof – Annie and Rod Capps Celebrate Life’s Highs and Lows on ‘Love and Rain’ Album” →

Dearly Departed – Emily Rose Honors Late Singer-Songwriters Through ‘Ghost Night at Ghost Light’ Monthly Concert Series

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Emily Rose performs with Dan “Ozzie” Andrews during a “Ghost Night at Ghost Light” show. Photo – Jeff Spisak

Six years ago, Emily Rose tested out a new concept for a live show.

The Detroit indie-folk singer-songwriter hosted a tribute night honoring a late artist at Ghost Light Bar in Hamtramck, Michigan.

“One of the bartenders at Ghost Light is a close friend and he said, ‘Emily, you could have a regular show here if you wanted.’ He planted that seed, and I did a Jim Croce tribute night in 2017 because he’s a songwriter that I love,” Rose said.

“It was a great show and it was so much fun. In the back of my head, I thought, ‘Well, maybe someday I’ll do a monthly show where I learn a bunch of songs by a different artist.’”

At the time, Rose laid the foundation for what would become “Ghost Night at Ghost Light,” a monthly tribute show featuring local artists performing the music of departed singer-songwriters as well as sharing their own material.

“Last year I was in a position where I realized I needed something to focus my energy on,” said Rose, who launched the concert series last June. “I needed a project to throw myself into … and a lot of my favorite songwriters are dead. The idea to do a different departed songwriter every month just made sense.”

Continue reading “Dearly Departed – Emily Rose Honors Late Singer-Songwriters Through ‘Ghost Night at Ghost Light’ Monthly Concert Series” →

For Real – Judy Banker Explores the Power of Emotions on New ‘Bona Fide’ Album

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Judy Banker explores the cycle of relationships and the emotions that accompany them on “Bona Fide.” Photo – Misty Lyn Bergeron

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared on the Ann Arbor District Library’s Pulp blog.

Judy Banker keeps things real on Bona Fide.

The Ann Arbor singer-songwriter explores genuine feelings of heartbreak, grief, and love on her new Americana album.

“One of my litmus tests for myself with a song is: Does it ring true to me? When I think of the vignette, the experience, or the feeling of that kind of relationship dynamic, does it say what I want to say?” said Banker, who’s a University of Michigan alumna and a therapist.

“That’s what I do with my songs—if it doesn’t say it strong enough or it doesn’t capture it quite right—there’s a certain tension that I want to be able to express. I feel like every single one of those songs is like my diary.”

On Bona Fide, Banker takes listeners on a personal journey that explores the cycle of relationships and the emotions that accompany them. The album’s rich harmonies and rootsy instrumentation bring those experiences to life across 11 heartfelt tracks.

“I’m a therapist by day, and on a big-picture level, my adult life has been dedicated to trying to help people to name, understand, and get the complexity of emotions … and that it’s important to work with them and embrace that,” Banker said.

“It’s a very selfish motive in the sense that these are my expressions and my songs, and I like them, but I just hope people say, ‘Oh, I’ve had that feeling.’”

Continue reading “For Real – Judy Banker Explores the Power of Emotions on New ‘Bona Fide’ Album” →