Tag: Michigan Music Alliance

Detroit Music Collective and Portfolio Medics Seek Feedback About Local Music Ecosystem Through Census

A promotional graphic for the Greater Detroit Music Census.

Editor’s Note: The Stratton Setlist is a community partner for the Greater Detroit Music Census.

Two organizations are seeking feedback from the community about the Detroit music ecosystem.

The Detroit Music Collective and Portfolio Medics are conducting the Greater Detroit Music Census, a survey designed to gain a deeper understanding of the current state and future needs of the local music ecosystem.

“The questions for the census are tailored to give us an idea, collectively and comprehensively, what the local ecosystem looks like,” said Kevin Kay, founder and CEO of the Detroit Music Collective.

“It’s never been done here before, but the response from everyone so far has been: ‘Wow! This is something that we need.’ Everyone seems to be rallying together for an initiative like this.”

Launched earlier this month, the census is being administered by Sound Music Cities. It’s free to take and open to people 18 and older working in music within a 75-mile radius of the city.

“This is your chance to use your voice,” Kay said. “If there’s something bad, say it. If there’s something good, say it. Please don’t candy-coat it to think that you need to answer everything in a positive way. The only way we make change is if we know there are problems, and that’s what’s happened in all the other cities that have done the census so far.”

Sound Music Cities has previously administered censuses for Cleveland, Nashville, Charlotte, Austin, and Columbus, Ohio.

“Nashville did their census last year, and one of the things coming out of there from the creative sector and the artists were big complaints about how there are no loading or unloading parking spaces at venues, especially if they’re playing downtown,” said Kay, who once worked for Sony Music Nashville.

“They’re parking four or five blocks away sometimes, and if it’s summertime, they’re hauling gear, and they’re sweating. The organization that helped create the census for Nashville took the data, sat down with the city and the mayor’s office, and presented it to them. The city is now working on designating [parking] spots.”

The census is also receiving support from three lead partners, including Detroit Techno Militia, D.Cipher, and Detroit Nightlife United, and several community partners.

I recently spoke with Kay about the census, which is open until March 22.

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Sounds Like Michigan — Michigan Music Alliance Celebrates Relaunch With November 23 Fundraiser Show at Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre

Editor’s note as of November 23, 2024: Frontier Ruckus is unable to perform at tonight’s Sounds Like Michigan show due to COVID.

The Michigan Music Alliance is ready to take center stage and shine a spotlight on the state’s music community.

The statewide nonprofit is marking its official relaunch with Sounds Like Michigan, a live music fundraiser taking place November 23 at the Wealthy Theatre in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

“We’ve spent the last year working behind the scenes to set the organization up for long-term success, especially when it comes to the educational programming we provide to Michigan musicians,” said Nicholas James Thomasma, interim executive director of the Michigan Music Alliance. “Now, it’s time to celebrate, and Sounds Like Michigan is a celebration of Michigan music.”

Detroit-Ypsilanti indie-folk-rock trio Frontier Ruckus is headlining the event, which also includes Detroit R&B artist ARI B, Grand Rapids alt-Latin band Cabildo, and Grand Rapids indie-rock band The American Hotel System.

“It’s an eclectic bill with a mix of well-known and up-and-coming artists from both sides of the state,” Thomasma said. “It’s bridging the gap between the two communities and showcasing the collaborative spirit of the Michigan music scene.”

During the show, the Michigan Music Alliance will unveil its programming for 2025 and acknowledge grants awarded for more than $23,000 from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the Great Lakes Energy People Fund.

It also will feature a Sounds of the Zoo-hosted silent auction for attendees to bid on exclusive items, including:

In addition, attendees can purchase 50/50 raffle tickets and limited-edition merchandise. Meanwhile, VIP ticket holders will receive a private performance and meet-and-greet with Frontier Ruckus before doors open. All proceeds from the show will go to the Michigan Music Alliance.

Local Spins editor and publisher John Sinkevics will emcee Sounds Like Michigan, which features the West Michigan music website as an event partner along with WYCE (88.1-FM) and Triumph Music Academy. Event sponsors include Our Family, Founders Brewing Co., Studio C, and Tee See Tee.

Tickets for Sounds Like Michigan are on sale now via the Grand Rapids Community Media website. VIP tickets are $100 and general admission tickets are $35.

The Michigan Music Alliance’s Sounds Like Michigan fundraiser show is November 23 at the Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Doors are at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. For details, visit the Michigan Music Alliance’s website.