Michigan Music Initiative

09/18/2026

🎶 MMI WEEKEND MUSIC GUIDE 🎶
September 18–20
From Michigan rock, country and hip-hop to Irish music and community festivals, there’s plenty to experience across the state!
🌟 MMI/MMA FAMILY SPOTLIGHT
🎤 Jill Jack Band opens for Asia
Saturday, September 19 | Bad Axe Fall Frenzy
Jill Jack begins at 5 p.m. | Free admission
Support one of Michigan’s most celebrated singer-songwriters and a member of the extended MMI/MMA family!
🎶 USPBL FALL MUSIC CLASSIC
September 18–20 | UWM Field, Utica
FRIDAY — COUNTRY
• Michigan native Mac Watts
• Julia Cole
• Chris Janson
SATURDAY — HIP-HOP
• Detroit artists Trick Trick, Esham and Ishii Qash
• Rick Ross
SUNDAY — CLASSIC ROCK
• Michigan band Kaleido
• Detroit-born Derek St. Holmes
• Gene Simmons Band
☘️ MICHIGAN IRISH MUSIC FESTIVAL
September 17–20 | Heritage Landing, Muskegon
More than 25 artists performing across six stages!
🎸 MORE MICHIGAN MUSIC
FRIDAY
• Freak Daddy — Downtown Midland | 7–9 p.m. | Free
• Festival of the Forks — Downtown Albion
SATURDAY
• 23 North — Downtown Midland | 7–9 p.m. | Free
• Eastown Streetfair — Grand Rapids
• Festival of the Forks continues in Albion
🎟️ TOURING SHOWS
FRIDAY
• BABYMETAL with Halestorm and Violent Vira — Pine K**b
SATURDAY
• Hayley Williams with Magdalena Bay and Rico Nasty — Pine K**b
• Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms and Spin Doctors — Turtle Creek Stadium
• Exposé — Sound Board
Connected with MMI or the Michigan Music Awards and performing this weekend? Share your show below!
Please confirm details with the artist or venue before attending.

09/18/2026

This was so much fun to do. Hope to have a chance to do it again sometime with Mitten Music!!

The Michigan Music Awards, an initiative that Matthew has been spearheading for over a year now. "We want to keep people at home... showcase our talents that we got here," he explains. This year's award show, held at the Aretha Franklin Jazz Cafe, was a testament to this vision, featuring

09/17/2026

🎬 BEHIND THE SCENES AT MMI
MMI is working to become much more than an annual awards ceremony.
Behind the scenes, we’re exploring partnerships, developing events and looking for sustainable ways to provide mixers, educational opportunities, showcases and other resources for Michigan’s music community throughout the year.
Some progress happens publicly. Much of it happens through meetings, emails, research, planning and conversations that may take months to produce visible results.
Building a statewide nonprofit music organization takes time, but every new relationship and every completed step moves the mission forward.
We’re building the year ahead—and we’re grateful to have Michigan’s music community along for the journey.

09/16/2026

🏆 2027 MICHIGAN MUSIC AWARDS NOMINATIONS OPEN OCTOBER 1! 🏆
It’s almost time.
Nominations for the 2027 Michigan Music Awards officially open October 1, 2026!
Michigan artists, musicians, producers, engineers, venues, industry professionals and more will once again have the opportunity to be recognized by Michigan’s music community.
📅 Nominations Open: October 1, 2026
📧 Submit ALL nominations to: [email protected]
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Nominations must be submitted to [email protected] to be considered. Nominations sent to any other Michigan Music Initiative or Michigan Music Awards email address will not be counted.
A complete list of eligible award categories can be found on the Michigan Music Initiative website.
🆕 NEW FOR 2027 — THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD!
For the first time, we’re adding an award chosen by YOU — the general public!
The new People’s Choice Award will give music fans across Michigan the opportunity to help choose a 2027 Michigan Music Awards winner.
The People’s Choice Award will be the only MMA category decided by public voting. Voting for all other Michigan Music Awards categories will remain exclusive to MMI members.
More information about the People’s Choice Award, nomination process, voting dates and the 2027 Michigan Music Awards will be announced soon.
🎶 Start thinking about who deserves to be recognized.
Nominations begin October 1.

09/16/2026

The Michigan Music Awards may be our flagship event, but our mission continues throughout the entire year.
MMI is working to create more opportunities for education, networking, collaboration, showcases, workshops, and meaningful conversations about Michigan’s music industry.
Becoming a member means joining the community we are building—not simply attending one event.
Help us create something Michigan’s music professionals can benefit from all year long.
Become a member:
https://michiganmusicinitiative.com/membership-1

09/15/2026

🎧 THIS DAY IN MICHIGAN MUSIC HISTORY 🎧
On September 15, 1964, pioneering DJ and producer Kelli Hand—better known as K-HAND—was born in Detroit.
Hand was one of the first women to record Detroit techno and became a groundbreaking presence in an industry largely dominated by men. She founded her own label, Acacia Records, creating an independent platform through which she could release and control her music.
Her catalog eventually grew to include hundreds of tracks spanning techno, house and other forms of electronic music. In recognition of her trailblazing career, Detroit City Council honored her as the “First Lady of Detroit” in 2017.
K-HAND helped open doors for women in electronic music while carrying Detroit’s sound to audiences around the world. Her influence remains an essential part of Michigan’s musical legacy.

09/14/2026

MORE MICHIGAN MUSIC FROM ABE 🤘🎶
The Arts, Beats & Eats highlights keep coming.
We had a great time catching Y’all Band and reconnecting with Josh during the festival.
One of the biggest benefits of being present at events like ABE isn't just seeing great performances — it's maintaining the relationships that make Michigan's music community feel like a community.
There is no substitute for showing up.
Great set. Great people. Another reason we're proud of what's happening in Michigan music.

09/14/2026

🔥 MMI ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: IN OUR WAKE 🔥
Formed in 2019, In Our Wake emerged from Detroit’s metalcore scene with crushing energy, melodic hooks and personal songwriting.
Founder Alex Osip has played in bands since he was 14. In Our Wake’s first seven songs were written and recorded before he assembled the musicians needed to bring them to the stage.
Like many bands, In Our Wake faced major changes during the pandemic. While rebuilding the lineup, Alex enlisted in the United States Air Force to provide greater security and opportunity for his family. As he prepared to leave, Steven Shuler became the frontman so the band could continue during Alex’s military service.
Although that lineup eventually separated, Alex never abandoned his vision. He has several years remaining in his Air Force commitment but is working with friend and producer Nick Reitman on a powerful new album. New music is tentatively planned for early 2027, with select performances to follow when his military schedule allows.
The band’s newest song, “My Last Goodbye,” arrived in March 2025 and continues the emotionally charged sound that defines In Our Wake. Its catalog also includes “Never Letting Go,” which has surpassed one million Spotify streams, along with “Hellbound or Heavensent,” “The Weeds Inside” and “Save You.”
For this spotlight, Alex asked us to feature “Burdens”—an under-promoted song he believes deserves another opportunity to be heard. Written by Alex, it captures the weight, intensity and emotional honesty at the heart of the band’s music.
In Our Wake’s story is about persistence, family, service and continuing to pursue a dream even when life changes the path.
Please join MMI in recognizing In Our Wake and supporting the next chapter of this Michigan metalcore band!
🎧 “Burdens”:
https://open.spotify.com/track/7049pB7IjAXdGX5ndq8AKE
🔥 Newest release, “My Last Goodbye”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l5bYssnuB0
Follow:
https://www.facebook.com/InOurWakeOfficial/

Photo: From Facebook

09/13/2026

MICHIGAN MUSIC IN ACTION 🎶
Another great Arts, Beats & Eats moment — catching Kay Harper & Company in Royal Oak.
Kay is someone we're very happy to continue building a relationship with, and after getting the chance to reconnect over the weekend, we're excited about what may be ahead.
Great musicianship, great energy and another example of the incredible variety represented within Michigan's music community.
This is why we keep showing up.
Supporting the artists. Strengthening the relationships. Building the community.

09/11/2026