Paul Hoffman, Joe Sturgill, and Bob Buchanan will rock the stage at Watermark 920 (920 Washington Ave, Muskegon, Michigan) on December 21, at 6 p.m., via the Inside The Mitten concert series.
Born in the lakeshore city of Muskegon, Inside the Mitten is a concert showcase of Michigan-based musical acts that put their experiences of the peninsulas to music. Inside The Mitten was created and is hosted by Watermark Live, with concerts held at Watermark 920. Artists are not chosen based on genre: They are chosen because they exhibit rare potential. Artists also share their stage experiences, through a structured, moderated discussion led by Lou Jeannot, co-founder of MUXREC, and conducted through his ability to capture candid and insightful conversation.
Doors for each show open at 6 p.m. The shows run through 11 p.m.
Tickets for all ages, general admission, are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Go online to Brown Paper Tickets http://www.brownpapertickets.com to order now!
Staying after the show? Reserve a room at Shoreline Inn for $69; just mention the Inside The Mitten series to receive the rate. Restrictions may apply. Contact the Shoreline Inn directly for details.
Fatty Lumpkins Sandwich Shack will be on hand at the show with its “pop-up restaurant” producing custom sandwiches.
Drip Drop Drink will be on hand serving up slow-poured coffees in a swank atmosphere. Wine, a fully stocked bar, and Michigan beer will also be available.
BOB BUCHANAN: Opening the stage for the night is Bob Buchanan. A son of Saginaw, Michigan, Bob traveled the country when the times were “a-changin’.” If you hear Bob tell his story, it’s that of a man who ended up in the right place at the right time on most occasions—and, like most of us, found a few dark spots along the way. From his days in Greenwich Village, New York City, in ’64, to writing “Hickory Wind” with Graham Parsons, Bob has lived a life that has lent itself to writing and performing in a way that only a traveled man can. After forty years, Bob is picking up the guitar again and reminding us all that from experience comes true wisdom.
JOE STURGILL: If you have been in any music hall in Michigan or attended any festival in the area over the past ten years, there’s a good chance you’ve heard, seen, and felt the power of our second performer’s music—but not like this. Picking up the guitar in the late '90s and drawing on the shared Michigander experience of a childhood filled with eclectic musical influence, Joe Sturgill’s voice is soulful and informed with an accompanying musicianship that is nothing short of unique. You may best know Joe as the frontman/songwriter/guitarist for the currently on-hiatus Rock/Soul/Funk power trio Four Finger Five, but for one night only you could hear him as a solo artist. For Inside The Mitten 2.4, Joe will perform songs from his well-known 4F5 catalogue as well as unheard and unreleased music he’s never played in public.
PHOFFMAN: Headlining the evening is Muskegon native Phoffman, also known as Paul Hoffman, singer/songwriter/mandolinist for Michigan’s beloved bluegrass kings Greensky Bluegrass. Mr. Hoffman’s genuine voice, his insightful lyrics, and his deft playing of the mandolin have brought bluegrass and folk music to the forefront of the Michigan music scene. Greensky’s influence on the overall music scene in Michigan has been felt from the time they began playing. Like a drilling rig plunging into the earth, Paul Hoffman and Greensky struck a wellspring of love for American Roots music that was untapped and waiting to be discovered in Michigan. A handful of times every year you could find Phoffman taking the stage to tell his story solo, but never before in Muskegon has this occurred.
ABOUT INSIDE THE MITTEN:
Watermark Live Inside The Mitten consists of a single moderated set from the opening act, and two sets from the featured act. The first set is a discussion between the moderator and the act, interlaced between the songs that tell their story. For the second set, the audience is encouraged to get to know the musical acts by submitting questions to the moderator who presents them to the bands between songs. Each concert is an intimate setting where concertgoers have a great night out, celebrating Michigan through music and Michigan made beer/wine as they get to know the bands and the stories behind their music. The first season featured The Crane Wives, Ida’s Rope, Homeless Poet, 5iveit, Chantron, Funktion, Charlie Slick and Thunda Clap, and Four Finger Five. The second season has featured Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, Secretary of Space, Seth Bernard and the Family Business, and Big Dudee Roo, to date.
