For the 2013 Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair iSPY Magazine Stage, we’ve put together another great 4 days of music. Located on the corner of Liberty and Ashley, in downtown Ann Arbor, the iSPY Magazine stage is a great escape from the craziness that is the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair. Come down, grab some chicken on a stick from the food court, sit, relax and take a break from all the amazing art to enjoy some of the areas top musicians play. Don’t miss any of the action as we’ll have live music from noon until 8pm!

Scroll down for full lineup and schedule and be sure to click each band name to listen to their music!

AAAF_Stacked the guild

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Presented by

Trinity

Wednesday // 7.17

Bichini Bia Congo Dance Theatre 12:00 p.m.

Bichini Bia Congo Dance Theatre, established in 1979 by Jean-Claude Biougilla Biza (Sompa), is a performance theater that promotes the preservation and practice of authentic Congolese Dance and African culture.
By highlighting the influences of African culture our mission is to: 1) emphasize the common aspects of culture that unify us all, 2) heighten the cultural awareness of our audiences, and 3) educate and allow for an opportunity for our audiences to develop an appreciation of African culture. African traditions are communicated through dance, music, song, and drum. These art forms embody the value concepts and social philosophies of the Congolese people: man’s harmony with God and nature, group unity, and the celebration of life.

Truman 2:15 p.m.

Truman is based out of Ypsilanti, Mi. Zach Harris, Eric Hurd, J.T. Garfield and Sam Thompson present a sound that is dynamic, atmospheric and impactful, citing acts such as Brand New, Mew and The Deftones as influences. Truman’s debut EP, “For Now. Forever” was released in July 2012. They are currently working on their first full length album.
 

Disinformants 3:30 p.m.

Disinformants was born out of the ashes of Jehovah’s Witness Protection Program, Lizerrd, and Err… and continues the Ghost Family tradition of pushing the boundaries of fuzz and chaos while balancing it with just enough time in the sweet spot. A solid mix of post-punk and rock with a DIY ethos and a willingness to include everyone who passes by.

Lord Byron Security Team 4:45 p.m.

Thunderbird has a voice from another, far better galaxy. Underfang was born classically trained, raised on soul.

Mike Vial and the Great Lake Effect 6:00 p.m.

On his past two albums of folk-rock, Mike Vial sings about searching for true love, taking chances, and facing life’s transitions.

These themes mirror the songwriter’s ambitious journeys last year: Quitting his teaching position to pursue music full time, getting married (to writer Natalie Burg), and moving to Ann Arbor…and along the way, playing anywhere and everywhere between Toronto and Nashville. In 2012 alone, Mike performed 200+ gigs and clocked 25,000+ road miles on the road.

Mike’s vocal style is comparable to James Taylor and Ari Hest, and his accomplished guitar playing stands out with its own voice, mixing elements of jazz, folk, and rock. He has worked with producers Dan Achen (City & Colour; Feist) and Michael Chambers (Whitehorse; Said the Whale) at Catherine North Studios in Canada on his last studio releases.

This year he is performing a Take a Chance Tuesday showcase at the Ark, opening for Barenaked Ladies and Ben Folds at Common Grounds in Lansing, and showcasing at Folk Alliance (SERFA) in May.
[toggle_box title="Captain Ivory 7:15 p.m." width="Width of toggle box"]

Captain Ivory is a five-piece indie rock band that combines soaring, high-energy vocals with greasy guitar licks, and a rhythm section that’ll have your foot tapping before you know it. Combine this all with soulful songwriting and delivery, and you get a genre-busting rock n’ roll sound bound to have you reaching for the volume dial.

[/toggle_box]

Ghostlady 8:30 p.m.

Ghostlady is a band in which Renee Bertsch Hytinen plays farfisa, guitar, and sings; Allison Stanley plays drums, bells, and sings; Robbie Linkner plays bass, Dave Niles plays bass and guitar and records the albums!

All members are originally from Michigan and have been creating, recording and performing music on various instruments in a variety of settings since the pre-teen years. It is likely that the idea of Ghostlady started some time ago. Renee and Allison began playing in bands together while living in Chicago somewhere around 2001, among them being transaction Ensemble and the autumn-waking. Then in 2007, Ghostlady began haunting a wood paneling basement in Ann Arbor as a duo, after both ladies had moved back to MI. With Renee managing the farfisa, loop pedal and guitar simultaneously, and Allison playing the drums and bells at the same time, they generally called the music they were creating quirk-pop. Dave joined the band in 2009 after recording their first album and Robbie joined in 2012 after playing bass at the release show for Henry.

Thursday // 7.18 

Bichini Bia Congo Dance Theatre 12:00 p.m.

Bichini Bia Congo Dance Theatre, established in 1979 by Jean-Claude Biougilla Biza (Sompa), is a performance theater that promotes the preservation and practice of authentic Congolese Dance and African culture.
By highlighting the influences of African culture our mission is to: 1) emphasize the common aspects of culture that unify us all, 2) heighten the cultural awareness of our audiences, and 3) educate and allow for an opportunity for our audiences to develop an appreciation of African culture. African traditions are communicated through dance, music, song, and drum. These art forms embody the value concepts and social philosophies of the Congolese people: man’s harmony with God and nature, group unity, and the celebration of life.

Goodnight Dark Continent 2:15 p.m.

Goodnight Dark Continent is an Ann Arbor-based electronic music group that mixes classic pop with unconventional production and instrumentation. Their debut EP, “Dreams”, was featured in the music blog Before It Was Cool, who called GDC’s music “perfect for that rainy afternoon”.

Founded in 2012 by brothers Tom Pickren and Cody Pickren, GDC creates music using a combination of live instruments, sampling, and computer control. They soften the use of electronics with human performances that feature soothing vocals and dreamy synths. Cody sings and plays a lot of guitar, as well as a bit of everything else. Tom prefers the keys and bass, but his forte is production and sampling. They are influenced by a wide range of genres, including 80′s pop, French house, indie, and post-rock. GDC are currently recording their second concept EP, entitled “Walls”.

The Sound Logic 3:30 p.m.

The Sound Logic, a Detroit based garage rock duo,was formed in mid 2012 by Yuri Pavlov and Jeff Knol. The two met 6 years prior and started playing music in various bands around the Grand Rapids area together. Frustrated with the 5 member band set up, Yuri and Jeff decided to split and form a two-piece. Since its inception, The Sound Logic has been tirelessly writing material and playing shows any chance they get. All of this hard work has come to fruition with the upcoming release of their self titled debut album, T.S.L., which will be available at their shows starting on June 1st 2013, and on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and local CD stores later that month.

The album was recorded at Cold War Studios in Grand Rapids,MI with Rick Johnson(Mustard Plug), who also mixed the album. The mastering was done by Ohio based engineer, Brian Lucey(The Black Keys, O.A.R., Beck) at Magic Garden Mastering. The Sound Logic will be playing shows around the Midwest in the coming weeks in preparation for their album release show, which will take place on June 1, 2013 @ PJ’s Lager House in Detroit Michigan. Keep an eye and ear out for The Sound Logic as, much like the city of Detroit, this band never stops working and improving. The Sound Logic has already started writing material for their next album and has shows booked until the end of July.

In Fact 4:45 p.m.

In Fact is the brainchild of Joel Skene (indie rocker via Fields Of Industry, Lone Wolf & Cub and currently in Team Ethic).  The design was to fuse hip hop & driving disco with a blend of organic and electronic elements.  Crafty party music.  This is not LMFAO.  He wanted to start a new project that could include former bandmate/bassist Del Belcher (Lone Wolf & Cub).  We know you haven’t heard of Lone Wolf & Cub but just go with it.  They recruited an old college friend, Michael Edwards (NOT of Lone Wolf & Cub, BUT a Nashville trained badass), to hold down duties on the kit.They needed the right voice to carry the tunes and the right fit fell into their laps.  Not literally.  This is a kids’ show.

Brittany Willis was an old college classmate that magically reappeared when she sought recording services from a mutual friend.  Brittany had been studying voice at Berklee in their time apart and her dulcet pipes were the counterpoint needed to the boys muscle.  Everything clicked from the word go.  Cliche.  We know.  But true.  Joel would lay the framework, the other lads added in their two cents and then Joel-Brittany hashed out the lyrics and melody.  The sounds you’ve heard before but not like this.  Sometimes you have Mariah Carey sweetly singing over a hook  the Flaming Lips would have penned and other times you have Sade-isms gliding over Dillafied head bobbing.  These aren’t samples of the mentioned parties.  This is all brand spankin’ new.  This, in fact, is In Fact.

The Ypsi Sisters 6:00 p.m.

The Ypsi Sisters started out as a local super group of sorts (originally called “The Darn Fools”) to play cover songs for the 826 Michigan benefit, Love Hangover. After adding a few new members, they changed their name to The Ypsi Sisters to reflect more of the Girl-Group genre of songs they were covering, accentuated by the three female vocalists.

The Ypsi Sisters are comprised of members of Black Jake & The Carnies, Ghostlady, Van Houten, Modern Lady Fitness and more!

After a few years of playing to the Love Hangover and consistently receiving great response, their catalog of songs has grown large enough to start entertaining the idea of playing out more than once a year at Love Hangover.

Bluesmatics 7:15 p.m.

Bluesmatics is a rock inspired blues band from Ann Arbor drawing styles from classic blues and rock. Stirring vocals, driving rhythms and bright guitars breath new life into blues classics and band originals. Bluesmatic members include; Matt Miller and Jay Fingerle on guitar and vocals, Steve Arrivo on percussion and vocals, Bob Kendall on lead guitar and Scott Kendall on bass.

Friday // 7.19

Bichini Bia Congo Dance Theatre 12:00 p.m.

Bichini Bia Congo Dance Theatre, established in 1979 by Jean-Claude Biougilla Biza (Sompa), is a performance theater that promotes the preservation and practice of authentic Congolese Dance and African culture.
By highlighting the influences of African culture our mission is to: 1) emphasize the common aspects of culture that unify us all, 2) heighten the cultural awareness of our audiences, and 3) educate and allow for an opportunity for our audiences to develop an appreciation of African culture. African traditions are communicated through dance, music, song, and drum. These art forms embody the value concepts and social philosophies of the Congolese people: man’s harmony with God and nature, group unity, and the celebration of life.

About, The 1:00 p.m.

About, The is an indie folk band from Ann Arbor, MI. They’ve been playing music in and around the Ann Arbor for the past year and consist of 3 members right now. Matthew Krause on acoustic guitar and lead vocals, Diana Randels on piano and Jordan Collingridge on drums make up the band. They play medium to fast tempo acoustic folky music. They’ve been having a lot of fun playing shows at places like Mark Cart’s downtown, Blind Pig, Woodruff’s, coffee shops, other bar venues in the area, and playing live on WCBN – FM Ann Arbor. Their music brings a good blend of melodic, catchy lyrics to fast pace foot stomping rhythms.

The Fever Tongues 2:15 p.m.

The Fever Tongues are three local Ann Arborites who have joined forces to create a power rocking trio. The members consist of bassist Joe Dart of famed Vulfpeck and other acts (a local ann arbor star), on drums Billy Harrington who has laid countless rhythms for local acts as a studio player and hired-gun performer. Lead singer Josh Smith who has opened for cross-genre acts such as Wiz Khalifa, Wale, Lupe Fiasco, Asher Roth, Twista and others. They are young, fearless, and ready to show the world what Ann Arbor/Ypsi and this whole mitten are really about.  

The Understorey 3:30 p.m.

The Understorey is comprised of the duo of Jessica and Matt McCumons, who have created thoroughly compelling original songs as well as stylized covers by inspirations such Brandi Carlile, Amos Lee, Patty Griffin, and Amy Winehouse.   The duo, now backed by a full band, produces upbeat and rhythmic folk rock with country roots.  Classically trained and locally bred, Jess’s voice is a powerful, emotionally charged, and rich presence that is always a crowd pleaser.  Matt adds dimension to the duo with his warm and percussive acoustic style.  Inspired by a love for their home state of Michigan, and all that it has to offer, these two have created evocative and timely tunes with a keen appreciation of the natural world.

Nathan K. 4:45 p.m.

Spencer Michaud 6:00 p.m.

Spencer Michaud is a narrative singer-songwriter that uses an elastic tenor voice to cover an incredible range of genres and emotions. He draws upon the ghosts of motown, tin-pan alley and the folk tradition to create a sound that is both theatrical and sincere. Michaud is a regular performer at the Jeff Buckley Tribute concerts held annually at Uncommon Ground in Chicago, IL. He currently teaches guitar and songwriting in the Ann Arbor, MI area.

The Hand in the Ocean 7:15 p.m.

The Hand in the Ocean is a group of three musicians out of Detroit, Michigan who play their own unique take on Post-Folk music (elements of post rock and folk).  Formed in the spring of 2011, members Jeremy Dulac, Jordan Evans, and Nate Tapling, have been writing and playing ever since.  Taking influences from all genres of music, their ‘folk’ label adheres more to the instruments they play rather than the sound they produce.  A mixture of crisp harmonies, racing banjo, and dynamic guitar makes for a barrage of different songs, from dissonant and brisk to memorable and melodic, The Hand in the Ocean foregoes the typical songwriting structures in attempt to create a sound of their own.

The Afternoon Round 8:30 p.m.

The Afternoon Round is a rock band. They make original music with guitars, drums, bass, and vocal chords with the conviction that “pop” is not a dirty word and that a hook doesn’t make you a sell-out. They want you to not only hear the songs, but remember them.

That’s why they have lovingly crafted each of their songs using only the choicest ingredients. They start out with fresh emotions translated into words and transferred onto recycled notebook paper. Next, they take refurbished chord progressions salvaged from Pop scrapyards from the past and future and transform them into shiny verses, glowing bridges, and blinding choruses. Finally, using new (and entirely organic), ideas culled straight from the frontal lobes they add the licks, harmonies, beats, and melodies to satisfy your discerning auditory cortex.

Saturday // 7.20

Bichini Bia Congo Dance Theatre 12:00 p.m.

Bichini Bia Congo Dance Theatre, established in 1979 by Jean-Claude Biougilla Biza (Sompa), is a performance theater that promotes the preservation and practice of authentic Congolese Dance and African culture.
By highlighting the influences of African culture our mission is to: 1) emphasize the common aspects of culture that unify us all, 2) heighten the cultural awareness of our audiences, and 3) educate and allow for an opportunity for our audiences to develop an appreciation of African culture. African traditions are communicated through dance, music, song, and drum. These art forms embody the value concepts and social philosophies of the Congolese people: man’s harmony with God and nature, group unity, and the celebration of life.

One Blown Speaker 1:00 p.m.

One Blown Speaker is a high energy two-piece rock band out of Flint, Michigan. The band consists of Robby Fischer (guitar/vocals) and Jonathan Kirbitz (drums) who grew up playing music as friends in high school. During their college years, the two-piece rock outfit played shows in Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor. Jonathan attended the University of Michigan Ann Arbor where he played in the Michigan Drumline for four years as well as playing drumset for the Michigan Basketball Band. Jonathan recently just travelled to Atlanta Georgia to play drum set for Michigan at the Final Four and National Championship Game. One Blown Speaker recently recorded an EP in Ann Arbor at Backseat Studios with Billy Harrington and Nick Nagurka. The album is online for free download. Within the past year the two have played all over Michigan. One Blown Speaker delivers strong explosive live performances and absolutely kills it onstage. 

Light Out for the Territory 2:15 p.m.

Hazardous Transactions 3:30 p.m.

Paul Luc 4:45 p.m.

Paul Luc is a Pittsburgh-based singer/songwriter with his music often being labeled as “folk-rock”.  Recently, he’s been performing as Paul Luc & the North Country Gentlemen for full band sets, which includes bass, drums, and lead guitar or pedal steel.  However, he also plays a lot of solo sets.  One music writer from the Pittsburgh Tribune described his sound as “Musically, Luc seems to be channeling the Warren Zevon-Jackson Browne nexus of California rock, his sound having a honey-dipped, golden quality. That is counterbalanced by a sharpness and clarity of sound and composition reminiscent of Bright Eyes or Ben Lee.” Paul is currently working on a new EP and is completely independent and believe in that spirit.

Voyager: The Official iSPY Magazine Art Fair After Party 9:00 p.m.

Come celebrate the conclusion of Ann Arbor’s biggest event of the year with us! DEFTMIX will be bringing down the house in true Voyager fashion spinning cross genres across multi-decades.

Voyager