Join Us For GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Visual Experience 2025 on Saturday, November 8, at ART 634 in Jackson!
It's happening!! GIG in the news
One More Week!
GIG 2025 is one week away!! We ran out to Detroit this past week to pick up screen-printed posters from ESP printing and t-shirts from KO Prints. Both designs for this year’s posters and shirts were created by the always-inspiring Jacob Rosenburg.
Grab your poster, t-shirt, and more starting at 12 noon on Saturday, November 8th, at Art 634 (634 Mechanic St.) in Jackson. All the details on the show are in this newsletter. Plus, we have a lot of great media previews to share.
Schedule of Events
12 p.m. - Doors open for art exhibit and market
Education Sessions:
1-1:50 - Building Your Networking Skills (Jen Prouty)
2-2:50 - Social Media / Advertising (Dave Ciccotte)
3-3:50 - Graphic Artist Panel
4-4:50 - Photographer Panel
Live Music:
7-7:40 - Paper Lanterns
8:10 - 8:55 - Mazinga
9:25 - 10:15 - Carbon Decoy
10:30 p.m. - Last call
GIG In The News
Ann Arbor’s 107one with Scott Vertical
Tune in bright and early (7 am) as Scott Vertical from Ann Arbor’s 107one will be talking with Chuck about what you can expect at GIG 2025
The Stratton Setlist
Be sure to keep an eye out for the Stratton Setlist, and Lori will have a story out shortly profiling some of the fantastic artists who are part of GIG 2025!
Radio Amor
Marty Slagter at Radio Amor wrote an excellent profile on visual artist Cidney Bundon from Detroit. The photographs are fabulous, and Cidney shares insights on the photos. When you come out to GIG 2025, be sure to check out some of Cidney’s imagery in the art exhibit.
JTV
The excellent people at JTV talked with Chuck about all things GIG. We have ads running next week on JTV, so be sure to shout out when you see one!
Concentrate Magazine
Many thanks to Natalia Holtzman and Patrick Dunn of Concentrate magazine for their continued support of GIG. I had a nice chat with Natalia, and she wrote a fantastic preview of our event coming up on November 8th!
Sonic Coast
Many thanks to Brian Maloney of Sonic Coast for taking the time to chat with Chuck about GIG - The Art of Michigan Music. Not sure if it will be available for replay, but nonetheless, download the app and listen to Sonic Coast. They are HUGE supporters of Michigan music and all of the associated arts.
Current Magazine
In Current Magazine, Donna Iadipaolo interviewed Chuck for a story on GIG!
Manchester Mirror
Sara Swanson from the Manchester Mirror talked with poster artist Jonathan Doyle about the amazing posters he creates for Manchester Underground and his involvement with GIG.
517Rocks!!
Chuck was recently on 517Rocks talking to Jerry about all things GIG. This classic rock station was born in 2024 after its local rock station in Hudson, MI, called it quits. They play a lot of great Michigan rock as well as the classics. Be sure to check them out. You can listen online or via their app (Apple / Android). They are also available on Live365 and Stream 419. Stay up to date on what they are up to via their social media. Turn them on and turn it up!!
Meet The Artists
Take a minute and meet our artists. Get ready to see and buy their work on November 8th!
Jackson College Students
We want to welcome the Jackson College graphic design students: Lana Kay. Jaylen Westbrook, Azaria Johnson to GIG. They will be showing off gig posters and other artwork as part of our visual art experience this year—many thanks to associate professor Chrissy Hughes for partnering with us this year to showcase emerging artists.
Workshops
We have some great educational and networking opportunities at GIG 2025. Make a plan to spend the afternoon soaking up these sessions featuring working professionals sharing their insights.
Market Vendors
In addition to our fantastic exhibit of gig posters, album covers, and music photography/videography at GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Visual Art Experience 2025, we also feature a music market! Here is the list of vendors at this year’s event:
Craig Horky (visual arts)
Jacob Rosenburg (visual arts)
Brian Durco (visual arts)
Fret Rescue (instrument service, merchandise)
Derek Ketchum (photography)
Dennis Preston (visual arts)
Jackson College Graphic Design (visual arts)
Brian Sheehan / LGRDMN (visual arts)
Peter Larson (visual arts)
Nathan Purchase (visual arts)
Jonathan Doyle (visual arts)
Akuro Productions (videography services)
Carl Lundgren (visual arts)
Matthew Jacobson (visual arts)
Logan Belz (visual arts)
Jen Prouty (visual arts)
Ari Simeone (visual arts)
Strum Rock School (music instruction)
CameraMall (photography equipment and services)
Current Magazine (media)
Yesterdream Studio (vinyl records and collectibles)
Life In Michigan (media, merchandise)
Manchester Underground Music and Art (music, merchandise)
Mitten Music Podcast
Joining us this year to provide coverage of GIG 2025 with artist and band interviews is Mitten Music Podcast!! We’ll have them in the Foreman’s Office just inside the main event space. The interviews will be part of season 5 of their podcast called On The Road.
Music
We wrap up GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Visual Experience 2025 with live music from Paper Lanterns, Mazinga, and Carbon Decoy. Music is now free, but if you want to purchase a ticket or make a donation to help us cover the costs, we won’t stop you 🙂
Ari Franklin Paints
We’ve got a special treat lined up for you during the live music portion of GIG, as Ari Franklin will be doing a live painting. Be sure to stay for the music and see what Ari creates..
Food and Cash Bar
We’ve got you covered with outstanding food and a cash bar.
Fila’s Fantastic Food is back!! Specializing in delicious Americanized egg rolls; it’s like your favorite sandwich inside an egg roll! They also have the best loaded fries and homemade nachos in town. It may be a tiny truck, but they are HUGE on flavor.
Our cash bar will have Michigan beers, wine from Cherry Creek Cellars, and ready-to-drink cocktails (High Noon / Long Drink). Water and a selection of sodas will also be available. Drink tickets are just $6. Water $1 Soda $2
Thank You, Sponsors
Life In Michigan shared a huge shout-out to all of our fantastic sponsors. Be sure to give these businesses and organizations your love: Life In Michigan, Swamp Street Design, Rocket Printing, Manchester Underground, Guitar Hi-Fi, The Stratton Setlist, Art 634, Jeff “Dirty Deeds and Angie Day, American 1 Credit Union, CameraMall, Experience Jackson, Ogma Brewing, Current Magazine, Chelsea State Bank, McShane Photography, Ironbark Brewing, and Jackson College.
Support GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Foundation
Our Mission
GIG—The Art of Michigan Music Foundation celebrates and amplifies Michigan’s rich music culture by highlighting the visual artists who shape its creative identity. Through exhibitions, workshops, and live events, we provide a platform for photographers, graphic designers, and videographers who craft concert posters, album art, band t-shirts, logos, and music videos—essential visual elements that elevate and support Michigan’s vibrant music community.
GIG—The Art of Michigan Music Foundation is committed to preserving and enriching Michigan’s rich musical heritage while nurturing current and future generations of visual artists.
Our Vision
We envision a future where Michigan-based visual artists who contribute to the music community are celebrated and supported. Our long-term goal is to raise funds to provide stipends for artists participating in our annual showcase, GIG - The Art of Michigan Music. By alleviating the financial barriers of art show participation, we aim to create a platform that not only highlights their work but also offers meaningful opportunities for them to connect with the public and sell their creations.
See you there!