Unique Story & Song evening comes to Manchester Underground this weekend

Manchester’s own Juston Brady. Photo courtesy Chuck Marshall

by Steve Girbach

Songwriters in the round is a popular format for concerts, but Manchester Underground Music and Art (MUMA) is taking it to the next level. On Saturday, August 19, at 7:30pm, as part of their monthly music listening-room concert series, MUMA will host three artists of different musical genres who will share the stage in a new format they call Story & Song.” In this format, the artists will take turns sharing the story behind their songs.

They will explain why they wrote the song, what inspired it, and what they want the listener to know. Then they will perform that song. This format allows the audience to get a deeper understanding of the songs and the artists who wrote them. It also creates a more intimate and interactive experience for the audience.

The three artists who will be performing at MUMA’s first ever Story & Song concert are:

Banjo Mike Evans: Brooklyn, Michigan’s Banjo Mike is a solo musician who weaves the vibrant threads of American old-time music with enchanting Celtic influences. His heartfelt melodies, soulful storytelling, and penchant for historical facts take audiences on an unforgettable adventure, immersing them in the rich tapestry of bygone eras. From intimate stages to grander venues, Banjo Mike’s magnetic presence and undeniable talent make him an engaging act to watch. His love for music and music preservation shines through in all of his performances. Let his resonant voice transport you through time, leaving you with melodies lingering in your heart and a newfound appreciation for the captivating blend of old-time American music.

Banjo Mike Evans. Photo courtesy Mike Evans.

Cooper Young: Cooper Young hails from Jackson, Michigan, and is a self-taught guitarist who has been playing music since he was 5 years old. He is also proficient on bass, piano, keys, harmonica/harp, and vocals. Young has been performing professionally since he was 16 and has played in various bands and projects over the years. From 1979 to 1994, he fronted an underground mid-Michigan punk band called the Scabz. In the last 30 years, Young has played from New Orleans to Memphis and, of course, his home state of Michigan, pretty much nonstop. His original material is an eclectic blend of blues, country-esque, rock and roll, Americana, and pop-rock ballads. Young has been performing in one form or another for the last 50 years and shows no signs of slowing down.

Cooper Young. Photo courtesy Chuck Marshall.

Juston Brady: Manchester’s own Juston Brady is a musician who has been characterized by his raw and honest approach to songwriting. His acoustic guitar is his faithful companion, and his songs possess a bittersweet quality, blending sadness and beauty, darkness and humor. Brady has been actively involved in various music projects since 1998. He is currently collaborating with a band called Sometimes Pretty, based in Chelsea. They are actively working on recording new music and creating accompanying videos. Brady’s music is a reflection of his own life experiences. He writes about the things he cares about, the things he’s seen, and the things he’s felt. His music is honest, raw, and relatable, and it speaks to the human experience in a way that few other musicians can. If you’re looking for music that is both beautiful and thought-provoking, then you’ll enjoy Juston Brady. He is a talented musician with a unique voice, and his music is sure to touch your soul.

Manchester Underground Music and Art’s concerts, including this new series featuring an evening of live music and storytelling, are hosted by the River Raisin Distillery at 480 W Main in Manchester. Tickets are available at the door or via the MUMA Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ManchesterUndergroundEvents. Show starts at 7:30pm.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.