The art was popping, the music flowing, and the beers pouring at ArtPop 2024 held outside of Ogma Brewing in Jackson.
ArtPop 2024
The stars aligned, and we finally made it to ArtPop 2024. I say finally because ArtPop has been a yearly fixture since 2018, and we are just now making it to the show. The outdoor beer garden next to Ogma Brewing was transformed into a pop-up art market and outdoor music venue. Our master of ceremonies, grand poobah, and host with the most, Cody Lockwood, greeted everyone at the entrance with a warm smile and grateful hello. A donation to the cause rewarded patrons with a hearty thanks and entry into a raffle for a $1000 ArtPop prize package featuring a ton of super art and gift cards.
Check out this cool art!
The focus of ArtPop 2024 is, you guessed it, the art. The diversity of art was astounding. There was whimsical, fantastical, and delightful imagery from Audra Oliva, Jay A. Defoy, Craig Horky, Bad Love, Zach Snyder, Misty Bondy, and Austin Pardun Art. Rick Johnson of RJ’s Caricatures did live caricatures, which were a big hit.
You could find mind-blowing ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and more by Eclectic Creations, Centerville General Store, Mercurial Threads, Swedish Made, Wood N’ Palette, Light Echo Studio, Northern Fern and Saturn Ceramics and Underworld Apothecary.
You could even pick up artisanal hot sauce from the masters of molten metal, Peril Hot Sauce. The ArtPop 2024 series of hot sauce flew off the shelves within minutes.
The art on display was next-level awesome and it was great to see so many people shopping for treasure.
A Musical Smorgasbord
The music lineup at ArtPop 2024 was off the hook. I mean, it was a serious stand-up and shout extravaganza.
Attic Bats
Ripping into the day just as ArtPop got rolling were the Attic Bats. This two-piece drums and guitar outfit buzzed our heads with high-octane punk rock. With high energy to match the glorious sun, these guys ruled.
Victor and the Good Vibes / Honey & Buffalo
I was definitely feeling harmonious feelings flowing freely thanks to Victor and the Good Vibes. With swirling synths and sensuous grooves, this band probably contributed to a spike in sales at the art market.
Coming in like a cool breeze was Honey & Buffalo. Featuring earthy roots music with sparkling harmonies, their music cast an aura of bliss at ArtPop 2024.
Lucius Fox
Capturing the vital energy, endless expanse, and wonder of the universe within their music was Lucius Fox. I never fail to be knocked senseless when witnessing the musical majesty of this band. In addition to playing tunes from their fantastic Medicea Sidera (Medici Stars, aka the moons of Jupiter), they jammed some new tunes called Huron and Michigan, which are themed around our Great Lakes.
Carbon Decoy
Bringing plenty of powerful psychedelic grooves was Carbon Decoy. They melted minds with tunes such as “Like A Witch” off of their latest album, Superstition Plagues the Purity of All. Carbon Decoy drills straight into the third eye to reveal the heaviness of beauty and the shocking power of art.
Mazinga
Burning up the stage with a vivacious set of punk rock fury was Mazinga. Cranking hard on all cylinders, this band roared through like they were rising up for a rock n roll jihad. Like Spinal Tap, these guys were cranked to 11.
LVRS
This was my first time experiencing LVRS, and they were magnificent. The music was layered, nuanced, introspective, and punchy indie-rock. For a captivating, immersive music experience, go see this band.
Vazum
Playing darkly meditative musing was Vazum from Detroit. Their music cast an eerie pall cloaked in intrigue. Dancing in dark shadows, Vazum are talented musicians crafting a sound all their own.
Sever The Crown
For something completely different, Sever The Crown brought a firestorm of metalcore. A sizable crowd was on hand to welcome these guys back home to Jackson. The band responded with a full-on assault replete with thunderous drums, pummeling bass, slashing riffs, and a mix of clean and brutal vocals. Batten down the hatches when you see this band coming to town, or risk annihilation.
Al Neon
Closing out one hell of an awesome day at ArtPop 2024 was the bass-driven trip-hop of Al Neon. Losing myself in conversation and a few beers in, I completely failed to get a picture of Al Neon in the midst of creation. The music was scintillating and evocative. What a way to end this epic adventure.
Photos
We got a trove of photos from ArtPop 2024. Dig it.
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