GIG – The Art of Michigan Music Visual Experience 2025 is coming up on Saturday, November 8, and we want to give a special shout-out to all the sponsors!
Shout-out to the Sponsors of GIG 2025
The annual showcase of visual artists who make Michigan music shine is coming up. Brenda and I are once again at the helm of GIG – The Art of Michigan Music Foundation, a non-profit we’ve established to help us pull off the event and showcase the visual artists.
The saying “it takes a village” is so true. Without the sponsors, we could not come close to pulling off this event. Let’s celebrate these fantastic businesses and organizations that care about building community and showcasing the visual art of Michigan music..
The Rockstars
While all the sponsors are most needed and appreciated, the group known as “Rockstars” cranks the dial up to 11 and does the heavy lifting required to make GIG a reality.
Manchester Underground Music and Art
Manchester Underground Music and Art is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote music and the arts in support of the developmentally disabled adult community, both locally and across the State of Michigan. You can catch their monthly music series at River Raisin Distillery (480 W Main St, Manchester, MI). We are thrilled to have their friendship and ongoing support.
Swamp Street Design
Doing the heavy lifting to pull together our event program booklet for GIG is Annie Capps from Swamp Street Design. She also did a few of our fundraiser flyers. Her work is outstanding, and we couldn’t be happier to have her as part of the GIG team. Just check out the fantastic work Annie did for us on last year’s program:
Art 634
What was once a carriage and wagon factory in the 1850s has been transformed into a creative hub and event space called ART 634 (634 N. Mechanic St, Jackson, MI). From artist studios to event space, ART 634 is the foundation for the creative community in Jackson. The people working here are the best, and we are pleased to be back at ART 634 again this year.
Rocket Printing
Any and all of your printing needs can be handled quickly with top-quality printing by Rocket Printing (605 S Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI). They went above and beyond last year, printing our entire program in full, glossy color. The workmanship and service are fabulous. Rocket Printing is a one-stop shop for all of your printing needs, including design and mailing services. Thank you, Tony and your crew, for your ongoing support of GIG.
Guitar Hi-Fi
Located next door to Rocket Printing is Guitar HiFi (607 S Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI). With an excellent selection of new and vintage instruments, amps, and effects, they have everything you need to jam to your heart’s content. On top of sales, they offer instrument and amp repairs in-house. If that isn’t enough, Guitar Hi-Fi is a huge supporter of the Detroit music scene and has hosted several Detroit Music Scene mixers hosted by our friends Jennifer Westwood and Dylan Dunbar.
The Stratton Setlist
Lori is celebrating 10 years of providing outstanding music journalism with The Stratton Setlist. Every story is insightful as Lori digs deep to give you the full picture of each band she profiles. On top of the superb work in The Stratton Setlist, you can also check out Lori’s writing for A2 Pulp (part of the Ann Arbor District Library)
The Label Executives
In the music world, label executives may get a bad rap. However, from our perspective, this group is all about supporting their community and making a difference. They are dedicated to kicking out the jams in the spaces they call home.
Jackson Magazine
Jackson Magazine is laser-focused on the Jackson area with positive reporting and exceptional stories. They helped us promote GIG with a full-page ad and even took the time to talk with me and Brenda back in June. Check out all their issues in print and online.
The Tour Managers
The gig won’t happen without a solid manager backing you. Here are our tour managers for this year.
Dirty Deeds
Not actually a business (although wouldn’t it be a great name for a cleaning service?), a huge shout-out to Jeff “Dirty” Deeds and Angie Day. They are great friends and always support all the shenanigans we get into. This time around, they went crazy, kicking in a load of cash. I’m so appreciative of their generosity, as this comes out of their retirement!
Ogma Brewing
Champions of the arts and community, Ogma Brewing (129 E Michigan Ave, Jackson, MI) is once again lending a hand to help make GIG awesome. While others may say they support local art, Ogma actually does so with year-round events showcasing local artists and musicians. They also brew some of the best beer in Michigan and have a stellar kitchen.
Experience Jackson
Working hard to put Jackson in the spotlight is Experience Jackson. They continue to be incredibly supportive of all events, including GIG. There is much to explore in Jackson County, and Experience Jackson is your ultimate guide.
American 1 Credit Union
Celebrating 75 years of serving the people of Southern Michigan, we are very excited to have the support of American 1 Credit Union this year. Founded in 1950 in Jackson, American 1 Credit Union continues to support its community in so many ways.
McShane Photography
The fantastic photographer Jena Hovey is the powerhouse behind McShane Photography. She is an exceptional artist and a generous soul. Once again, she is putting her own money behind GIG to help us showcase the vibrant visual artists in Michigan’s Music Scene. When you need a gifted photographer, get in touch with Jena.
Chelsea State Bank
For over 100 years, Chelsea State Bank has been a cornerstone financial institution in Michigan. Throughout that time, they have been instrumental in providing support for all kinds of community initiatives. This includes the arts, and we are so thankful that they see the mission of GIG – The Art of Michigan Music Foundation as worthy of their support.
CameraMall
What started as a summertime GIG while the founder attended the University of Michigan, CameraMall (2275 W Stadium Blvd, Suite 2, Ann Arbor) has blossomed into a photography mecca in Ann Arbor. Thanks to CameraMall, our visual artists can save money on their printing costs, which can be substantial. We are grateful for their support of the Michigan arts community.
Current Magazine
Covering everything and anything in Washtenaw County, Current Magazine is there to share the stories. While our event is in Jackson, Current understands that we are really about showcasing the visual artists from around the state. With their help, we are getting the word out on GIG 2025!
The Roadies
The workhorses on and off the stage, this group works hard to pull off the show night after night—cheers to our Roadies.
Ironbark Brewing
If you are looking for a fun and laid-back place to enjoy craft beers and tasty food, then head over to Ironbark Brewing (2610 Kibby Rd, Jackson). They specialize in making everyone feel at home. We are so very happy to have the support of Ironbark Brewing.
Jackson College
We are thrilled to have Jackson College (2111 Emmons Rd, Jackson) on our team. For nearly 100 years, Jackson College has been a pillar of education in southern Michigan. Our thanks to Associate Professor Chrissy Hughes from the Graphic Design department for partnering with GIG this year.
Come to the GIG!
We look forward to seeing you at GIG – The Art of Michigan Music Visual Experience 2025, taking place at Art 634 in Jackson on Saturday, November 8, 2025. The exhibition, market, and education are free this year. There is a $15 ticket charge for the music to help us pay the bands a living wage. Pick up your tickets today!!
Art by Jacob Rosenburg
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