Sonic Lunch is back, The Return of music is here and it's Free!
The return of music is coming in strong, especially in Ann Arbor, Michigan July 13, 2021 - Bank of Ann Arbor will return to Liberty Plaza for the 2021 season of the Sonic Lunch Summer Concert Series, after taking the year off in 2020.
“We are so excited to bring Sonic Lunch back to Ann Arbor for the summer of 2021”, said Tim Marshall, President and CEO of Bank of Ann Arbor. “Even though we aren’t starting until August, you can still expect to see a wonderful collection of local and national talent on the Sonic Lunch stage. We have some artists our followers will know well, like Laith Al-Saadi, Theo Katzman and Brett Dennen. But we also have new artists joining us including local mix-master Ki5 Loops, soulful Detroit singer Al Bettis, and the Detroit Youth Choir, who made an impressive run on America’s Got Talent.”
This marks the 14th year for Bank of Ann Arbor’s Sonic Lunch, a free summer outdoor concert series located at the corner of Liberty and Division in downtown Ann Arbor. Thursdays, beginning August 5, Sonic Lunch will feature a range of local and national artists. Sonic Lunch will once again host opening acts prior to each performance beginning at 11:30am featuring predominately regional artists.
2021 Sonic Lunch Summer Concert Series:
8/5 Brett Dennen wsg Althea Grace
8/12 Michigander wsg Jake Lemond
8/19 Laith Al-Saadi, Detroit Youth Choir wsg Al Bettis
8/26 Absofacto wsg Ki5 Loops
9/2 Theo Katzman wsg May Erlewine
Liberty Street will be closed for every concert giving those interested an opportunity to spread out and socially distance…or our favorite, DANCE. We can’t wait to see you back at Sonic Lunch! We had the chance to catch Morgxn set at Sonic Lunch (Which you can see here). Sonic Lunch and Bank of Ann Arbor are also the people who did Treeverb Festival (Which is a rumor to make a comeback) you can see that here! Down below we have a playlist to get you ready for the party we will be having as well as a little bit about everyone.
Who are we excited to see?
We are excited to see old friends Michiganders and Jake Lemond who we got to see a couple of years ago (I know, it sounds weird) for Michigander's album release party (Link here if you want to revisit it). When we are not thinking about the music we are on our phones watching as much Tiktok as humanly as possible (Which speaking of which, stay tune). So, of course, we are excited to hear Absofacto perform. If you have not seen Laith Al-Saadi or The Detroit Youth Concert Choir perform live on TV (Via the Voice and America’s Got Talent), this is your chance to fix it.
August 5 – Brett Dennen wsg Althea Grace
Dennen is telling us to get out and see the world at a time when we need it more than ever. Flame-haired, six-foot-five, and with a singular gift for meditating on life's most meaningful subjects with equal parts innocence and razor sharp wit, you know Dennen from his decade-plus career as a singer/songwriter. With a successful string of albums and four Top Ten AAA singles like "Make You Crazy," "Wild Child," and 2018's "Already Gone," which achieved his highest chart position yet, Dennen has cemented himself as a fixture in American folk music. What you may not know about Brett is that he did not set out to be a professional musician. It is a surprising revelation for someone who embodies the best of songwriting: singular storytelling, singability, and the unique capacity to hold up a mirror to our lives, our society, and the greater world.
In recent years, Brett Dennen has started to let the world in on his secrets. In 2017, he created the "Lift Series" and "Vacationer Series," two annual tours wherein he combines shows in ski and beach towns with conservation initiatives and education in each locale. An avid skier and surfer as well as a conservationist, Dennen works with local organizations to spearhead beach clean-ups and educate young people to become climate stewards, driving awareness through his music and marrying just a few of his many sides in one effort to help drive positive change. He has also begun to sell some of the hundreds of paintings that accumulate in his California home; he has even let us all in on his artistic process through an Instagram video series called Paint and Play. He recently launched Dennen Goods Co., a lifestyle brand that aims to inspire.
Somewhere in all of that, there is still very much the music. Dennen's next release, See The World, is due out July 23rd on Mick Music. Like the man, himself, the new album is potpourri of experiences and sometimes seeming contradictions. In the album opener and title track, Dennen sings of "diamond beaches" and "prism streams," and reminds us that "You don't have to be rich to get around / There are mansions growing out of the ground." In the refrain, he urges "Days go by / Get out and see the world with your own eyes."
Brett Dennen doesn't take his time on his beloved earth for granted. He is intent on exploring the world and exploring himself in the process. Hence, See The World. The album also happens to come at what we hope will be a turning point for all of us -- where we all hope to be doing just what Brett wants for us -- seeing the world. Quite tangible in the title track and the album as a whole is Dennen's newest and greatest pursuit -- that of father to his young son, Van, for whom this song was written. But it is also easy to imagine him writing it for all of us, gently encouraging us to pick up the paint brush, jump in the ocean, and climb whatever mountain lies in front of us. Peppered in equal parts with shrewd quips and vulnerable admissions, the album is ultimately an exploration of life's deepest meaning. And that is certainly emblematic of Brett Dennen, who spans wide as both an artist and a human being -- sometimes biting and somehow always generous of spirit -- his arms out to meet you where you are. See The World is, in short, reflective of a life well-explored, a life well-pursued, and, we can hope, a life well-lived.
August 12 – Michigander wsg Jake Lemond
https://www.michiganderband.com
Michigander emanates a magnetic Midwest spirit, delivering uplifting anthems, raised even higher by six-string fireworks, empowering lyrics, and understated arena ambition. First brought to life in 2014 when the singer, songwriter, producer and guitarist was moving across his home state to Kalamazoo, Michigander has garnered the acclaim of NPR, Paste, SPIN, American Songwriter, KCRW, and many more, in addition to nearly 20 million career streams globally. In 2016, his independent debut single “Nineties” achieved viral success, claiming real estate on multiple major Spotify playlists and cracking 1 million streams on the platform. Michigander’s two previous EPs, Midland [2018] and Where Do We Go From Here [2019], have become fan favorites. The latter’s standout single “Misery” eclipsed 6 million streams and earned Michigander his first Triple-A radio hit. In September 2020, Michigander’s new era officially began with the release of “Let Down” and the folk-tinged companion track “48.” Along the way, Singer and his band have performed alongside Mt Joy, Hippo Campus, Silversun Pickups, and Tokyo Police Club and graced the stages of festivals with The National, Foster The People, Moon Taxi, and alt-j. For the emerging multi-talent, Everything Will Be Ok Eventually marks the next chapter in his growing career.
August 19 – Laith Al-Saadi, Detroit Youth Choir wsg Al Bettis
In 2016, Laith Al-Saadi won America’s hearts and a spot in the Season 10 finale of NBC’s “The Voice.” Now he’s poised to bring his authentic blend of blues, soul and classic rock to audiences around the nation and the world. Laith Al-Saadi has always had the perfect combination of Midwestern hustle and incredible musical chops – honed at the University of Michigan School of Music in his hometown of Ann Arbor, and on stages across the country working with legends like Taj Mahal, Luther Allison, Buddy Guy, Son Seals, Gregg Allman, B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, Paul Rodgers and recently opened for Bob Seger on his farewell tour in January, 2019.
“Laith is one of the most diverse talents we have,” said Maroon 5 frontman and The Voice coach Adam Levine. “Incredible guitar player, incredible singer.” Entertainment Weekly called Laith Al-Saadi “a power performer who is so legitimate and memorable.” Audiences have agreed, propelling Al-Saadi’s most recent CD release, “REAL” to the top of the blues chart for five weeks and the top 20 album chart for two weeks. Laith also had four singles in the top ten iTunes singles charts, and his albums “In The Round” and “Long Time Coming” spent time at the top of the rock and album charts. Al-Saadi also received a Detroit Music Award in 2018 for Best New Recording for his Digital EP “A 75th Birthday Tribute to Jimi Hendrix. Guitar World Magazine has called Laith Al-Saadi a cross between "Danny Gatton and Buddy Guy at their best,” and in 2006 Guitar Center crowned him one of the top four blues guitarists in the United States.
https://www.detroityouthchoir.org
The Detroit Youth Concert Choir & Performing Arts Company (DYC) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that services young people throughout the Detroit Metropolitan area. The Detroit Youth Choir teaches and develops students through music education, dance, and theatrical arts. Our program is designed for youth between the ages of 8-18.
The Detroit Youth Choir vision is to offer the youth of Metro Detroit a world-class performing arts experience that develops their creative skills and talents. The Detroit Youth Choir has performed at various events around the city of Detroit, nationally, and internationally. DYC had the opportunity to perform at the Michigan Outdoor Adventure Center’s ribbon-cutting ceremony before Governor Rick Snyder and Mayor Mike Duggan. We also performed at the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony before many celebrities, dignitaries, and pioneers of the music industry.
The Detroit Youth Choir has had major accomplishments. They participated in a documentary IMAX film titled “America’s Musical Journey”, which has been shown in all IMAX theatres across the U.S The choir also recorded with the UK group The Go! Team and was featured on seven songs on The Go! Team’s album. The Detroit Youth Choir entered the national competition America’s Got Talent where the choir traveled to Los Angeles, CA and reached 2nd place. The organization has performed for other local organizations such as; Spectrum Children Services, Detroit Pistons, U of M Basketball Club Ann Arbor, FCAAN, BCBS, DTE, Cleveland Cavaliers, Scholars for Dollars, Focus Hope, Arise Detroit, A.I.M. Youth Conference, The D-drop New Year’s Eve Celebration, IMPACT TV, Light up Detroit organization, Youth Development Commission of Detroit and The Detroit Public Library.
August 26 – Absofacto wsg Ki5 Loops
Absofacto is the brainchild of the Los Angeles-based and Ann Arbor native Jonathan Visger who you may remember from his Ann Arbor band Mason Proper. Absofacto began creating his distinctive fusion of dream pop, art rock, and inventive electronica in 2008 earning a wide range of attention before truly breaking out with his viral phenomenon “Dissolve.”
#1 Billboard Alternative Song – Jan 2020, #1 Alternative Mediabase – Jan 2020, #1 Alternative BDS – Jan 2020, #1 Sirius/XM Alt Nation Song of 2019, #1 Hype Machine – Dec 2018, Top 10 Tik Tok song of 2019, RIAA Certified Gold – Mar 2020
September 2 – Theo Katzman wsg May Erlewine
"Modern Johnny is a feeling," says Theo Katzman in regards to his third LP, Modern Johnny Sings: Songs in the Age of Vibe. "He's an archetypal character who represents the plight of the singer-songwriter trying to make it in today's music world."
Modern Johnny is not an alter-ego, per se, but he and Katzman do have some striking similarities. Born in the mid-80s, both were raised on the rubble of 90s rock radio, the remains of their parent's record collections, a handful of 'Greatest Hits' CDs, and several hard drives worth of miscredited MP3s from Napster. Both left home for [INSERT BIG CITY] with a "songs-can-change-the-world" attitude. Both find themselves stumbling through the free market in the age of social, the age of streaming... the Age of Vibe. And it's a confusing climate out there. Billy Joel hasn't released an album in nearly three decades, Stevie Wonder is ranked 230th on Spotify, and The Beatles are best known for their appearance in the XBOX video game Rock Band. To be clear, Modern Johnny isn't necessarily what the kids are asking for: He's too heart to be hip, too hip to be pop, too pop to be rock, and too rock to be art. TOUGH SITCH. But no matter the zeitgeist, both Katzman and Johnny forge ahead of the only way they know how: in pursuit of messy, honest, exuberant human emotion through popular song. The result is Modern Johnny Sings: Songs in the Age of Vibe.
Sonic Lunch
Started in 2008, Bank of Ann Arbor’s Sonic Lunch is a free summer outdoor concert series at the corner of Liberty and Division in downtown Ann Arbor Thursdays from 11:30am to 1:30pm, August 5 to September 2. Sonic Lunch features a live band from an impressive array of talent in the region, as well as national and international acts. Each week, lunch will be available on-site for purchase from a local vendor. Sonic Lunch concerts are free and suitable for all ages. Seating is available but lawn chairs are welcome. Join the crowds for an energizing mid-day break or just relax and enjoy the sounds.
Sonic Lunch is a collaborative effort spearheaded by Bank of Ann Arbor. ann arbor’s 107one and Morning Host, Martin Bandyke, provide promotional support and host each event. Perich + Partners provides colorful art As a result, Bank of Ann Arbor’s Sonic Lunch has become one of the coolest summer events in Ann Arbor. www.soniclunch.com
About Bank of Ann Arbor
Bank of Ann Arbor is a locally owned and operated bank with total assets and assets under management of over $3.4 billion, serving people and businesses in Southeast Michigan with offices at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Washington Street in downtown Ann Arbor, in the Traver Village Shopping Center, at the corner of Stadium and Liberty Streets, on West Ellsworth Road in Pittsfield Township, on West Michigan Avenue in downtown Ypsilanti, in Plymouth on Ann Arbor Road, on East Michigan Avenue in downtown Saline, and on Woodward Avenue just north of 14 Mile Road in Birmingham, Michigan. UniFi Equipment Finance, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the bank and headquartered in Ann Arbor, is a well-established company with a national presence in the small ticket vendor space. UniFi has funded more than 85,000 transactions, totaling over $1 billion. www.boaa.com / www.unifiedge.com. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.