By ANN ESCAMILLA, Staff Reporter.
Imagine seeing your favorite band live; all the thrilling, exciting, breathtaking, tear jerking moments when your eyes see someone you’ve admired for years. A live show is something that unites music lovers all around and ties fans and artists together.
Hell’s Half Mile (HHM) indie music showcase kicks off again March 28 at Bemo’s Bar, 701 S. Madison Ave, with music guests: Pines, Hawk & Son, MPV and Nigel & the Dropout. Doors open at 8 p.m.
Each of the bands are brand new to the indie showcase and have a distinct sound. Pines from Springfield, MI, has an alternative, indie, jazz sound that rocks its listeners. Hawk & Son from Flint, has an alternative, indie rock sound. MPV from Detroit, has a sort of grungy riot girl vibe, with heavy rock. Lastly Nigel & the Dropout from Detroit, has electronic, indie dance rock.
A music committee of four or five sit down and brainstorm bands for the main HHM showcase in September. However, not all potential bands can perform the main festival and some are asked to perform at the indie showcases at Bemo’s.
“It keeps getting bigger. It’s seeming to take a life of its own,” said music committee member Cole Waterman. Waterman goes to Detroit twice a month to find potential bands.
“If I see a band I like I introduce myself,” said. Waterman. They are booking bands that people may have seen at past showcases such as Flint Eastwood who performed for HHM in February. Waterman shared that, “Flint Eastwood wanted to come back.” They are also booking bands that people may not know.
The main reason for having the HHM indie music showcase is to keep the brand active all year long and not just once a year in September.
“The festival as a whole brings art and music that might not be here,” said Waterman.
The committee is also preparing themselves for an all day showcase on May 30 from 11 a.m – 2 a.m. Waterman shared that it was a “huge success last year” and looks forward to throwing it once again. Six or seven bands are on board so far. To keep updated you can visit hhmfest.com