Sleder’s Updates Their Sound with Concert Series
Sleder’s Tavern, the self-proclaimed "oldest restaurant in Michigan," may stick to its vintage guns on many things, including its eclectic décor and a few of its menu items, but they’re definitely showing their progressive side via their On the Porch concert series. Curated by Seamus Shinners, the series features a lively slate of performers throughout the fall and winter.
Considering Sleder’s history (the restaurant’s been in operation since 1882), the concert series is the new kid on the block.
"Deb and Brian Cairns [owners] took a chance many years ago doing this with me, and I think that now they and the staff both really embrace it," Shinners said.
Everybody likes to talk about community, Shinners pointed out, but at Sleder’s, events like the concert series are what really do keep that spirit of community alive across several generations.
"Sleder’s has been around for so long that some of the youth of today may view it as not being relevant any more," Shinners chuckled, "but to me, in an era of trying to stay connected and in a country that’s sped up so much all the time, it’s more about slowing down and really listening."
PUSHING THE ENVELOPE
Many Sleder’s On the Porch performers would easily fit into the curated list of such radio stations as KCRW and NPR. Shinners’ skills lie in finding those performers and teaming them up with the right venue; he knows the power of a well written song and the magic that happens when a performance can quiet an entire room.
"Many people don’t realize that the amount of energy that an audience contributes to a performance helps allow those moments to happen," he said.
With that in mind, he’s kicking off the 2015–2016 season of On the Porch on Sept. 13 with the Gaelic supergroup Daimh (pronounced "dive"), a rollicking Celtic outfit with plenty of charisma.
"If you have any Celtic blood in you or just love this style of music, you’ll be totally charmed by this show," Shinners said.
The Gaelic theme continues for the second show in the series, an evening with the mystical sounds of Runa (Sept. 16), an indie Irish-American outfit that’s a little more unusual.
"I like the twists they put on their music," Shinners said. "They take their obvious respect for the Celtic heritage and do their own take on it, pushing the envelope just a little. It’s great."
MEMORABLE MUSICAL MOMENTS
By November, the series’ lineup of standout singer-songwriters will start to filter in, beginning with Nashville singer-songwriter Pierce Pettis (Nov. 1), a former staff songwriter for Polygram Nashville whose career was kicked off by a Joan Baez cover of one of his songs (1979’s "Song at the End of the Movie").
Also on the lineup are Chuck Brodsky (Nov. 8), a solid storyteller who contributed a song to the movie Radio; eclectic folk performer Joel Mabus (Dec. 6); and Canadian Garnet Rogers (Jan. 24), whom Shinners called one of the finest songwriters he's ever worked with.
"He can take you on a vast musical journey during one of his shows," Shinners said.
Two additional spring shows will feature traditional folk singer Bill Staines in April and longtime local favorite Claudia Schmidt in May.
All of the series’ concerts happen in Sleder’s "extra space," a glassed-in summer porch converted to year-round use. The performers are staged in front of a large fireplace, making these shows a cool cross between a tavern concert and a friendly house party.
It’s a genial atmosphere no matter what your age. The whole point is simply that you’re seeking new music. Although Shinners may be well known by now as the face behind the concert series, his end goal is all about the bass, guitar, vocals and more.
"This whole thing has never been about me," Shinners said. "I’m just trying to create a moment that allows an artist and an audience to connect."
Sleder’s is located at 717 Randolph Street in Traverse City. For more information on the On The Porch series, visit sleders.com or call 231-947-9213.
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