Go Go Gopherwood!

Oct. 5, 2014

Looking for some great music in downtown Cadillac? You’re in luck—Gopherwood Concerts is prepping for their 2014/2015 fall and winter concert series with season opener Robbie Schaefer and guests Rachael Davis and Jake Armerding.

It’s a special show for a pretty special organization, one with a story that stretches back to the time when Gopherwood Concerts had nothing to do with concerts at all.

MOVIES TO MUSIC

“Back in the ‘80s, what’s now called Gopherwood Concerts started as a film guild, bringing movies to town that couldn’t be seen at the local theater,” explained Gopherwood’s Paul Brown.

Just a couple of years later, when people started buying VCRs, attendance waned. So, the decision was made to change the name and start presenting music instead. The first concert took place at a camp just outside Lake City where the organization presented a show by the Lost World String Band.

The unusual name originated when one of the members, Jim Peterson, pointed out that everyone was burning wood for heat and they often had to “go for wood.” From this, the Gopherwood Folk Society was born, but still another change was yet to come.

“In the early ‘90s, we noticed that some people thought that our name meant that we were an exclusive members-only club, and that only members could go to our events,” Brown said. “So we changed our name to ‘Gopherwood Concerts.’”

PRO PERFORMANCES

With the name firmly stuck, Gopher wood teamed up with the Cadillac Arts Council and was set up on the third floor of the Cadillac Elks Lodge downtown.

A 200-person capacity plus a pro stage, sound, and lighting setup (most recently upgraded with new equipment just this past summer) means that these concerts are great on the ears and eyes. Michigan Tech grad Dan Wilson runs the sound and the Elks provide a beverage bar and suggestions for restaurants nearby.

But once these shows start, you won’t want to leave until the last encore is over. Season openers Schaefer, Davis, and Armerding are faves of the Gopherwood series.

“Schaefer is a member of the group Eddie from Ohio, who have played at Gopherwood on several occasions,” Brown said. “He recently released a new solo record, ‘Ruby’, on which Davis and Armerding are featured.”

Davis, a former Cadillac resident, now lives in Nashville and has also performed at Gopherwood. Armerding originates from Boston and is now a Midwesterner living in Minneapolis. All offer their own brand of distinctive folk music sound.

“Together, these three artists will make for a really unique musical experience,” Brown said.

However, that’s only the start of the 2014- 2015 lineup.

SEASON OF SOUNDS

On November 8, Cadillac favorite Luke Winslow King and his wife Esther Rose return.

“Now hailing from New Orleans, their performance will be a CD release show for their new record, ‘Everlasting Arms’, a mix of jazz, blues and folk,” Brown said.

Later in November, the Earthwork Music group Stella! will hit the stage, featuring tunes from Jen Sygit, Laura Bates, Jo Serrapere and Diana Ladio. December brings a holiday break, and Gopherwood is back in full force in January with the Madcat Midnight Blues Journey.

“This high-energy blues band is led by Grammy Award-winning harmonica player Peter ‘Madcat’ Ruth with March Shrock, Drew Howard and Michael Shimmin,” Brown explained.

February will debut a performance from Americana band Roosevelt Diggs; March will see the return of Gopherwood’s Made in Michigan FUNdraiser, which will feature Michigan-based singer-songwriters and silent auction items; April’s show is still being planned; and May will wrap up the season with a house concert by Gopherwood’s own Frank Youngman.

“This past season, our house concerts were sold-out shows, so this one shouldn’t be missed,” Brown emphasized.

Thirty years of Gopherwood shows have brought an incredible mix of musical talent to Cadillac and the series shows no sign of slowing down.

“We provide an opportunity to see these acts in a great place, and at a reasonable price,” Brown said. “We plan to continue to present music from near and far and we hope to bring in acts like Jeff Daniels and Richard Thompson in the future. We feel the music enhances Cadillac and makes it a more enjoyable place to live.”

Gopherwood’s season opener concert takes place October 11. For a complete schedule and more info on Gopherwood Concerts, visit them on Facebook or their website: www.gopherwoodconcerts.org.