Group moves into studio
Posted September 04, 2007
The Port Huron Musician’s Network now has a place to call home, and it just happens to be inside the same building that serves as home base for the area’s visual artists.
On Sunday the newly formed network officially opened in the basement of Studio 1219 in Port Huron, formerly the offices of Blueroot magazine. Executive director Dave Rutkofske said he has been helping the studio clean the area, doing electrical work and moving in equipment for the past month.
In addition to serving as a central point for all of the newly formed network’s activities, his plans for the space include workshops, jam sessions and a retail area.
“I believe it will give our members a place to identify with,” he said.
For musicians and music lovers who have felt left out of Port Huron’s artistic movement as its focus has shifted primarily to visual arts, the opening is a welcome addition to the offerings at Studio 1219.
“(It’s) just kind of an essential meeting place,” said Mike Tremblay, a folk musician who plays with the band Thumbfolks. “(It is) an organizational point of reference for the musicians.”
Rutkofske said the studio was an obvious choice.
“I felt is was important we be nearby, because we’re going to be working together on a lot of projects,” he said.
“I do suspect this will be a long-term location for us.”
The network will sell used equipment - including sound systems, instruments and lighting - “so if younger groups (are) starting out but can’t afford to sink big bucks into it, (they) can get some used, quality equipment,” he said.
Bands also will be able to sell CDs.
For now the offices are open by appointment. Rutkofske hopes the network’s membership will grow to the point that volunteers will be able to staff it regularly.
The network is focusing on a membership drive and organizing its first event, a musical review featuring local bands and songwriters. The concert is scheduled for Nov. 23 at McMorran Auditorium. Tickets will go on sale in October.
Story originally published in the Times Herald by Bill Chapin on September 4, 2007