Bank of Ann Arbor Announces 10 Year Sonic Lunch Anniversary Lineup

Ann Arbor, Michigan May 10, 2017 - Bank of Ann Arbor is pleased to announce the list of performers for the 10th season of Sonic Lunch.

The following bands will comprise the official 2017 Sonic Lunch line-up:

* All concerts with a special guest (w/s/g) will begin at 11:30am

“As we celebrate our ten year anniversary, it is with great pride and excitement that Bank of Ann Arbor announces the line-up for Sonic Lunch” said Tim Marshall, President and CEO. “It is hard to imagine that it has been ten years since we first introduced Sonic Lunch to the community. Throughout the years, we have seen local, national, and international talent grace the Liberty Plaza stage. Local artist, Laith Al-Saadi has played every season and we even got to see his rise to fame as a finalist on “The Voice”. Other artists like Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, BORNS, ZZ Ward, Mitch Ryder, Vulfpeck, and Vance Joy have showcased their exceptional talents to standing room only crowds.”

Marshall added, “As exciting as it has been to bring such major talent to our Sonic Lunch stage, it has been equally significant for us to stay true to our mission of continuing to find new and different ways to give back to the community.  To support talented musicians, local food vendors, area businesses, and offer an opportunity for our employees to volunteer and participate in our weekly summer concert series, all for the past ten years, is humbling, to say the least. We are super looking forward to the 2017 Sonic Lunch concert series and sincerely hope that you will be able to join us at Liberty Plaza this summer.”

June 1^st Laith Al-Saadi

In 2016, Al-Saadi won America’s hearts and a spot in the 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 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 and B.B. King.

“Laith is one of the most diverse talents we have,” said Maroon 5 front man and “The Voice” coach Adam Levine. He continued, “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 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.   Guitar World Magazine has called Laith Al-Saadi a cross between "Danny Gatton and Buddy Guy at their best,” and Guitar Center crowned him one of the top four blues guitarists in the United States. LaithAlSaadi.com

w/s/g Phillip-Michael Scales

Phillip-Michael Scales (Formerly Briar Rabbit) is a gifted songwriter who happens to be the nephew of B.B. King. His sound fits snuggly between folk and soul, demonstrating his knack for thoughtful, catchy melodies. It's no surprise that in 2013, he won an International Songwriting Award.

Along with his gift for writing critically acclaimed songs (Huffington Post, Chicago Tribune, American Songwriter) comes his ability to captivate his audience in a live setting. Armed only with a guitar, Briar Rabbit uses his strong, soulful tenor, and quick wit to deliver both a musically and emotionally dynamic performance. "There's something so great about earning a crowds trust, leading them through an emotional journey and coming out the other side together."

Briar Rabbit has spent time all over. He was born in Metro-Detroit, moved to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music, spent four years in Chicago, and settled in Los Angeles. He is no stranger to touring and has been on the road for the better part of five years opening for such acts as Guster, David Cook, Crystal Bowersox, Tyler Hilton, Jon McLaughlin, Cory Brannan and Kate Voegele. His music has taken him all the way to the Middle East, as well as festivals across the US and Canada.

June 8^th LP

Part Feist and part Joan Jett, powerful, genre-defying, Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter LP (Laura Pergolizzi) was raised in New York on a steady diet of Joni Mitchell, the Doors, the Pretenders, Nirvana, and Jeff Buckley. She spent her formative years honing her craft in other bands before releasing her 2001 solo album, Heart-Shaped Scar (produced by David Lowery [Camper Van Beethoven, Cracker]), and relocating to California. She began to hit her stride in 2004 with her second outing, Suburban Sprawl & Alcohol, which featured the track "Wasted," used as the theme song for seasons two and three of the Nickelodeon teen drama South of Nowhere. Her 2006 appearance at the South by Southwest Music Conference prompted a bidding war, resulting in a deal with Island. With Island, Pergolizzi began writing songs for other artists, including Heidi Montag, Rihanna, and Christina Aguilera. In 2011, a Citibank television commercial, which featured excerpts from LP's "Into the Wild," gained Pergolizzi a huge fan base as viewers eagerly looked to the Internet to discover the identity of the artist singing "Somebody left the gate open" -- the track earned enough attention to warrant a CNN news piece. Her Warner Bros. debut EP, Into the Wild: Live at Eastwest Studios, appeared in April 2012 but it was another two years until her full-length debut album, the Rob Cavallo-produced Forever for Now, saw release. In 2016, LP issued her much-anticipated fourth studio long-player, Lost on You, via Vagrant Records. The album's opening track, "Muddy Waters," appeared during the taut closing scene of the season four finale of Netflix's Orange Is the New Black. (allmusic.com)

http://smarturl.it/LostOnYouAlbum

June 15^th Tuxedo – featuring Mayer Hawthorne & Jake One

Before he moved west and became a retro-soul dreamboat, lovers of roller skate disco and electro-funk in his hometown of Ann Arbor, Michigan knew Mayer Hawthorne as DJ Haircut, and his mixtape Shoot the Duck, Vol. 1 was a prized possession. The disco, post-disco, and boogie tracks on that mix provide the inspiration for Tuxedo, a band formed by Hawthorne and Jake One, a fellow lover of those sweet sounds. The two had exchanged similarly smooth and funky disco mixtapes in 2006, and then years later decided to make their own version. Unsurprisingly to anyone who's heard Hawthorne's note-perfect take on '60s soul, the duo proves to be masterful at re-creating the feel of the moment in the early '80s when disco began to die out and was replaced by the funkier sounds of boogie and electric funk. The duo conjures up visceral memories of the finest artists of the era, from Atlantic Starr to Zapp, treating the source material with care and making sure to never make jokes or come off even a little bit ironic. From the drum machines to the synth settings, everything is just right. The songs, too, are like lost nuggets of the era; "Lost Lover" is pure Gap Band swagger, "The Right Time" sounds like Billy Ocean getting AM radio funky, and "Two Wrongs" is a lovely quiet storm ballad with a perfect guitar solo. The finger-popping "Do It" and "The Right Time" fit that bill. From beginning to end, the album is a happily reverent trip back to a time that's too often ignored by both disco and funk fans. (allmusic.com) Tuxedofunk.com

June 22^nd The Accidentals

Described by John Sinkevics of Local Spins as “genre-melding indie-folk,” The Accidentals (Sav Buist and Katie Larson) exhibit “a musical and lyrical sophistication that oustrips most mainstream bands.”

From 2012-2014, The Accidentals recorded three original albums, were guest artists on fifteen others, scored two films, and landed song placements in commercials, documentaries, and music compilations while playing over 700 live shows. THEN they graduated high school.

After graduation from world-renowned Interlochen Arts Academy, The Accidentals added multi-instrumentalist-singer-songwriter, Michael Dause, as their touring/studio drummer and opened for musical greats such as; Andrew Bird, Sixto Rodriguez (Sugar Man), Brandi Carlile, Dar Williams, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ben Sollee, Rusted Root, The Wailers, Keller Williams, Arlo Guthrie, Martin Sexton, Joan Baez, and more.

In 2015, they scored original pieces for a 72-piece orchestra, an opera-dance project with Son Lux, and a smaller 30-piece string ensemble while touring the US extensively. In June of 2016, they released a brand new, self-produced EP called Parking Lot, of which the single, “Michigan and Again,” went viral.

They’re kicking off 2017 as major label artists, having signed a record deal with Sony Masterworks to release a full-length album in the second quarter of the year.

The Accidentals have received such accolades as, Billboard's Breakout Band at South by Southwest 2015, Huffington Post’s Sweet Sixteen of 2016, and Yahoo Music’s Top Ten Bands to Watch 2017.

Moreaccidentals.com

June 29^th Theo Katzman

If you've heard the name Theo Katzman recently, you probably know him as the singing drummer and guitarist in the funk band Vulfpeck. But with his 2017 release, Heartbreak Hits, Katzman returns to his roots as a rock and roll inspired singer/songwriter. A 10-song collection of musings on loss and letdown, Heartbreak Hits blends personal vulnerability with imaginative songcraft, yielding an album that's somehow a living dichotomy of tragic/comedic, serious/satirical, over-the-top/subtle, and healing/hurting. In his own words, Katzman says he writes "songs to soothe your post-Y2K pop culture hangover." He also wrote this bio. Theokatzman.com

July 6^th Michigan Rattlers

Upholding a time-honored songwriting tradition, Michigan Rattlers recount human stories through a soundtrack of Americana punctuated by countrified rock'n'roll and folk. The subjects of their 2016 self-titled debut EP practically live and breathe between Graham Young's rustling guitar and Adam Reed's percussive upright bass. Born in Petoskey, MI and based in Los Angeles, the duo's music plays out like a film.  "All of my favorite songs tell stories," says Graham. "It's the most important part. They're about people trying to overcome life's obstacles. That's what it always comes back to."  Lifelong friends Graham and Adam began writing music and performing together in their Northern Michigan high school. Residing in a quiet tourist town of 6,000 located on the banks of Lake Michigan, the pair regularly played every bar, cafe, and stage in town, developing an inimitable musical chemistry informed by the likes of AC/DC, Chet Atkins, Eric Clapton, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and more. Adam headed to Ohio for college as Graham went to Illinois, but upon graduation, Graham beckoned Adam to move to Los Angeles so they could start a band. A four-day cross-country road trip gave birth to Michigan Rattlers.

Settling down in Los Angeles, the boys recorded a short demo and began playing locally. The demo found its way into the hands of super producer Johnny K (Plain White T's, 3 Doors Down), and they cut the bulk of their first EP at NRG Studios in just one day.

"My favorite music is recorded that way," continues Adam. "You get in a room, plug in, and cut as many songs as you can live." Michiganrattlers.com

July 13^th Tim Reynolds Band – TR3

Virtuoso guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer, Tim Reynolds formed the first incarnation of TR3 in 1984, playing a wild hybrid of psychedelicized rock, funk, and prog. The trio featured a constantly revolving cast of musicians other than its guitarist and front man. After moving to North Carolina's Outer Banks in the middle aughts, Reynolds met bassist Mick Vaughn and drummer Dan Martier. Playing and touring together, they eventually gelled into the most visible -- and constant -- incarnation of TR3. Their mix of Reynolds' quirky originals and unusual versions of cover songs by James Brown, Led Zeppelin, King Crimson, and others added breadth and depth to their stage shows.

In early 2014, TR3 signed to ATO Records, and in August the pre-release single "All Over the Place" appeared. The sophomore studio full-length Like Some Kind of Alien Invasion appeared in October of that year. (allmusic.com) http://www.timreynolds.com

July 27^th NOMO

NOMO was conceived in 2003 when University of Michigan jazz studies graduate, multi-instrumentalist (tenor sax, keyboards, electric mbiri) Elliot Bergman, and some of his acquaintances began jamming at an Ann Arbor, MI, house where many of them lived. This led to the eventual formation of the group, which recorded its self-titled EP on Ypsilanti Records that same year – after producer Warn Defever dared Bergman to bring as many people as he could to the studio. In 2004 the band (which, with album and live appearances combined, has had over 60 contributors) issued a full-length record of the same name. NOMO's mix of African beats, avant-garde jazz, and funk caught the attention of California's Ubiquity Records, who soon signed them.  The founding members of NOMO also currently play in Wild Belle.

Nomomusic.com

August 3^rd To be announced on May 24^th

August 10^th May Erlewine & The Motivations

Some people might call May Erlewine “Michigan’s darling songbird”, but her songs have traveled far beyond her home state. One of the most prolific and passionate songwriters of her generation, May’s music has touched the hearts of people all over the world. Her words have held solace for weary hearts, offered a light in the darkness and held a lot of space for the pain and joy of being alive in these times.

Raised in a family rich with art and music, May began writing songs and playing them for the people at a very young age. Her journeys have taken her all over the world, from street corners to renowned stages, May has performed for all walks of life. In her travels, Erlewine came to know the land and the pulse of the people. Her songs show a very real connection and concern with everyday folk.

May pulls from a wide variety of sounds and influences to create her unique musical landscape. You’ll hear traditional folk roots, old time country swing, soul, and rock and roll, but mostly, she’s inspired by the hearts of the people and the one in her chest. This music is about feeling and it’s about telling life’s stories. http://www.mayerlewine.com

August 17^th Jacob Sigman & The Stellars

Jacob Sigman

Born and raised in the Mid West, Singer/Songwriter/Multi-Instrumentalist Jacob Sigman combines influences of Motown, Soul, and Contemporary Pop music to create something both new and familiar.

https://jacobsigman.bandcamp.com

The Stellars

The Stellars are an Ann Arbor-based rock band that bring a refreshing brand of rock'n'roll that harkens back to the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s, while retaining a unique modern sound.

https://the-stellars.bandcamp.com/

August 24^th Joshua Davis

Michigan’s Joshua Davis was raised in the folk tradition: the music, the social movements, the land. He writes songs that blend the roots of American music with gritty rock n' roll and vintage soul. Performing Songwriter Magazine called the result, "Some of the liveliest and most rocking roots music around. For over 15 years Joshua has made his living sharing his songs, stories and knowledge across the US and Canada at festivals, concert halls, coffeehouses and dives - as a solo act, front man for roots ensemble "Steppin' In It", classic swing band "Shout Sister Shout", songwriter showcase band "The Starlight Six" and frequently as a workshop facilitator, presenter or instructor. 

http://www.joshuadavismusic.com 

August 31^st Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers

Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers will make a sprightly young groove doctor out of anyone. With spectacular energy pulsating from every member of the band, the Rainbow Seekers could illuminate the very chambers of Heaven. Lead singer Joe Hertler splashes through lyrical puddles of golden rain, leaving his audience wearing flowery headdresses and bubbling smiles. A ride on the Rainbow will take you across the mountains of Motown, through the fjords of folk, over the archipelagos of Americana, and—at last—into a funky firth, where only the fiercest of friendships can be found.

"The live show is the purpose of the band. This is why we make music. Playing music is a symbiotic process, and without a crowd it is just a bunch of guys jamming," says Hertler. "We believe that performance is not a High Art operation, and that you should do anything you can to ensure that the crowd is having a good time. From piñatas to confetti, to fog, to flowers, to drum solos, to strobe lights, to Thor, to sword battles—literally anything goes." 

http://www.joehertler.com

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 Noon to 1:30pm, June 1 to August 31. 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. As a result, Bank of Ann Arbor’s Sonic Lunch has become one of the coolest summer events in Ann Arbor. 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 nearly $2.7 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 and on East Michigan Avenue in downtown Saline. Our newest office is on Woodward Avenue in Birmingham Michigan as the merger with the former Bank of Birmingham was completed in January 2017. UniFi Equipment Finance, 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.

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