Steve Swart was on the bandstand and in college at CMU just in time to see owner Harvey Vanier turn The Foolery into Rubbles. Mt. Pleasant has always been at the dead center of the state of Michigan when it comes to cross-over touring due to WCMU and the college music market. One quick look north from Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor, Detroit and Lansing, all eyes hit the college town. The blended artistry from roots folk, to deep blues, power pop, metal, and first generation punk all huddled in this marketplace, long after the '60s Flint scene dispersed.

Yes, you could see Texas blues man Gatemouth Brown, followed by funky rockin' Fishbone, and then a tour stop for the punk legends Dead Milkmen. Or how about Blues Brother Matt 'Guitar' Murphy? Verve Pipe? Etc...this was a Michigan hub town thanks to the venues, Theatres, and WCMU radio.

While Swart notes that much remains in historical value, the word-of-mouth of the area's scene is more of a recollection and myth, than the hub it once was. North of Mt. Pleasant lies Interlochen, which seems to have taken on the persona that Mt. Pleasant used to be known for. A quick look at Traverse City, Petoskey, Alpena, or over west to Big Rapids or Grand Rapids, or even east to the Tri-Cities and you can see speckles of the majestic college town scene. Swart is taking the Mt. Pleasant music history seriously and is not only documenting it, but releasing lost shows on YouTube. Steve has compiled a fantastic episode that not only covers his music, but some of his rock/metal expeditions (magnetite)--which is not rock/metal like you think ;) Tune in and check this out too! Here is his Link List for this episode:

"Legacy of Harvey's Foolery": https://www.facebook.com/groups/38403127560/

Youtube Playlist Legacy of Harvey's Foolery https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxX1AiehvuPKAgF_VtCwzWJ6iclZIJRY1

The Michigan Music History Podcast Special Edition 2024 Hell's Half Mile Music Line-up and Film Rundown:

Hell's Half Mile music organizer Don Hessell returns for the third-annual MMHP HHM Special, along with his new assistant Spencer Biery. Also this year, past music organizer and HHM alum Jay Glysz, offers past stories and details from the origins of the 18 year Fest. (Festival ALL-STAR person Brendon Baranek (Deon) was unable to attend the taping for this event and still holds a strong hand in much of the set-up for HHM. Mr. Mike was also unable to join the MMHP crew for video archiving.)

JW Francis from New York will kick of Thursday night at Old City Hall. Bluhm from Detroit will be Friday's entertainment at MI Table. The Saturday showcase at Jefferson Building will be Sungaze from Cincinnati, Waltzer from Chicago, and Liquid Mike from Marquette.

Films such as Tallywacker and Marqueetown ring true for music fans. Also of interest is podcast film Sydney.

Here is your backstage pass and details from the past, present and future of the HHM, one of Michigan's biggest Independent Music and Film fests. Tune in now and see you this weekend!

PS: Also of note--come support the Bay County Historical Museum/Michigan Rock Legends Hall of Fame with a fundraiser Wednesday-Saturday at Drydock in Bay City, walking or riding between HHM events! The perfect paring of history and current events. Music all four nights including Bobby Balderrama (from ? & The Mysterians) on Wednesday, MMHP's own Scott Baker Thursday and Friday, and DJ David Asher on Saturday.

On Episode 1 of this season, we headed over to the Juke Joint and got Robert Barclay's back story on the past 39 years of the show. Robert gave his background, college history, photography interest, and ultimately the keys to the club as we got to go backstage with the Duke of Juke. For Episode 2, Robert goes into his passion for Tom Waits, venues like The Ark, Slim Harpo, Johnny Bassett, Hasting Street and Gatemouth Brown--and then some!

Tune in Thursday morning for the wrap up with the legendary Blues DJ--and don't forget to join Robert at the Juke Joint on 89.5 FM WCMU every Sunday night at 8pm for his three hour show. Thank you all for listening and Robert for the hospitality.