Avant-grass and Americana from the U.P.!

Ani & Kora are Ani Mari and Kora Melia, a folk duo from Houghton, Michigan. Old on soul and sharp as a tack, their music (Ani's lyrics, lead vocals, and rhythm guitar combined with Kora's virtuosic fiddle and mandolin playing and backing vocals) is inspired by their upbringing in the Keweenaw Peninsula and the folk, indie rock, and Americana music they grew up immersed in, with pinches of jazz and riot grrrl thrown in for good measure. Ani & Kora have released two full albums and one EP of original music, and have been playing at Michigan-based venues and music festivals alongside artists such as The Accidentals, May Erlewine, Lindsay Lou, Seth Bernard, and Joshua Davis since they were 12 years old. Their most recent album, “Good Fighter,” was recorded in the Twin Cities with Americana folk and country artist Erik Koskinen. Ani is also a current student at U-M and plays around Ann Arbor with her other band, Ani Mari & Company.

Dead North is an avant-garde bluegrass band from Houghton, Michigan, consisting of Luke Pascot on guitar and vocals; Kora Melia on fiddle, mandolin, and vocals; and Nate Miller on bass and vocals. Inspired by the likes of Tony Rice, The Grateful Dead, Billy Strings, and so many more, their sound is a psychedelic harmony of bluegrass standards, jazz improv, and Appalachian folk. Immersed in the music of a past generation, they are a common sight around campfires in the Northwoods, in the back rooms of breweries, and in your favorite Michigan theaters.

Please visit https://mutotix.umich.edu/4121/4122 for more detail.