Marquette is set to welcome back Cousin Curtiss, a Northern Michigan University alum and touring musician, for a special homecoming weekend show. Curtiss, known for blending blues with bluegrass, will perform on Friday, September 20th, at 8 p.m. at the Ore Dock Brewing Company. The show marks his return to the area where his music career first took root.
Cousin Curtiss, whose real name is Curtis O'Rourke, graduated from NMU in 2010. Reflecting on his return to Marquette, Curtiss said, "It’s surreal… I can’t wait to see Marquette in all its glory and live it up." He shared how Marquette and its vibrant music scene shaped his career. He also recalled formative experiences like attending the Hiawatha Music Festival and playing music with friends, saying, “I fell in love with the music and culture here, and Northern Michigan was the perfect place for me.”
Curtiss has been on the road, touring coast-to-coast, and expressed gratitude for the warm reception his band has received. “We’ve been bouncing around from coast to coast… and we’ve been blown away by the response," he shared. The tour also introduces a new member to the band—electric guitarist Harrison B. Curtiss explained how their collaboration has transformed the band’s sound, saying, "Playing with Harrison is like a thunderstorm of sound; it’s been so much fun."
Kurt Hauswirth spoke with Cousin Curtiss via phone:
The duo will play a fan favorite, “Furnace,” from their 2023 EP. The song, which was a collaborative effort, is one of their most energetic tracks and will be performed live in Marquette for the first time.
For those looking to catch the show, Cousin Curtiss takes the stage at Ore Dock Brewing Company on September 20th at 8 p.m. For more details, visit cousincurtiss.com or orebockbrewing.com.
The preceding interview was part of a broadcast of The Shuffle on September 14th, 2024.
