In a town where the music scene is as rich as the craft beer, a new collaboration is set to bridge the gap between the two in a permanent, physical way. Andy Langlois of Blackrocks Brewery and Dylan Trost of Moonbat Records and Ramble Tamble are joining forces to launch a "Live from Blackrocks" vinyl series—a project designed to document the current golden age of Marquette’s musical landscape.
The transition from hosting nightly sets to producing full-scale live records was born out of a mix of technological curiosity and a desire for historical preservation. Langlois noted that the brewery’s recent equipment upgrades essentially turned the stage into a high-fidelity recording studio. With the ability to capture individual tracks directly to a hard drive, the potential to do more than just "play a show" became undeniable.
For Langlois, the project is about more than just marketing; it’s about creating a tangible archive. He envisions a future where patrons can look back at a shelf of records and remember exactly who was shaking the walls of the taproom in 2026. By funding these initial releases, Blackrocks is stepping into a patron-of-the-arts role, ensuring local bands have a physical keepsake to share with their fans.
Dylan Trost is the technical engine behind this endeavor. Between his own studio, Studio Strangelight, and his burgeoning label, Moonbat Records, Trost has spent over a decade recording the sounds of Marquette. He views this partnership as an extension of his work as a musical archivist, moving away from the "screen-heavy" world of modern digital recording and back toward the soul of the performance.
Trost’s approach to the "Live from Blackrocks" series involves capturing the "secret sauce" of the venue—not just the music, but the ambient energy, the crowd banter, and the unique acoustics of the room. He plans to use stereo microphones specifically to catch the audience's reactions, making the listeners at home feel like they are standing right next to the bar with a pint in hand.
Kurt Hauswirth spoke with Trost and Langlois about the collaboration:
The series kicks off on Friday, March 13th, an auspicious date that Trost and Langlois are embracing with open arms. The night serves as a double celebration: the return of the fan-favorite Coconut Brown ale and a live recording session featuring Trost’s own band, Ramble Tamble. The night will also feature an opening set by DJ Amateur Hour on vinyl, an upgraded psychedelic light show by local artist Gino, and the event will be emceed by the local legend of the wax, Jon "King Vinyl" Teichman.
Both Langlois and Trost emphasize that in an era dominated by digital streams and AI-generated content, there is a profound need for something "real." This project isn't just about music; it’s about the community, the history of a small town with a massive creative output, and the joy of a shared experience that can be replayed for years to come.
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The preceding interview was part of a broadcast of The Shuffle on March 7th, 2026.
