Local musician Brian Wallen of The Make-Believe Spurs is preparing for the spring season, moving from educational workshops to community advocacy and high-profile tributes. In a recent conversation at Public Radio 90, Wallen detailed three major events that highlight the intersection of music, history, and local support.
The season kicks off on March 21 at the Winter Roots Festival with a workshop titled "The History of Protest Songs." Hosted at The Fold, the event pairs Wallen’s self-taught folk and bluegrass background with the academic expertise of NMU’s Dr. Erin Colwitz. Wallen noted that while his knowledge is rooted in the traditions of Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie, Dr. Colwitz brings a wealth of formal choral and historical perspective. The duo aims to show how these two different musical worlds can merge to help listeners find deeper meaning in songs that have shaped American culture.
On April 4, the focus shifts to community service with an awareness event for Room at the Inn at Ore Dock Brewing Company. The initiative began as a human rights project by NMU graduate students, and Wallen jumped at the chance to support Marquette’s emergency shelter. He expressed a desire to use the event to dispel social media misinformation about the organization and to highlight its vital role in ensuring safety during harsh Northwoods winters.
The evening is structured to transition from education to celebration. After a panel discussion on homelessness, the music will begin with reflective, community-focused songs before ramping up into a high-energy set with the band Willowby to end the night on a high note.
A third event takes place on April 23 at Kaufman Auditorium with a fundraiser for the venue featuring the music of John Prine. Following previous tributes to Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead, Wallen chose Prine because of the songwriter’s deep resonance with the Marquette community.
Kurt Hauswirth spoke with Wallen about the upcoming events:
Looking ahead to the busier months, Wallen emphasized that the health of Marquette’s vibrant arts scene relies entirely on local engagement. He encouraged residents to step out of the winter doldrums and support live shows, gallery openings, and community benefits, noting that this active participation is what makes the region such a unique place for creators and audiences alike.
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