User:TheNorthernSkies

The Northern Skies are a 5-piece,acoustic-folk-rock-Americana band from Grand Rapids/Detroit, MI. They describe their music as "acoustic folk rock with teeth". Whether their playing at a brewery pub, a coffee shop, or on a street corner, the Michigan-based band Drake plays "acoustic, bluegrass-tinged folk that perks up your ears with an infectious, indie-rock sheen" (The Grand Rapids Press, Grand Rapids MI). Ask the band and they will tell you that their music is acoustic folk-rock with teeth!

Front man and songwriter Eric Engblade with his "clear, strong vocals [that] give power to his lyrics" (Ludington Daily News, Ludington MI) along with vocalist and co-songwriter Nathan Schleicher, round out their performances with guitars, mandolins, banjos, and more in any given set. They are sure to get your toes tapping and your feet dancing with a mix of original and familiar cover songs with Emily Carlson on violin, Nic Cole on bass, and Paul Wozniak on percussion and drums.

The Northern Skies have performed over 60 shows a year and they show no sign of stopping. In fall of 2007, they were selected to open for comedian Mike Birbiglia on his Comedy Central Tour at City Opera House in Traverse City Michigan. They also were selected as 2009 Pontiac Arts, Beats, and Eats Festival performers.

Their fourth and most recent album, "Northern Skies," was recorded at River City Studios in Grand Rapids, MI. The "Northern Skies" arc reflects each season of their home state of Michigan, a journey that begins in haunting January, and continues through a changing landscape of melodies and lyrical storytelling. The spirit of each month is captured with eclectic style and diverse instrumentation, an American sound with incorruptible independence.