Pure Michigan
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This Show is Currently Unavailable in the following circuits for 2025:
Synopsis:
From the heart of Motown to the power of rock and soul, Pure Michigan is a musical tribute to the legendary artists who shaped the sound of America. The show opens with the bold and triumphant strains of Michigan composer David Gillingham’s With Heart and Voice, setting the stage for a celebration of the state’s rich musical heritage. With a burst of energy, the band launches into Higher Ground, a song that embodies the unstoppable spirit of Stevie Wonder, born in Saginaw, Michigan. The song was later famously covered by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, whose ties to Michigan run deep—drummer Chad Smith hails from St. Paul, Minnesota but grew up in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, while guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, a longtime member of the band, was also born in the state. This fusion of funk, soul, and rock drives the ensemble forward, paying homage to the sound that influenced generations.
The energy shifts into a soulful and heartfelt mashup of My Girl—a timeless hit by The Temptations, who rose to fame in Detroit’s legendary Motown scene—and You’re the One by Greta Van Fleet, the modern rock sensation from Frankenmuth, Michigan. The blend of past and present showcases Michigan’s lasting musical influence, leading into the powerhouse anthem Think by the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, born and raised in Detroit. The show builds toward its grand finale, as Gillingham’s With Heart and Voice returns in a triumphant closing statement, echoing the passion, innovation, and enduring legacy of Michigan’s greatest musicians. This is Pure Michigan—a soundtrack of history, heart, and hometown pride.
WINDS | PERCUSSION |
Piccolo | Glockenspiel |
Flute | Vibraphone 1, 2 |
Clarinet 1, 2, 3 | Xylophone |
Bass Clarinet | Marimba 1, 2, 3 |
Alto Saxophone 1, 2 | Aux Percussion 1, 2, 3 |
Tenor Saxophone | Snares |
Baritone Saxophone | Tenors (6 Drums) |
Trumpet 1, 2 | 4 Bass Drums* |
Mellophone 1, 2 | |
Trombone 1, 2 | |
Baritone | |
Tuba |
*5 Bass Drum part available upon request
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