Live at the 906
Student converts home into concert venue for local music
A crowd surfer narrowly misses hitting the ceiling during local group Interchange Dad’s set Feb. 27 at a house show at 906 Franklin Street, Mount Pleasant.
The living room vibrated with the sound of loud music and dancing students.
They filled the room, arms up and heads bobbing, as the live band performed in front of them, illuminated by Christmas lights strewn throughout the living room.
Suddenly, the singer stood up and jumped into the raised arms of the crowd. He continued to sing as he crowd surfed, while dozens of arms carried the performer around the small room until he was set back on the makeshift stage.
The "906 house shows," hosted by Chelsea junior Ashley Tisdale, began last July 4. After deciding to invite a few bands she knew to perform at her house and seeing the results, Tisdale knew it was something she wanted to continue doing.
“There was just this atmosphere, this energy I was excited about. It's something I really enjoy doing and really makes a positive impact on the music community in Mount Pleasant,” Tisdale said. “There's a lot of bands here and in the state that no one knows about and people can experience them in this kind of setting.”
The shows have grown into a monthly event. In addition to reaching out to bands around Michigan, Tisdale now has bands contacting her to perform. About 17 bands have performed at the student's house.
The 906 now has their own Facebook page where students can RSVP and invite their friends. The house shows on average have around 40 people. Friday’s show, which featured bands Trace of Lime, Drifted Lifted and Interchangeable Dad, had 99 RSVPs on Facebook.
“It’s always a great experience. House shows have the best energy. It’s not like just going to a bar to drink,” Trace of Lime bassist and backing vocalist Robert Gruevski said. “College house shows are my favorite place to play.”
The cover charge was $2 Friday because some bands come from out of town to perform and “they deserve the money,” Tisdale said.
Despite the crowding and noise, the shows are kept under control. Aside from a few stains on the carpet, no major issues have occurred at the house.
"It's really energetic and exciting. There's a lot of people who are all really friendly and excited,” said Fraser freshman Kenzie Eddy. “The bands are really good too. It’s pretty intimate with them."
Interchangeable Dad member and Romeo junior Kyle Dluge likes that, compared to a bar show, students don’t have to worry about being 21 to see bands perform.
“I like the atmosphere. Everything is more casual than playing at bars or venues," Dluge said. "There’s usually a lot more friends who show up because it's essentially just a party with live music."
