‘The best thing to happen for local music’

Michigan Country Entertainment helps artists achieve their dreams

Lansing is known for olive burgers, Oldsmobile and jazz, thanks to Michigan State University. But for country music fans, the capital city doesn’t typically come to mind. Al Garcia, owner of Lansing-based Michigan Country Entertainment, wants to change that.

Through his booking and promotion company, founded three years ago, Garcia works to support and showcase the talent of country musicians across the state, including several from the Lansing area. His roster includes big-name artists who have lived and recorded in Nashville, such as Madison Olivia, McKayla Prew, KayLyn Pace, Keegan Jacko and Cooper Johnson, as well as up-and-coming acts, such as MSU student Evan James and recent Fowlerville High School graduate Blake James, both favorites in Lansing’s country scene.

Jacko, one of the first artists to join the roster, called Michigan Country Entertainment “the best thing to happen for local music.”

“We’re now all connected so effortlessly when it comes to talent in Michigan, which helps a ton when it comes to booking or any other music-related conversations,” he said. “I think once more venues realize Michigan Country Entertainment exists, it’ll take the hassle of finding high-quality talent away from venue owners. There’s only one place you need to go now: the MCE team. I’m already seeing it happen around Lansing and surrounding areas.”

Country hasn’t always been Garcia’s go-to genre. Raised in Flint, his fondness for music began with the mariachi and Tejano songs his father would play him as a child. As a teenager, his taste transitioned to Bob Seger and other ‘80s rock. He developed a love for the Grateful Dead, Phish and similar groups after moving to Maine, even taking a month off work to follow a Grateful Dead tour along the East Coast.

“I got into the culture and really enjoyed the music and the easiness of it,” he said of his jam-band era.

In the end, it was love that sparked the connection with country music.

“It just so happened that I met a guy — who eventually became my boyfriend — who was a country music DJ, and it sort of expanded from there,” he said. “I’m able to go to a lot of shows, and I really enjoy the sounds of current country.”

Moving from Maine to Lansing, the couple found that staple venues in the area’s country scene, such as the Whiskey Barrel Saloon, Tequila Cowboy and the Junction, had closed their doors, forcing the local crowd to travel to other parts of the state to see a show.

“That’s sort of how I started with what I’m doing now,” Garcia said. “I got to know quite a few local country bands and started a Facebook page for local artists to share where they’re having shows.”

Garcia encourages artists interested in joining the Country Music Entertainment roster and venues or events looking to book country music to call him or use the contact form on the website.

“I think I’ve established a reputation of bringing quality country entertainment to different venues, and I think people respect and value that,” he said. “If they want some good country music, they know they can always call me.”

Eleven Michigan Country Entertainment artists were slated to perform at the inaugural Country Roads Music Festival in Brooklyn, Michigan, a planned successor to the annual Faster Horses festival, which was canceled this year. On Monday, the Country Roads festival was postponed to next year, with a Facebook post stating organizers “want to give it the time and care it deserves.”

“I’m assuming they wanted to bring a quality festival to country music fans in Michigan, and if the numbers aren’t there, it’s not feasible to do it,” Garcia said. “It’s unfortunate that they waited until the week of. I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of upset fans, and I’m up hearing some of that, but it was solely the decision of the Groves of Michigan not to have the concert.

“My group of artists are busy, and they’re committed,” he continued. “They’re gonna move forward and move past this. Obviously, a lot of them are heartbroken. They were looking forward to this, but it is what it is.”

The cancellation comes on the heels of another setback. The week Michigan Country Entertainment began its summer concert series at Hidden Creek Farms in Charlotte, the farm was struck by a tornado. Garcia was able to find another venue, Maple Brook Golf Course, to host the remaining shows, which continue through July.

Despite a somewhat tumultuous summer, Michigan Country Entertainment is resilient. Garcia is already planning a fall concert series and is booking into next year. He also mentioned he’s in talks with the Old Town Commercial Association to potentially host a two-day country music festival next year.

“We do our damnedest at promoting our shows. We want people to enjoy some damn good country music, and I think my team is able to deliver,” he said. “They’re just getting better each time they’re out there. I want to see them grow professionally. I want to help them attain whatever dreams they have.”