In this episode, we had the opportunity to chat with three members (Rob, Mike, and Steve) from the Rust Belt Americana band, Midnight Proof, prior to their show at The Oddfellow Concert Lounge.

They share their journey from cover band, Groovin' Violation to 100% focus on original music. The cover band helped fund their start but now they are having a blast creating their own sound and don't want to turn back. We talk about their upcoming album, origin of their band name, and live performances. Listen in to hear a fun conversation with grown men loving this opportunity to play music with friends.

Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.

In this episode, we enter the world of graphic design while we were onsite for the GIG - The Art of Michigan Music⁠⁠ event in November 2025.

We spoke with Professor of Graphic Design at Jackson College, Christie Hughes, and one of her student's Jaylen Westbrook⁠⁠. They discuss the curriculum, tools, and the approach to the associate degree at Jackson College.

Four professional graphic designers ( Carl Lundgren⁠, ⁠Dennis Preston⁠, ⁠Matthew Jacobson⁠, ⁠Jonathan Doyle⁠⁠) from concert posters to corporate design interject their experiences, advice, and passion for design.

Of course, what would a conversation be today without the topic of artificial intelligence. Listen to hear their thoughts and outlook on this new tool or curse to the craft depending on how you look at it.

Matthew Jacobson's Ignite Talk

Ignite Talk • The Color of Money

Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.

We had an in-depth conversation with five graphic artists (Carl Lundgren, Dennis Preston, Matthew Jacobson, Jonathan Doyle, and Jaylen Westbrook) that are involved in creating art for music at GIG - The Art of Michigan Music event in November of 2025.

Most of the conversation focuses on concert posters but dabbles in a little magic, too. From 50+ year legends in the industry to an intern just getting started, there are plenty of stories and passion to go around. Listen to hear some great stories about posters from Billy Strings to Grateful Dead to Jack White. These artists created posters back in the day when letter art was grueling to the advancements with Adobe Photoshop.