Concerts offer more than just a performance—they create a shared experience filled with energy, emotion and unforgettable memories. Whether it is the pulsating beats of a rock concert, the soulful melodies of a jazz ensemble or the synchronized spectacle of a pop tour, live music has the power to bring people together in a way that transcends language and culture.
Northern Michigan Artist Discovery (NoMAD) hosted “Rock the Garden,” a free concert featuring Arlie and Liquid Mike, held in the Northern Center ballrooms on March 29 from 7 to 9 p.m.
“Along with the music, we will be having lots of opportunities around the venue,” said Amber Wager, president of NoMAD. “There will be a photo booth for attendees to use, as well as a drink station with a few different beverage options. Marquette Ending Hunger will be in attendance to raise money for their club. SHINE and EcoReps will also be there to help with composting around the event, as well as hosting a clothing swap. There will be artists’ merchandise being sold, as well as some handmade items [from] student vendors.”
Local rock concerts are more than just live performances. They are the lifeblood of a community’s music scene. From small, dimly lit venues to open-air festivals in city parks, these events bring together music lovers of all ages to celebrate the raw energy and passion of rock. Unlike large-scale arena shows, local concerts create an intimate atmosphere where fans can stand just a few feet away from the stage.
The stage was carefully decorated with flowers and vines to perfectly match the ongoing theme for the concert. Only a few feet from the stage, students and fans could take in the whole experience.
“Our goal is to have fun and bring people out for a good time. We always like to bring smaller-scale artists that maybe students haven’t really heard of,” Wager said. “We want to give people a chance to branch out and listen to some new tunes!”
Many well-known rock bands got their start playing in small clubs and bars before gaining mainstream recognition. Playing in local venues provides a platform for musicians to hone their craft, experiment with new sounds and build a loyal fanbase.
“100% they should hold more events like this,” student Payton Beckering said. “It’s something fun to do that’s on campus, free and gives you something fun to do, especially when the weather is not super nice.”
Whether in a small venue or a massive stadium, live music events foster a sense of connection, excitement and emotional expression that recorded music cannot fully replicate. Ultimately, concerts remain an essential part of the human experience, continuing to inspire and unite people across generations and backgrounds.
If you were not able to rock out at this concert, keep an eye out for more events on the Hub.
