The clear blue sky smiles down on the little town of Niles, Michigan, and the locals have a new hot spot. During COVID, the town created an open‑air area where people could meet and enjoy a cold drink while social distancing. After the pandemic, residents wisely asked for its return—and the town obliged. Now back as a permanent downtown fixture, “The Node” features dedicated tables, fire pits, and a new stage for music. Knowing live music was brewing at the Node tonight, I dropped by to check it out.

The Erly, Niles’ hometown rock band, is on stage tonight, rocking the warm evening air. People soak in the cool breeze, sipping drinks and dancing to classics like “Scarlet Begonias” and “Old Time Rock & Roll,” along with The Erly’s own tunes “Let It Roll” and “OH10.” Band and audience connect in this intimate atmosphere.

Local artists need hometown support to hone their craft, test new songs on sympathetic ears, and build community around live music. Few things make a jam‑band fan smile wider than hearing someone in another town exclaim, “Hey, I know that band,” while wearing a T‑shirt sporting the locals’ name.

So let’s get out and back our local bands as often as possible. Most concert reviews recap shows gone by, but consider this an invitation. Check out who’s playing near you. Live in the Midwest? Great! Grahame Lesh plays the Buchanan, MI Commons on August 9 in a free concert. The Erly appears in Aurora, IL, on August 16 at the Aurora Peace Fest, and returns August 30 for Shakedown Street—an all‑day, free event in Buchanan hosted by the Happy Campers.

There you have it: The Erly is a band you should see, and now you know where and when they’ll be playing. These dates are on my calendar—I hope to see you there.