Give it up for weekend two of Metro Times Blowout 16! The second weekend of Blowout was yet again a great success, closing out North America’s largest local music festival with a bang! Located in the heart of downtown Ferndale, Blowout showcased another set of amazing acts—with a highlight focus on some killer female leads. On both nights, boozed up festival-goers staggered through the streets making their way to each venue. Last weekend, the music mostly took place in homey dive bars throughout the streets of Hamtramack. This week, the venues were nothing but creative in nature! Ranging from being surrounded by books in the Ferndale Library, to the artistry of the Loving Touch, and even a tucked away stage in the back of Found Sound, every venue not only held great music, but also set the tone for an interesting atmosphere.
As said above, the females RULED the stages of Blowout, especially Friday night. Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas brought so much high energy to the Rust Belt that there was barely any room to dance, let alone to chug down a beer! Her vocal styling echoed through the venue, while she was backed up by her energetic (and also good looking) band mates. The Loving Touch held two great bluegrass acts that had the audience twirling, stomping and dancing on the dance floor. The Ragbirds and The Crave Wives brought fun-loving twang to the stage. The lead singers of both bands were again, powerful females that held great presence in the way that they performed. This was just a taste of the Friday night.
On Saturday night, the mood changed a bit but the music still kept a pulse. Patrick Davy and the Ghosts played out the Rust Belt and drew in a large crowd. Meanwhile, upstairs at Como’s, the Luddites turned up the heat by playing some sultry and cozy tunes. Two absolutely notable sets came from Amy Gore and Her Valentines and Lord Scrummage. Amy Gore carried her lyrics through some great guitar riffs and Lord Scrummage had their audience at the Loving Touch dancing and raging, all in the name of honey. Saturday night was eclectic, but it made for a great way of closing out the festival!
Metro Times Blowout 16 ended with great success, from beginning to end. The Detroit and Metro Detroit music family is strong, diverse, wild and downright talented. Some of the finest local music with in the state of Michigan played during both weekends. Happy Blowout!
