Courtesy photo Failte (pronounced “Folcha”) performs in August for Bay College’s “Lunchtime Live!” concert series. The group, which formed as a result of The Music Co-op, consists of Albert McCreery, Kathy Creten, Carol and Bruce Irving, and Ben Campbell. The group plays Irish and Celtic music.

ESCANABA — It started last May at a swap meet hosted by Jim’s Music. A handful of area musicians signed up for a newfangled concept called The Music Co-op (TMC). In a matter of months, it grew to over 30 members, ranging in age from 18 to 70-something.

So what exactly is TMC? The short answer is it’s a free network for people who love to make music. Its main objective is to help local musicians find each other in order to collaborate, but it also facilitates other musical matters such as promoting gigs, mentoring, instrument trades and more. It’s a “go-to” resource as well for members of the community who need musicians for various events.

The U.P. Action features members of TMC in its “Music Maker of the Month” tribute. The musical bio gives them a well-deserved moment in the spotlight and directs readers to their YouTube channels or other forms of broadcast.

How TMC works: New members indicate which instrument(s) they play, their preferred genre (country, rock, etc.), and contact information. Their address is then added to the group email. When a collaboration request comes in, it’s emailed to all members, who have the option of responding or not, depending on their skill set and availability. Requests and notices are also posted on TMC’s Facebook page, “The Music Co-op – Delta County.”

TMC is not a band or orchestra — it is an online network. There are no rehearsals or monthly meetings to attend beyond what individual members decide to arrange.

“I’m kinda COVID concerned,” one new member wrote about collaborating in the wake of a pandemic. “So I’m interested in a smaller group with a chance to distance a little.”

Most, if not all, members feel the same way, and some insist on vaccines for anyone who collaborates with them.

TMC was instrumental in forming two musical groups, both of which have played in public. One group named Failte (pronounced “Folcha”) consists of Albert McCreery, Kathy Creten, Carol and Bruce Irving, and Ben Campbell. The group plays Irish and Celtic music and performed in August for Bay College’s “Lunchtime Live!” concert series.

The other is a folk rock band called Sadie Grove, made up of Wendy and Michael Gibson and Paul L. Strom. The group will appear at the Antique Village Music Festival on Sept. 18 at the U.P. State Fairgrounds.

Strom will also perform with his twin brother, Peter, for a few songs as well. Their friend, Tom VanDamme, also a talented TMC member, will join them at other concerts. TMC members Susan and Jim Hanke and Mike Pierron are also slated to perform at the festival with their band, Singe.

Anyone who sings, plays an instrument, or writes songs is welcome to join TMC, regardless of age or skill level — whether looking for a single, informal jam session; have sights set on forming a band; or are aiming for a wider audience by making a YouTube video.

Membership is free. Members are simply asked to assist others with their music projects as often as they seek help with their own. To sign up for TMC, email lois.corcoran57@gmail.com or call 906-428-2843.