Michael Hall photo The Polar Blues Band are, from left, Chris West, Michael Hall, Dave Carlson, Bode Waters, Bill Bailey, and Steve Strom.

ESCANABA — A new resource is available for those who love making music. The Music Co-op (TMC) is a network for finding local musicians to collaborate with. Whether you sing, play an instrument or write songs, you are welcome to join, regardless of age or skill level. Membership is free. Please call 906.428.2843, email lois.corcoran57@gmail.com, or search “The Music Co-op – Delta County” on Facebook. This month TMC salutes the Polar Blues Band.

“We’re not your average blues band,” says Michael Hall, drummer for Polar Blues Band. Based out of Kingsford, it consists of Bill Bailey (lead vocals), Bode Waters (Lead Vocals and Lead Guitar), Dave Carlson (piano, keyboards and background vocals), Chris West (rhythm guitar), Steve Strom (bass guitar), and Michael Hall.

Though the band is relatively new, its members started making music “early on in life and many of us have played around the country for decades. [The band plays] progressive blues with occasional rock-influenced tunes,” Hall explains. In addition, “we have a few originals written by select band members, and are now fine tuning [them].”

The band began performing a variety of Iron Mountain gigs including a Street Dance Benefit and Saturday in the Park. It’s also played in Republic and Pembine. Last summer it performed in Escanaba’s “Summer of Melodies” Music Series. Though it started raining halfway through, “we had a pretty decent turn out and finished all three sets of music!” says Hall. One of the year’s highlights was performing at Venue 906 on New Year’s Eve.

“We have a website (PolarBluesBand.GoDaddySites.com) that includes upcoming gig info, band member bios, studio recordings, and videos of us at the Bandshell in Esky.” Readers can Google “Polar Blues Band” for more video content from U.P. area fans on YouTube.

“We will be playing at Pine Grove Bar in 2023 [and some] outdoor music festivals in Michigan and Wisconsin. The best thing for fans to do is follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/polarbluesband) and keep checking our website.