Michigan’s Hidden Gem Christmas Village is Home to This Rock Band

Everybody knows about Frankenmuth, Michigan. It's a Christmas town throughout the year, especially now. I mean, Bronner's has been a Michigan staple for years!

But there's also something else that the little town in mid-state is becoming known for, as the home and birthplace of the band Greta Van Fleet.

Named after their school music teacher, Gretna Van Fleet, a quick change of the first name and the band was born. Made up of brothers, Josh, Jake, and Sam Kiska, joined on drums by their childhood friend, Danny Wagner, the band has risen to the ranks of a headliner, as proof of their sold-out show at the Little Caesars Arena back in September. A show that I didn't think would sell out. I recall announcing that show and thinking to myself that there was no way they'd fill half of it. Man, was I wrong!

Yes, they've come a long way from playing Arts, Beats, and Eats, to the now-closed Otis Supply in Ferndale. It's been fun to see this band grow.

I remember playing the first song they released as a single, "Highway Tune". You can always sense something bigger was coming for these guys. The phones lit up wondering what band was it that I just played. It was an organic rise for the boys. Some have said that the radio and record company pushed them out there, but that only goes so far. You can't sell out arenas like that. There has to be something underneath that shines through. With Greta, they are all very good musicians, have grown in their roles on stage, and write good songs.

Next time you take the kids to see Santa Claus in Frankenmuth, take a minute to think about a band of four childhood friends who had a dream and a vision and made it a reality. To read more one on of America's best Christmas town found right here in Michigan, click here!

Friday night, Greta Van Fleet played their first sold-out LCA show. When I announced this show months ago, I'll be honest, I thought they'd be playing to a half full auditorium. Man, was I wrong. That place was packed!

The stage was pretty cool, with two "ego" ramps of sorts on both side, and a pit in the middle of general admission standing room only area. Seats made up the rest of the floor.

The band sounded killer. I love the fact that they're a "real" band. They play their instruments, actually sing and perform their songs. Crazy to see how far they've come from the side stage at Arts, Beats & Eats, to Otis Supply, to the main stage at RIFF Fest, The Filmore and the Fox to the Little Caesars Arena. Just nuts!

Here's the deal, for some reason they wouldn't allow us a photo pass, so I took some pictures from my seat, and of course some shenanigans beforehand with Jade, Cort and Chuck "The Freak". Oh, btw, Chuck only owns Ghost shirts. LOL

-Meltdown-

https://wrif.com/shows/meltdown-on-wrif/