Get ready for "bluegrass with some bite!" Hailing from the mountains of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Schlitz Creek performs a unique variety of bluegrass music. Their repertoire includes standard bluegrass tunes as well as a collection of refreshing and unusual choices for a bluegrass band. Performing material from bluegrass legends such as the Dillards and Flatt & Scruggs, they also surprise and delight audiences with selections from the Monkees, Bob Seger, the Beatles, Kenny Rogers, the Bee Gees, and Cheap Trick.  Using the classic single-microphone technique, their high-energy stage show will have you tapping your toes.  Don't miss the hot pickin' and smooth vocal harmonizations of the Schlitz Creek Bluegrass Band at Portage District Library!

Combining a rowdy approach with fun music and down-home humor, the boys began playing their music in the bowling alleys, beer gardens, and pool halls of southwest Michigan in 2002.  After logging 10,000 hours of dedicated practice and public performing experience, the band's popularity has grown and their schedule is now regularly filled well in advance with events throughout the midwest ranging from private parties to wedding receptions to Woodstock-esque folk festivals.  The band has not released recordings of their music because they must be experienced in person to be believed.  Their trademark, restored 1973 Georgie Boy motorhome was retired and sold to the raccoons that were living in the back room.

After twenty years together, the Schlitz Creek lineup still consists of the four original founding band members: Master Diesel Mechanic Nick Deaton on banjo, legendary Jeep Climber, Software Engineer, Dave Dekema on Martin guitar, Township Supervisor, Cartoonist and Blues guitarist, John Speeter on mandolin, and WMU Finance Director, Vocalist,  Nick Griffith on upright bass.