Empty Canvas offers a blend of live music and fine arts

In addition to playing live music for 25 years with Empty Pockets, McMath also holds a degree in fine arts from the University of Michigan and continues to paint murals and commission paintings.

“(Empty Canvas) is a combination of my two favorite things – singing and painting.” McMath said.

During performances, he wears a wireless microphone while painting a specific piece of art and singing along to the band’s songs.

The Empty Canvas band plays a show in June 2023 while founding member Mike McMath helps a young audience member add to his painting in Mackinac Island’s Marquette Park. Courtesy of Empty Canvas

Empty Canvas founding member, Mike McMath works on a painting during a 2015 performance in Bay City. Courtesy of Empty Canvas

The painting, which typically follows a theme of an event, gets plenty of additions from members of the audience during the show. The finished piece is then often auctioned off at the end of each show to benefit the event.

“I start with a blank canvas and I try to get as many people up to paint (with me) as the band plays some high-energy music,” McMath said. “It’s always interesting to see what people add to the painting – and I never do the same painting twice, so it’s just as much fun for me to see how it will turn out.”

The group is based out of Midland and features talented local musicians, including other members of the McMath family. The band occasionally rotates through a small group of McMath’s musical friends when other members are unable to play.

Depending on the event, clients will either pay for Empty Canvas to perform as a duo, trio or full band. 

“Alexandria has done vocals for Empty Pockets (on and off) since she was nine or 10,” McMath said. “My son will also do backup vocals for her at times.”

Unfortunately, Scott McMath underwent a double-lung transplant in February and won’t perform at this year’s Beer Festival. 

Mike mentioned that while he adds his artistic experience to the group, Scott adds singing and songwriting talents. Although Scott’s recovery process is going well, Mike doesn’t expect him to return to performing for at least another year.

Despite being down one founding member, Mike knows the show at this year’s Beer Festival will be a good time.

“It should be a blast,” McMath said. “I get to do a painting at a beer festival – it doesn’t get much cooler than that.”

In addition to festivals, Empty Canvas will play just about anywhere – corporate events, weddings, fundraisers, etc. To find out more about the group, visit www.emptycanvas.live or find them on Facebook.