New Third Coast is a trio of musicians who come together to deliver a unique Power Folk, Leelanau County style sound. Their strong three-part harmonies, combined with diverse instrumental musical expression, have created a large following throughout Northwestern Lower Michigan and beyond. The trio includes Patrick Niemisto on bass, fiddle, mandolin, guitar and vocals; Bryan Poirier on guitar and keyboards, John Kumjian on guitar, harmonica, conga/percussion, and bass. All three are songwriters and their work is celebrated as eclectic and refreshing in content and delivery.
To contact us either email Patrick@newthirdcoast.com or call (231)228-5524 or drop us a line at:
3887 W Baatz Road
Maple City, MI 49664
Latest News
As Of October 7, 2007:
It Is What It Is! in the top 10 for both Blues and Blues-Modern.
Scraps Of Paper in the top 10 for Folk-Contemporary.
Ever Close in the top 10 for Country-Bluegrass.
Background On The Boys
Patrick Niemisto hails from Pelkie near Baraga in Michigan's upper peninsula. He is a Northern Michigan University graduate which is in Marquette. Patrick moved to the Leelanau County area in the early 1980's, and has been a part of the music scene ever since. Playing a variety of instruments with an assortment of musicians, Patrick has enjoyed sharing the stage with some very cool people in some very cool places. In addition to being in N3C, he plays with Luunappi, a children's and family music and stories duo with Norm Wheeler, as well as other varied ensembles for special events on a regular basis. Patrick now teaches music at Glen Lake Community Schools. He also spends considerable time as proprietor of the Holy Wah! Recording Studio and Brewery in Maple City. Most of the regional musicians find their way into his studio. Patrick plays Bass, Fiddle, Mandolin, Guitar, Percussion, Piano, you name it - he probably plays it.
John Kumjian's roots are in southeast Michigan, but he's spent enough time in the UP to be afforded the title of Honorary Yooper. He graduated from Northern Michigan University with a bachelor's degree in Music Education and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. John is the retired band director at Glen Lake Community Schools. He now gives lessons privately. Along with his teaching, "Mr.K" (as his students refer to him) is a highly sought after session percussionist/drummer who can frequently be found "filling in" for area ensembles. John spent a number of years touring regionally and nationally with various groups and artists. He plays pretty much everything! On the most recent recording he plays Guitar, Electric Guitar, Drums, Percussion, Bass, Harmonica, Accordian, Piano, and Amazingly High Vocals.
Bryan Poirier is the newest member. He grew up in Grand Rapids and is a Yooper once removed via his father. Bryan earned his BA in Music focusing on Theory and Composition from Grand Valley State, did some teaching and Grad work in Music at Ohio University, and his MBA from Michigan State. Bryan's "day gig" is as a Certified Financial Planner and owner of 3rd Coast Financial in Traverse City. He worked in a popular area duo with David Cisco for a number of years. Their performances took them as far away as Bermuda. Bryan left for the Detroit area in 1987 taking some time off from music, but returned to Leelanau in 2000. He started up a solo career again before being asked to join N3C in late 2004. He plays Guitar and Keyboards.
All of these boys share songwriting duties.