By Samantha Meyer
Beacon Correspondent
Four sisters, a shared love of music and years of performing together have helped Black Ice Diamonds grow from a family band into a sought-after act across the Upper Peninsula. Next week, the four sisters will bring their blend of rock, country and original music back to Munising as part of the Alger Parks and Recreation Department’s Concert in the Park series.
Black Ice Diamonds will perform at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Bayshore Park. The free outdoor concert offers residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy live music along Munising Bay while taking in a summer evening at the park.
The band is made up of four sisters: Remi Johnson, 17, on lead guitar; Winter Johnson, 16, on bass guitar; Nasheena Johnson, 15, on drums; and Echo Johnson, 13, on rhythm guitar. Remi, Winter and Echo share lead vocals.
For the past four years, the sisters have performed a blend of newer rock, classic rock, country and original songs. Remi said music has always been part of their lives.
“We pretty much just have been playing music our entire lives,” she said. “And I guess it’s just been something that always has been in the back of our mind.”
The band has strong ties to Munising, where father Daniel Johnson grew up and where the sisters have performed several times, including previous Fourth of July celebrations and Concert in the Park performances.
“We have lots of family. Lots of family. I’m from Munising,” Daniel said.
As the band’s reputation and popularity have grown, so have their performance opportunities. In addition to playing throughout Alger County, Black Ice Diamonds has expanded to larger Upper Peninsula events, including Logjam and Yooperfest in Escanaba. Daniel said the opportunity came after Mike Canull saw the sisters perform during Munising’s Fourth of July celebration and invited them to play.
“We’ve actually never asked anybody to play,” Daniel said. “Every gig we’ve ever done, we’ve been approached about.”
Before taking the stage in Munising, the sisters will also perform at the Alger County Fair, one of several events on their busy summer schedule.
“We’re really excited for that one,” Remi said.
Remi said one of her favorite songs to perform is the band’s version of a modern country hit: “My personal favorite is our version of ‘God’s Country’ by Blake Shelton.”
From hometown community events to larger festivals across the Upper Peninsula, Black Ice Diamonds continues to grow its audience while showcasing the musical talents of four sisters who simply love making music together.
Concertgoers can catch the band at the Alger County Fair on Aug. 1 before its return to Bayshore Park on Aug. 4.