With the performers standing a mere three feet away from audience members, the neighborhood-run pump house provides an intimate atmosphere between the musician and the showgoers, said Gerry Smith, who has managed concerts at the pump house for four years.

Before each song, the three acoustic musicians shared a brief explanation of their songs, giving the audience their insight and inspiration behind the piece.

Each of the performers sang original pieces varying from what life in Michigan is like to heartbreak and tragedies.

From foot-tapping, smiling faces and silent nods, the crowd expressed their musical appreciation without disrupting the musicians; saving their applause, shouts and other loud gestures until the end of every song.

Rose said he likes to play in listening rooms because unlike a bar, it’s a destination where the audience pays full attention without other noisy distractions.

“I sing my heart out out here,” Rose said. “It’s a better connection of what happens between the performer and the audience.”

Howard, who has been performing folk music since the late 1970s, was playing on a Larrivee acoustic guitar. He said he gained inspiration from his guitar-playing father when he was little and has been playing since.

“Thanks to pops, I started banging on that thing,” he said. “Eventually the banging turned into music.”

Okemos residents Kendall Cassella and Aaron Pride attended the event after hearing about it on social media. As first-timers at The Pump House, they said they were sure to return.

“I really enjoyed the concert,” Cassella said. “It’s good music, and I really like the venue.”