Tuesday, November 30, 2010

"I heard a bird sing in the dark of December...."

...."A magical thing, and sweet to remember." 

Let's remember the lovely bird, Doris Muramatsu of Girlyman fame, as she begins a battle with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)... and truly the good news is her case is in the "chronic" stage, the earliest (and most treatable) stage. Doris would appreciate being included in your thoughts, prayers, and positive visualizations (whichever you tend to do). If you'd like to send her a note, you can write to info@girlyman.com.  More information can be found at: http://bit.ly/9tuGqT.  Their December 12, Creole Gallery show has been postponed.

Photo courtesy of www.girlyman.com

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Another opportunity for December 12 is to support the local homeless shelters, Haven House in East Lansing and Loaves and Fishes in Lansing, by attending the 2nd annual holiday benefit concert by John Latini and Jamie-Sue Seal.




This fun concert features the local Michigan talents of award-winning artists from Ann Arbor and the Lansing area.  John and Jamie-Sue gave a wonderful show last year so we asked them backed and they are delighted to perform.  You'll hear some old favorites as well as originals, sure to entertain.


Tickets are $10 and are available now from the All Saints Episcopal Church office 517-351-7160 (Susie Pearson) or from me, Steve Findley, steve.findley@gmail.com or 517-432-9738. 


The concert will begin Sunday, December 12 at 7pm:


All Saints Episcopal Church
800 Abbot Rd
East Lansing, Michigan 48823
517-351-7160
www.allsaints-el.org


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The Christmas edition happens on Friday, December 17, 7:30p to 9:30p.  This is the rowdiest, most fun coffeehouse of the year.  Holiday-themed, we'll see and hear a variety of classics and unknowns in voice, instrument and song. It's true, I have seen an elf-priest appear in the past, along with some pretty witty verse. You love the music (we do lots of carols you like) and there's always an amusing reading or 2.


I've been in touch with the Fossum family and it looks like Maggie and her mother (at least) will be returning.  If you were here on November 19 you know what an extraordinary night that was. 


Bring a beverage and snacks to share.  Come anytime, leave anytime, it's that kind of event.
The address is above.




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On Nov 12 Nicky and I were able to visit with the American icon, John Prine at the State Theatre in Kalamazoo. OK, we didn't really "visit" with him, but that's what it feels like some of the time at a John Prine concert.  Although he had stellar musicians with him, (bassist Dave Jacques and the amazing Jason Wilber on guitar) it was when he played solo, quietly, that he drew you in for the conversation.  Classics like, "Sam Stone" and "Hello In There" were darn, near, perfect. Seen him 5 times....and I'd go again.


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It is difficult not to like Mary Poppins...in any way.  Sure she's slightly annoying, but it is the twinkle in her eye and complete disregard for authority other than her own that make her a joy to enjoy.  The Wharton center brought the Broadway touring company's version to the Great Hall and it was as magical as can be.

Yes, she flies, but it was the singing, dancing (Step In Time) and the practically perfect performance of understudy Elizabeth Broadhurst that made the show for me.

Being so tardy with this review (we saw the show Nov 14) I have found several others which give a good sense of how it went.  http://bit.ly/dMluO8, http://bit.ly/icxjzH and http://bit.ly/hBoE5C.

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Wednesday, November 17, 2010

It's All Happening This Friday

Wow, it is a busy day (or should I say night) in Lansing/East Lansing, Michigan this Friday, November 19. Among the many things to see and do certainly Silver Bells in the City is a highlight and if you've never been, it's great fun for the family.  It starts at 5 and goes till 9.








Of course what I hope you'll come to is The Coffeehouse at All Saints...our monthly (3rd Friday) get together for live music, poetry and sing along.  The free event is in its 5th year and has been a haven for a laid back place to enjoy either performing or listening.  You are encouraged to bring your own drinks and snacks.

This Friday is special...we have a full show with the beautiful sound of the a cappella group, RCAHppella from Michigan State University performing at 8pm.  We'll have the amazingly talented voice and ukelele-playing of the young Magdalen Fossum, from Ann Arbor (click her name to see at least one of her YouTube videos) about 8:30.  Finishing up the night will be the holiday sounds of John Latini and Jamie-Sue Seal direct from their Silver Bells in the City gig.

We have some other local talents in store including cello, sing along and poems. It's a full night, loads of fun.

The Coffeehouse at All Saints (click for flyer)
800 Abbot Rd
East Lansing, Michigan 48823
info: 517-432-9738
steve.findley@gmail.com

Time: 7:30p to 9:30p
Admission: FREE

It's going to be a great night!