All Things Music: March 2011...sublime and not-so

Wess "Warmdaddy" Anderson

March music began at church...no, I don't mean on Sunday....although that is a topic for another day. No, the music (and wonderful food) I'm talking about is the beautiful, soulful, happy sounds of professional saxophonist, Wess "Warmdaddy" Anderson at All Saints Episcopal Church's annual community-invited event for Shrove or "Fat" Tuesday, March 8. It was a night of Mardi Gras with amazing, delicious "Nawlins" food prepared by the lovely Desi Anderson (Wess' wife) of Gumbo and Jazz fame. This night was sponsored by (sure there was a donation request, but $5? Come on now...if you didn't get $25 worth of enjoyment the night was lost) the Parish Life group at All Saints and I think the 80 or so who enjoyed the evening were treated to a rare opportunity...especially since there are rumors Desi is planning to cease operations. Three cheers for Marguerite Halversen of the Parish Life committee and Pastor Kit Carlson for consistently looking for ways to reach the East Lansing and Lansing communities.
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Friday, March 18 - 7:30-9:30PM
All Saints Episcopal Church, downstairs
800 Abbot Rd
East Lansing, MI 48823

Santa Fe, 2009

This month we celebrate the end of winter, kind of. It does not seem to go away. Come hear and sing songs of the end of one thing and the beginning of the next. It's the March edition of The Coffeehouse at All Saints.

You are welcome to perform music or spoken word or just to relax and enjoy what's offered. Any instrument is welcome...we have an upright piano on-site. Bring a drink and a snack. No admission price.

See you Friday the 18th!

The Coffeehouse was a lot of fun this month...better harmony and wide choice of tunes. We couldn't forget St. Paddy's day so we did a few irish Tunes. It was a fun night.

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March 20 Nicky and I wanted to support the local High School musical production, especially because a few of our friend's kids were in it. They certainly were the highlight of this Sunday matinee of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Clara Lepard was hilarious as one of the "grandmas" . It was an ambitious production, one which could benefit from better miking...I'm sure it was challenging...The chorus numbers were great. These kids were enthusiastic. The choreography appeared to be fun for the kids to perform. All in all it was an enjoyable afternoon...and our godchildren loved it.

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On March 25 we were treated to a wonderful night made possible, in part, by our good friend Martha Lynch having saved a couple seats. Tonight was a Friday night at The Ten Pound Fiddle, Lansing-area's own "folk club" which provides live performances in an intimate atmosphere...of ten at (and in this case) the Unitarian Church in East Lansing. Tonight was Seth and May. What does that mean? it means 2 young-ish performers who have made an effort to preserve the folk tradition here in Michigan and have written and perform fresh, new material in a variety of settings. Seth Bernard and May Erlewine are Michiganders who reach audiences on many levels with their music (and sometimes their not-so-well-hidden politics). All is well this night though as we were treated to many songs they have been known for (Shine On) to many new ones. Seth and May spent January in Kenya and have since written an album and we were treated to several of those numbers.

I have to say, when May Erlewine tilts her head back and sings with joy, it is nothing short of joyful. She is an excellent songwriter and clear singer. Seth's guitar playing has reached new heights and accompanies May expertly. He adds beautiful fills and solos, and is the harmony we recognize from the recordings.