All Things Music

August in the Basement

2012-01-02T09:46:00.000-08:00

Steve w/ The Basement Boys

Introduced at the March 2011 Coffeehouse at All Saints, The Basement Boys are a quartet of local musicians who play folk/country/Americana songs in an easy, laid-back style. They were playing at a house party in August at common friends, Vic Rauch and Ellen DeRosia. Vic and Ellen were the ones who brought The Basement Boys to us. I was fortunate to sit in with them at the request of band leader, Mark Manrique. Those of you who have been to house parties where the music was live can appreciate the fun nature of the event. Everyone os loose and easy-going and it makes the music flow that much better I think! We had a lot of fun...managed a John Prine tune or two and many others. I have since practiced and played several times with the Basement Boys, a fun group of fine musicians. Thanks Vic and Ellen!
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What Happens in July?

2012-01-02T07:29:00.001-08:00

While finally taking that long-awaited vacation is what we look forward to in the summer, another alternative is to hone a skill or expand your horizon. During a 6 week period each summer Dr Jonathan Reed, Assoc Director of Choral Activities at Michigan State University, offers local singers an opportunity to sing wonderful choral music with his summer graduate conducting class. I found out about it as a member of MSU Choral Union (a large mixed chorus of 150 to 200 voices designed to bring the campus and community together.

Repertoire focuses on the major choral/orchestral works of every stylistic period, which are performed with the Greater Lansing Symphony Orchestra and university orchestras.) The setup is much like a workshop where the grad students have been given a piece of music to direct (or most likely a section) and it is relatively rapid-fire succession of one conductor to the next. As a singer-participant you get to sing beautiful pieces and as a grad student you have a choir to direct. I have enjoyed a couple years of these rehearsals and feel lucky to have the opportunity. If you're interested, send me an email or contact Dr. Reed directly (linked above).

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Although Nicky and I attended 2 weddings this summer there were no soloists or choirs involved...a little congregational singing. The wedding here in East Lansing was held on the 4th Floor of Spartan Stadium...cool place for sure. The live band (thank you Lashbrooks!) was excellent...an R&B outfit that utilizes (extremely slyly) a synthesized backing of instruments need to "fill out" the sound. They have a guitarist, bass, drummer and keyboard player, but it is the background sound that polishes the songs to sound like the original. They were really good. I will ask Deb Lashbrook for the name of the group as they should be mentioned.

The other wedding in England where my niece got married. Nicky and I were fortunate to spend a week hiking in the Peak District before descending on the town of Great Missenden where Alsion and Simon were married. My brother-in-law had convinced the local pub owner (on the edge of town and known for their excellent cuisine) to host the reception on the lawn in their back garden...he had never done that before. They put down a wooden "floor" and assembled the tables and chairs as normal and also installed a stage at the back of the room where a live band "rocked it out" for the night. They were quite good and definite crowd-pleasers. It's interesting attending weddings in different parts of the world to see the similarities and differences...and for me, the differences in music choice! There were many numbers I had never heard of but were well known by the wedding attendees. It was a wonderful, perfectly planned wedding weekend .

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U2 Could Have Been There!

2011-06-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

Florence Welch

Ah....what a night. As Nicky and I sat in our self-proclaimed, "excellent seats" watching and listening to Florence & the Machine (opening act) finish their set you really couldn't not notice this amazing stage in front of you. I have about 15 photos to show this blog post...so I'll try to do them in order. First off, Florence:

Great dress for the stage... flowing in the wind

U2 joined the stage virtually spot on time (scheduled for 8:45pm and were all on stage by 8:50).

Fantastic stage...amazing

Edge and Bono

Bono on the "Crosswalk"

It was loud and surprisingly clear, at least as far as hearing and understanding Bono. But really, it was the "experience" that mattered here. You were among 65,000 people who universally, pretty much, adored this band and just being part of it.

As the night descended, the stage just became more of a focal point. Earlier the top part of the stage was a "message board" with world "facts" scrolling across...mostly with socio-political items e.g. how many barrels of oil used today. Fascinating to watch and debate/chat about. Pretty sure that was the point of the messages!

"Cigarettes smoked worldwide today"

The music did not disappoint...loud, a little muddy and hit after hit. All with a fantastic light show emanating from the massive stage. Band members were able to walk around the entire stage...playing to different parts of the stadium...regardless of where you sat. Pretty cool.

Bono and Edge

Edge and Bono

Nighttime:

The "Edge"

Other than the main floor (Spartan Stadium's field) not being filled (pretty sure if MSU was in session it would have been....but it did give me the title of this blog post) it was a flawless night. I debated where to park (you had lots of choices) and ended up in the commuter lot at Mt. Hope and Farm Lane...and did that work out? We left our seats at 11:00 and were in our driveway at 11:35pm. Welcome to East Lansing! Thanks for coming to East Lansing U2. Not since The Rolling Stones played Spartan Stadium have I had as much musical and visual fun (the "Little Giants" fake field goal victory over Notre Dame gave me a different type of fun!). Great night. At least for this night I DID find what I was looking for.

Give to CMS East Lansing | Community Music School | Michigan State University

2011-06-20T13:34:00.000-07:00

Give to CMS East Lansing | Community Music School | Michigan State University

New challenge grant opportunity at the CMS....5 couples will match your donation (up to $5K)...very cool.

April 2011 - Classical and Folk

2011-05-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

MSU University Chorale with The Lansing Symphony

There were 2 classical concerts I attended (or sang in) sandwiched around the best-attended Coffeehouse at All Saints we've ever had. The first performance was MSU's premiere choral group, Chorale, partnering with the Lansing Symphony at St Mary's Cathedral in Lansing with a performance of the "Lord Nelson Mass" by Franz Joseph Haydn, a gradual by Johann Michael Haydn, an offertory by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Gregorian chant settings of the Introit and Communion. With solos shared among a variety of the graduate students it was a sublime evening of sacred choral singing. David Rayl, Director of Choral Activities at MSU, conducted the ensemble to a very high level. Honestly, you could close your eyes and be transported...it was beautiful.
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Friday, April 15 -- 7:30-9:30pm

Dr. Chris Scales

The April installment of The Coffeehouse at All Saints includes special guests from MSU's Residential College in the Arts and Humanities...led by Dr. Chris Scales. Look for a variety of traditional folk, probably some bluegrass and whatever else they want to bring.

The wonderful March Coffeehouse debut of The Basement Boys has prompted their return. We are excited they'll be back!

We have some cello and piano as well...

Bring a beverage of choice and a snack to share. It's free and open to all ages. Stop by for as long as you want.

The Basement Boys

It was an exciting, full evening at the April edition of The Coffeehouse at All Saints. We started with 12 students from the Residential College of Arts and Humanities at MSU and their instructor, Dr. Chris Scales. They played a variety of folk and gospel tunes with grace and humility...guitars, banjos and fiddles. It was wonderful! Their vocals were fine, with sprinkles of harmony. It was wonderful the hear them and we are grateful they made the trip out to The Coffeehouse and hope to see them (or any of the individuals) in the future. Thank you Dr. Scales.

A somewhat unexpected delight was the return of Magdalen Fossum from Ann Arbor. She has been a busy young lady since we saw her last. She now has a website and at least 11 gigs coming up, one of which is May 11 at The Ark in Ann Arbor...a real honor since she was one of only two chosen for The Ark's Open Stage Showcase. Magdalen thrilled us again with a few new tunes, including a fun rendition of Del Shannon's, "Runaway". Magdalen will be back May 20, don't miss her!

It's always great to have Matt Bliton back and he joined Bob Kilbridge and me for a pretty good reading of The Band's, "The Weight" and Old Crow Medicine Show's, "Wagon Wheel"...everybody was singing then. Matt took the stage and did a new tune of his which we all liked and then, again a wonderful surprise, was joined by local favorite, Linda Abar for a couple songs. Their harmony was rich and beautiful. A real treat for all.

Finally, The Basement Boys performed a few numbers with the addition of a banjoist. For only their second time out, these fellas have a following!
Looking forward to May 20 when we'll have a great finish to a wonderful season (next Coffeehouse after May 20 will be Sept 16). Lisa Findley from Chicago and Emily Findley from New York City will be joining us with sets of their own and together. Look for the email (not on the list? send me an email at steve.findley@gmail.com)
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Verdi's Requiem

April 30 brought the choral music season to a close for me. I am a member of MSU's Choral Union, a "town and gown" choir consisting of Mid-Michigan singers and MSU students. We sang Verdi's "Requiem" at the Wharton Center for The Performing Arts. The MSU Symphony Orchestra, University Chorale, State Singers, Choral Union and soloists from the MSU voice faculty – Melanie Helton, soprano; Molly Fillmore, mezzo-soprano; Richard Fracker, tenor; and Rod Nelman, bass – performed. There were over 300 performers on stage including herald trumpets (the ones with loooong necks) and a bass drum that knocked your socks off. it was thrilling to be a part of it.

From MSU's website:
"It is perhaps the most dramatic piece of sacred music ever written," said David Rayl, director of choral programs at the college. "Some have called it a sacred opera but I view it as Verdi's astounding setting of an incredibly spiritual and dramatic text – the Requiem Mass – using all the forces he had at his disposal. For me, it is, in fact, a very spiritual piece: a requiem."

Completed in 1874 to mark the first anniversary of the death of Alessandro Manzoni, a famous Italian poet and novelist, “Requiem” is composed of seven major sections in the setting of a Catholic funeral mass. The 90-minute concert encompasses the emotions Verdi felt after the loss Manzoni.

"The Verdi Requiem is an emotionally charged production of incredibly beautiful music," said chorister Lorie Barbieri. "The music ranges from joyful and angelic to sorrowful, while at the same time encompassing a human desire for forgiveness and mercy. As a new member of the MSU Choral Union, I am honored to be a part of this fabulous production."
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March 2011...sublime and not-so

2011-05-02T10:18:00.000-07:00

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.

Although many of Seth's political songs are part of his repertoire, it is the simple, earthy (heh, heh) songs I think he does best.

I am thrilled we will get the opportunity to see them again at the East Lansing Art Festival May 22.

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See you in April.

February Mix

2011-05-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

Mid-Winter Singing Festival

February always begins with the amazing community event, The Mid-Winter Singing Festival. The brainchild of musician, organizer, teacher Sally Potter who envisioned a place and time where locals could meet to interact with music on its basic level...one in which you participate. The Festival, in its 10th year, is a testament to "folk music'. Sally and her team map out a 2-day event (Feb 4-5 this year) with nightly sing alongs at the Hannah Community Center in East Lansing, Michigan. The Saturday afternoon is dedicated to a variety of workshops...instrument playing, how to write a song, the music of... It is unique in Michigan and we are lucky to have it in our area. The nightly sing alongs are "led" by professionals who have done a consistently excellent job of engaging the audience, making sure everyone is welcome to participate. Add to this a "festival choir"...a pick-up group of people who spend 2 hours on the Saturday afternoon rehearsing music they've never seen before and performing it that night under the skillful direction of Rachel Alexander...director of Sistrum and quite a musician in her own right.

Magdalen and Miko Fossum (courtesy of MWSF)

This year Nicky and I attended Saturday night and were led by a cross-section of Michigan folk scene leaders, Joel Mabus, Frank Youngman, Claudia Schmidt, Rachael Davis, Seth Bernard & May Erlewine. I have to say, I have been to 9 of the 10 festivals and this group of leaders was the best. Youngman was funny and poignant with a story from his high school band class. Claudia Schmidt is a powerhouse on many levels. We are in very good hands with Rachel Davis, May Erlewine and Seth Davis as they carry on the folk tradition and expand it with their own style. These are impressive people! Many of you know how I feel about Joel Mabus, he is quite the entertainer and has taken on the mantle of folk historian so we always get a little background on the tunes he brings to play. And his playing is excellent. If you get an opportunity to see any of these performers in your town, they all come highly recommended.

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Next we were treated to:

The Acting Company/The Guthrie Theater: The Comedy of Errors

February 11, 2011 | Pasant Theatre

Nicky and I tried something new for this evening, we attended a Wharton Center "Preview Dinner" held before the performance in the Christman Lounge at the WC. The buffet dinner was enjoyed by about 50 of us who were then treated to a talk by John Neville-Andrews, Professor of Theatre, University of Michigan. Neville-Andrews is an apparent expert on Shakespeare and he was somewhat amusing in describing what we were about to see...a play of twins separated and birth who grow up and meet later...complete with mayhem, murder and mistaken identity. What was notable about the evening was the Acting Company's performance...accentuated by excellent characters in the twins especially. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening and thought the Acting Company were top notch.

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Not at all sure our next venture was going to be much fun. I am pleased to say I was pleasantly surprised. The Wahrton Center brought, "Shrek The Musical" for its Broadway series and we took the tickets as they were part of the package. I'll say this, the singing was very good, all night and Shrek and his bride-to-be were wonderful. Much was written in advance about the role of the Prince (partly because of the gimmick enlisted by his playing the character on his knees the entire time) and certainly he was very good, but as sometimes happens in theater...he knew he was very good and made sure we knew it. It was an enjoyable night at the theater...but NOT, as one commenter said on the Wharton Center website, better than Wicked.

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February 18th saw a low-key Coffeehouse at All Saints...and the introduction of an email service I'm using to put a little "order" to its marketing. The first posting looked like this:

More to come in March...see you then

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It's April??

2011-04-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

Yikes, this is what happens...it's April and I haven't had a posting since December. So....so what. Lots to do in January 2011 (albeit late in the month) musically, so here goes.

Jan 21, hmmm, gaping hole in info saved relating to this particular night. The Coffeehouse is always fun. A night of singing/playing/reading. More info in Feb. Oops.

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The 34th Ann Arbor Folk Festival

January 28 & 29 at Hill Auditorium on the University of Michigan campus

This is an annual showcase event for Nicky and me...we have attended more than 10 Ann Arbor Folk Festivals and in recent years we have attended both nights. The AA Folk Festival is a wonderful multi-purpose concert series that is the principal fundraising event for The Ark as well as giving the audience a taste of what is to come to the Ark in the next few months. Typically the Friday night caters to a "younger" audience and Saturday books long-time acts. Each night begins with an artist not-so-well known and builds to a headliner most have come to see. Lastly, an emcee guides us through the night, introducing the acts and providing entertainment so the stage hands can make the necessary equipment changes. The format is each artist gets 3 or 4 songs to do...to give us a taste of who they are and what they sound like and if you do like it, you'll probably come back to The Ark when the artist has its own show.

The lovely Susan Werner

The emcee for both nights was the fabulous Susan Werner....a multi-talented Chicago-based artist who was clever and musically brilliant. Equally happy on guitar or piano she regaled us with witty tunes beautifully sung. Sometimes it was simply her amusing stories that filled the equipment-setup time. Hats off to The Ark...Susan Werner was a wonderful choice!

FRIDAY NIGHT

Paper Raincoat

We missed Theo Katzman and enjoyed Anais Mitchell. An eye-opener (or should I say ear-opener) was Paper Raincoat...a bit of a surprise, only perhaps because I had never heard them. They ended their set with a fantastic a capella number, "Rewind" that had the entire audience on their feet. Wonderful stuff. Look 'em up for sure.

The Spring Standards

The second set included a perfect folk festival-type experience with The Spring Standards. These 3 have a tight folk/pop sound that I really enjoyed. I am VERY happy to say they will be at The East Lansing Art Festival on Saturday, May 21...check 'em out!

The next treat, and I do mean treat, is the awesome Vienna Teng. What an instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, composer. What stage presence! She is exciting and fresh. Her songs are deep, her melodies simply beautiful. I really like her. Much has been written about how she is a grad student at the University of Michigan, and as much as all that is true (and simply adds to her amazing story) t was the performance that had me enthralled on this night. For (some) more on her U of M effort and an excellent review of the Folk Festival see Roger LeLievre's review here http://bit.ly/hGv16b.

Citizen Cope

Ms. Teng was followed by a crowd favorite Citizen Cope...and I have to say, his style and songmaking are not for me. Not quite sure what it is...there was a sameness from song to song that bordered on monotony for me. That sounds unkind when I read it here, but it is what I was thinking at the time. I was certainly in the minority as he was enthusiastically received by the Ann Arbor audience.

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The final set was performed by The Avett Bros. An interesting mix of folk/pop/punk/bluegrass that had the crowd on it's feet. Again I was left just a little cold and I am not quite certain why. They are great musicians.

Avett Bros

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Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova of The Swell Season

Saturday Night

Truth is, I enjoyed both nights and most of Saturday night was filled with surprises....good and not-so-good. The opener was Newfound Road...a bluegrass/gospel group from Franklin, Ohio (outside Dayton) and as much as I love the genre and groups like this, they did not do it for me that night. 2 reasons come to mind, one was someone must have told the band they had a virtuoso picker (on mandolin) and a singer extraordinaire. neither struck me as such. Everyone was good, the band was tight...I enjoyed it...when we were left with the "special instrumentalist" alone for a bit I thought, "Geez, he just isn't that good". Same for the vocalist...one of the band members said, "Isn't he wonderful?"..."Isn't he awesome?"...uh, no. Good stuff, not great.

The Doyle and Debbie Show followed and this hit the nail on the head for me...I liked them so much when their Ark performance was announced I mad a point of buying 10 tickets knowing I would find 9 friends to join me for a fun night out in Ann Arbor (and we did do it!). This duo has great voices and a comedy act (parody of country music) that had me laughing out loud. Fun!

Next was EILEN JEWELL...a group I had on my iPod on the way down to the concert in the car and thought not much of but was pleasantly surprised...live they were great.

RED HORSE featuring ELIZA GILKYSON, JOHN GORKA AND LUCY KAPLANSKY

Next up was a folk "supergroup" (sort of like Cry, Cry Cry which was Dar Williams, Richard Shindell and Lucy Kaplansky) RED HORSE featuring ELIZA GILKYSON, JOHN GORKA AND LUCY KAPLANSKY.

They were fun and funny and sang each other's songs...I really enjoyed this set. Their self-deprecating humor worked and they were cute at the right time and poignant at the right time...most enjoyable.

There's more though, Judy Collins came out and simply wowed us. What a voice!! She was crystal clear...simply beautiful..at 71. She walked out and as soon as the audience allowed her to, she launched into "Both Sides Now"...the Joni Mitchell song I am certain Joni Mitchell is thrilled Judy Collins has had so much success with over the years. I'm telling you, it was special. She was (mostly) humble and always gracious. I feel fortunate to have seen her.

Judy Collins by Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com

I was really looking forward to Mavis Staples...she has been pursued and repackaged by Jeff Tweedy (of Wilco) and has hit the road on a massive tour which has included stops on the Late Night talk show circuit and clubs and arenas everywhere. Well, I was pretty disappointed. here backup singers and band itself were wonderful but I wonder if Ms Staples had an off-night. Her voice was "rough" to the point of not enjoyable. She did do an overly-long rendition of the Staples Singers big hit, "I'll Take You There" and although it was fun to hear (big song when I was in high school) it was done for dramatics and it left me cold.

When I originally looked to see who was coming to the Festival this and found that Swell Season ( Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova) was headlining Saturday night I have to say I was surprised. it was a little ironic for me because I had just seen the 2006 movie, "Once" in which these two talents starred and the songs, "When Your Mind's Made Up” and and “Falling Slowly” had come and which they did beautifully that night. Another highlight was Glen Hansard singing van Morison's, "Into The Mystic"...Wow!!

The night finished off with Glen Hansard leading most of the performers from both nights in a rousing, really good rendition of Bob Dylan's, "Forever Young". The 2011 Ann Arbor Folk Festival was sold out and a huge success.

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RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles - Jan 30, 2011 -
Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, East Lansing, Michigan

It was crazy-busy as the Ann Arbor Folk Festival wound down and Nicky finally made our way back to East Lansing on Sunday afternoon we had about 2 hours break before we went to the Wharton Center and saw, "RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles" with our good friends the Bakers. Have you ever seen this show? Amazingly accurate renditions of the Beatles and what sets them apart from other Beatles cover bands, in my opinion, is the ability to do well across the entire Beatles spectrum. They do a fabulous (yes, I used the adjective fabulous when mentioning the Beatles) job of early Beatles...and because RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles travels with large screens, placed on either side of the stage, they are able to broadcast many of the commercials which were aired at that time...and some the "Beatlemania" footage we have come to know so well. What it did was put us into an atmosphere...one from which we did not want to leave. Other than "Paul" needing to play the acoustic guitar right-handed for, "Blackbird" I would say they were note perfect. So was the harmony...essential to making it "sound" like the Beatles. It was a fun show...who doesn't love the Beatles?

RAIN : A Tribute to the Beatles

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John Hiatt and Lyle Lovett at the Michigan Theatre, - Ann Arbor Jan 31, 2011

Bob K and I traveled back to Ann Arbor (yes Bob, I am terribly grateful you drove) to see 2 of our favorites and had a really pleasant surprised when a 3rd showed up. More on that later. John Hiatt has written so many good songs...and often they are made popular by someone else (ever heard Bonnie Raitt do, "Thing Called Love"? I thought so.) Well, he did many of his hits and they were solo..showing he had some guitar chops as well.

Lyle Lovett is a polished performer...and he made sure the banter between him and John was light and fun. Of course Lyle Lovett is a wonderful singer songwriter and did many of his hits as well. They would collaborate on some songs..one singing harmony for the other or take an instrumental solo...very nice.

Then, something fun and wonderful happened...they introduced, "a good friend", and it was none other than Michigan's own, Jeff Daniels. Have you ever heard Jeff Daniels play and sing? I have and knew we were in for a good time. He played (well) with the 2 of them and they left the stage and Jeff Daniels did the most amazing rendition of "Grandfather's Hat"...brought me to tears. Gosh that was wonderful, sublime.

He came back for the encore where the 3 of them did, "Baby Don't Tolerate" to a standing ovation. Great night.

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It's The Most Wonderful Time...

2010-12-20T14:20:00.000-08:00

So many opportunities for live music in December it is overwhelming. On a regular night we have several options for attending a performance but in December it revs into high gear. This year we took a wide-angle view and saw several different types of talented souls.

December 5 we joined Kate and Jim N. for the delightfully playful romp, "Robin Hood: The Holiday Panto". This was performed in the charmingly small (54 seat) Piccolo Theatre in Evanston, Illinois. Our very own Lisa has been reviewing plays for, "Centerstage" ( a Chicago Sun-Times-owned website) and I think she does a much better job here than I could. I'll say this, my sister and brother-in-law hooted and howled along with us at this campy, holiday fun!

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Saturday the 11th brought the very fine, Steiner Chorale. This group, about 35 singers, are on the more accomplished end of the choral scale with many fine individual voices who come together at concert time to produce a beautiful sound. This Christmas program was varied and strong with beautiful pieces performed well...mostly a cappella. Here's the program:

Program:

Gloria in Excelsis, Franz Joseph Haydn
Virga Jesse, Anton Bruckner
O Little One Sweet, J.S. Bach
Three Latvian Carols, Andrejs Jansons
E’en So Lord Jesus, Paul Manz
Magnificat, Halsey Stevens
The Three Ships, Eric Thiman
Salvation is Created, Pavel Chesnokov
There is No Rose of Such Virtue, Robert H. Young
We Wish You A Merry Christmas, John Rutter

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Sunday brought the 2nd Annual Holiday Show of John Latini and Jamie-Sue Seal. This benefit (the Housing Assistance Fund...Homeless shelters in East Lansing [Haven House] and Lansing [Loaves and Fishes] was severely impacted by the first big snowstorm in the Greater Lansing area. We were to be treated by the entire Flying Latini Bros band, but the bassist and keyboard fellas coming from Dexter and Ypsilanti were stuck below I-94. Not to be thwarted, John brought his actual brother, Jim, who was a wonderful addition to the fun, funny and lively show. John and Jamie-Sue are seasoned performers who playfully work with each other providing a first-class show, enjoyed by all. Personally, I like all the original tunes they do (e.g. John's, "Merry Christmas From The Holiday Inn" and Jamie-Sue's, "Northern Lights") as we get inundated with the same Christmas songs over and over again each holiday season.

Another highlight was Jim Latini doing lead vocals on Robbie Robertson's, "Christmas Must Be Tonight"...catchy tune, perfectly laid down by Jimbo. For those that braved the stormy night, it was a real treat. Plenty of time to chat with the musicians afterward around a punch and cookie table...made for a fitting end to a wonderful night. Thanks for coming back Jamie-Sue and John...we raised some important funds for the shelters too.

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On our drive down to Kalamazoo I said to Nicky, "Are we crazy going to see a play...in Kalamazoo (hour and 15min drive) on a weeknight!" Boy am I glad we did. December fills up every year and this was the only time we could make it to this exciting musical. I suppose it didn't hurt to be sitting in the first table, center to enjoy the 4-member ensemble cast.

This production was provided by Farmer's Alley Theatre...and from their website: "The Farmers Alley Theatre is a professional ensemble based non-profit performance company dedicated to producing popular and new work in the Downtown Kalamazoo area in a unique and intimate setting." I would say they scored 110 on all items because this work was popular and new and with waited service for coffee and drinks and dessert it was an intimate and unique setting.

Our daughter's friend, Amanda Martin was in the cast so we were excited to see her. She, and her castmates were splendid! This is a funny, irreverent romp with the first half set in 1958's Prom night and the second half at a reunion 10 years later. The music was well known and so much fun to see how the script brought each performer in to the song. Here they are:

"Welcome"/"Mr. Sandman"
"Lollipop"/"Sugartime"
"Allegheny Moon"
"All I Have to Do Is Dream"/"Dream Lover"
"Stupid Cupid"
"Lipstick on Your Collar"
"Lucky Lips"
"Secret Love"
"Mr. Lee"/"Born Too Late"/"Teacher’s Pet"
"Sincerely"/"Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight"
"Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me"
"Welcome Back"/"Heat Wave"
"It's in His Kiss"
"Wedding Bell Blues"
"You Don’t Own Me"
"With This Ring"
"I Only Want to Be With You"
"That's When the Tears Start"
"It's My Party"
"Son of a Preacher Man"
"Leader of the Pack"
"Maybe"
"Maybe I Know"
"Needle in a Haystack"
"Rescue Me"
"Respect"
"Thank You and Goodnight"/"Sincerely"

Amanda was brilliant as the catty Cindy Lou and best friends with Betty Jean (and not-so-secretly making it with BJ's boyfriend!). They all sang so well, it was a delightful night.

The poor guy at our table (about 45 yrs old...there with his mother) was pulled up into the play twice as the high school teacher point of affection for Missy (the ironic thing was that he is, in fact, a high school teacher form Muskegon!). I think Nicky was pretty glad I wasn't that guy (not so sure I am... ;o) ).

Great fun. I understand it is sold out but if you do get a chance...GO SEE THIS SHOW. 5 stars!!

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Friday, Dec 17 brought the 5th annual The Coffeehouse at All Saints...the most fun of the year. We had an awesome variety of performers this year including 2 pieces nicely played by Haley Helm. Pastor Kit Carlson rolled out her reading of, "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" to everyone's enjoyment (Kids on the floor looking up with fascination and scary anticipation).

Several folks from All Saints had a hand in making the night interesting and fun from piano accompaniment by Carol Baker and Jack Minton to readings by Carol Swinehart and Dedria Barker to cello solos by Kathy Burgess.

Guests included the return of Maggie Fossum and her sister, Ellanor Digo. They performed individually and then brought the house down with a duet that was simple beautiful. We are most fortunate to have them come to The Coffeehouse...thank you Maggie and Ellanor!

Another guest was Augustine Jay who played a couple originals ...Augustine used to work at Magdalena's Tea House (what Maggie and Ellanor's mother used to own).

The sing alongs were fully participated and great fun to lead. If you haven't been to a Coffeehouse yet, please stop by on the 3rd Friday of the month sometime between 7:30 and 9:30pm (the next one is January 21).

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The surprising hit (surprising to me anyway) was the lively performance by the Broadway cast of "9 to 5" playing at the Wharton Center on MSU's campus. Nicky and I saw it last night and were delighted with the 3 principals. They had excellent voices and were damn funny! I was pleasantly surprised...and having 4 women in my house for the last 26 years was pretty good training!

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We still have Christmas Eve and all things New Years...but that's for next time. 2010 was an excellent year for live music in the Mid-Michigan area...we are fortunate to have so much going on. Here's to 2011 !

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

2010-11-30T13:36:00.000-08:00

...."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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It's All Happening This Friday

2010-11-17T13:10:00.000-08:00

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!

CORRECTION/ADDITION:

2010-08-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

Oops. Linda and Matt will be at the Soup Spoon Cafe THIS FRIDAY Aug. 27th, 2010 from 6:30-8:30 pm. Hope you can be there!

Saturday at the Market

2010-08-23T07:47:00.000-07:00

One of the joys of living in East Lansing is being able to catch live music virtually anywhere, anytime. Nicky and I were able to see our friends, Linda Abar and Frederick Isaac at the Lansing City Market on Saturday, Aug 21. It's really an intimate atmosphere considering where it is. We were able to do some fresh produce and fish shopping as well as get our lunch for the day and enjoy the playing and singing of Linda and Frederick.

You can see Linda and our friend, Matt Bliton, at the Soup Spoon Cafe, 1419 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing, THIS FRIDAY Aug. 27th, 2010 from 6:30-8:30 pm. . You can expect a bluesy, folksy, artsy mix with hints of jazz. Together and separately, they have quite a few new tunes to share. Should be a treat!! Nick of the "Spoon" will have some outrageously tasty dinner special as well!! Reservations are highly recommended for this show. The last one "sold out." Please call 517-316-2377 and start looking forward to a very lovely evening!

Great Lakes Folk Festival 2010

2010-08-20T06:51:00.000-07:00

So much to see and do at this year's festival, held Aug 13-15 in downtown East Lansing, Michigan...with some interesting additions of "green" displays like the "Green Kitchen" tent, bringing good ideas for local, healthy eating.

Highlight? Performance-wise it had to be Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. Doug Neal of the incredibly wonderful radio show, "Progressive Torch & Twang" on Tueday nights, 8p-Mid, on MSU's 88.9 ImpactFM, has played Doyle Lawson for years and I know he wanted to bring him to East Lansing. Well Doug was the emcee at this particular stage and introduced Mr. Lawson and his fine band. Tight instrumentalists, they also sing up a bluegrass storm...with plenty of Gospel as well. They even had some good jokes...e.g., "How hot is it? It's so hot I saw a dog chasing a rabbit... and they both were walking."

During his 31-year career Doyle Lawson has had a string of bluegrass and gospel awards. This, I believe is due to his collecting a group of superb musicians to tour and record with. This year's group, although some quite young, are accomplished technicians of their instruments, both hardware and vocals. When they are in 4-part harmony, it's a little eerie, a little sublime...and they make it look easy.

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The other outstanding performance was the Community Sing, the brainchild of Sally Potter, organizer, musician and the main reason this event was added to the GLFF. Anchored by song leaders Sally Potter, the Rev Robert B. Jones for Detroit and local favorite, Ray Kamalay. Each musician started us off on songs we (mostly) knew and I have to say, the singing was very good, often with beautiful harmony. No song sheets needed (mostly) because the tunes were so well known. As somewhat expected, Robert Jones led gospel and blues-tinged songs, Ray Kamalay led standards (some beauties!) and Sally led traditional folk tunes. The audience was diverse in all ways and came through quite nicely. Did you notice the AMAZING ASL interpreter? She was truly into it, knew most of the words of all the songs...and did not get a break for the entire 2hrs. She was wonderful.

As Sally, who wrote to my daughter Emily (who wrote to thank the folks who run the festival because she was so moved) said,

"The singing community around here is only getting stronger, as folks are hoping on board the train. And why not? It's fun, it's full of energy, it hits at the very core of who we are - as active people. and - it's real.

In September, WKAR TV is showing a half hour documentary it produced about this singing community. And more and more festivals, and concert series, and community organizations are adding singing to their programming.

With the first Mid-Winter Singing Festival in 2003, we were at the beginning, in front of the big wave.

Yet more water and energy have arrived, nationwide, and the community singing movement is growing. It's fun to watch."

Thank you to all the Festival organizers, volunteers and patrons who made this year's festival one of the best.

December 2009

2010-03-10T08:12:00.000-08:00

Hooray for December! So much to see! It started off with a real treat. I ventured down to Chicago to join my eldest daughter Lisa and brother Dan at a performance of The Beatles as envisioned by the group, "Tributosaurus". You have to see these folks. From their website:

"In August 2002 we became The Who. September was Sly & the Family Stone, followed by CSNY and then The Police. Tributosaurus is not just a band…it is a musical event, a happening. Tributosaurus is the Jurassic beast of multiple musical faces, and every month, the beast morphs into a different rock group. Every set is tweaked with the lineup essential to accurately re-create the recorded material of an amazing array of artists. This mandate draws the finest musicians from Chicagoland and beyond to join the core group to sit in…to sing and play songs they’ve wanted to cover all their lives. For Paul McCartney, we had members of the CSO and 30 people on stage, for Ray Charles we had a full big band, for Paul Simon we had an ensemble of native South American flutes -- whatever it takes. If there's a song that requires 2 keyboard players, 3 guitarists, a mandolin and a 6 piece horn section -- you can bet we'll have 'em.

The Tributosaurus Core is comprised of 5 of the top musicians in Chicagoland. These players consider themselves the Civil War re-creationists of rock and roll, as they skillfully learn a brand new set of material every month, note for note."

They told us they know the Beatles catalog is so large, they could never do it justice in one night, so, they picked the first 2 Beatles albums, "Please Please Me" and "With The Beatles" and did them, in order. Absolutely amazing...freakin' good sound, superb vocals and instrumentation. Here's the set list:

SONG TITLE
I Saw Her Standing There
Misery
Anna (Go To Him)
Chains
Boys
Ask Me Why
Please, Please Me
Love Me Do
P.S. I Love You
Baby It's You
Do You Want To Know A Secret
A Taste Of Honey
There's A Place
Twist And Shout
From Me To You
Thank You Girl
She Loves You
I'll Get You
It Won't Be Long
All I've Got To Do
All My Loving
Don't Bother Me
Little Child
Til There Was You
Please Mister Postman
Roll Over Beethoven
Hold Me Tight
You Really Got A Hold On Me
I Wanna Be Your Man
Devil in Her Heart
Not A Second Time
Money
I Want To Hold Your Hand
This Boy
Komm, Gib Mir Deine Hand
Sie Liebt Dich

What can you say? It was outstanding! We had so much fun. Everyone sang along. Check out their website and see who they've done (AND who's coming!). HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Next December (2010) they will do the next 2 albums in the Beatles discography! Cannot wait!

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Barely got back in town on Friday the 4th and was witness to the songwriters series Jamie-Sue Seal produces, this time at TheTen Pound Fiddle in East Lansing, Michigan. Jamie-Sue has her own location for this series and brought it to the fiddle for a different audience and exposure for these folks. Being slightly biased because my friends, John Latini and Jamie-Sue Seal, were two of the performers, we were sure to go. We in Michigan are blessed with fine musical talent...and this was showcased by these musicians. John Latini, Jamie-Sue Seal, Andre Villoch and Greg Jenkinson provided a variety of solo efforts, duos and sometimes all of them, supporting each other. This type of music benefits from the intimate atmosphere of the Fiddle and we were treated to gems all night long.

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Dec 13 Nicky and I attended the Broadway production of "White Christmas" at the Wharton Center. Knowing the songs that come from this musical we were intrigued to see how the show would be. I think we were pleasantly surprised, it was a fun, well-sung, well-danced show. I remain embarrassed to say I have never seen the film.....

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The Dec 18 version of The Coffeehouse at All Saints brought a whole host of folks out...we had about 55 come and enjoy a variety of performances from many sing alongs accompanied by Jack Minton or Eileen Marshall to amusing readings (Sedaris, etc.) by Marguerite Halversen, Dedria Barker and more. Pastor Kit has read, "The Grinch" each year and this time it was her excellent hat that stood out...(that and the kids' transfixed faces!)

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For the first time we at All saints Episcopal Church, hosted a fundraiser concert (for the Housing Assistance Fund...we raised >$1,000.00) with Jamie-Sue Seal and John Latini. They provided a mostly original set of songs that either had us laughing, smiling or simply enjoying their light banter, excellent harmony and support of each other. It was a real treat and set the stage for further productions at All Saints. Merry Christmas everyone!

November Notes

2010-03-10T08:09:00.000-08:00

Not many notes....the November edition of The Coffeehouse at All Saints was the highlight...as Steve found himself looking for new work, most of the time was taken. December always has too much to do, so we'll just go there.

October Offerings

2010-03-10T07:23:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been to a "Collage Concert"? Billed as: "...featuring premier student ensembles and soloists from the MSU College of Music in a fast-paced musical extravaganza", it was just that at the Wharton Center on Oct 2. So many different styles of performance music...opera, jazz, choral, pop...one after the other without any time between pieces (until the intermission). I have seen this at East Lansing High School and it was great fun. At MSU the talent level is ratcheted up and every performance was top notch...you were seeing the cream of the crop every time! I strongly urge you to check this out next year...

Oct 9 Nicky and I attended the MSU Choral Society's fundraiser...a "Cabaret" at the Hannah Center in East Lansing. Being fans of choral music (and me having served on the MSU Choral Union board in the past) we were excited to see what was to come. The variety of performances were vast (as was the talent :) ) and we had a wonderful time. This is where I made contact with the acapella group "RCAHpella" (somewhat-awkwardly named for the "Residential College of Arts and Humanities" at MSU"). They were good and I knew the director....and thought, "They would be a great addition to The Coffeehouse at All Saints. (They did come at a later date). The Choral Society raises funds for choral conducting graduate students at MSU and I think the program produced enough funds for several students. Great job. Great fun.

The 16th brought another edition of The Coffeehouse at All Saints, a couple hours of live music, and spoken word in an informal, laid-back environment complemented by snacks and drinks provided by those who come. We have it the 3rd Friday of the month from 7:30-9:30p at All Saints Episcopal Church, 800 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.

Though not music, I want to give a shout out to our friend, Jenifer Banks, a retired MSU English professor who gave the "pre-glow" talk for the Oct 18 David Sedaris presentation at the Wharton Center. Jenny did a fine job, describing David's body of work in an enlightening, sometimes amusing way. Of course David Sedaris was wonderful...he has such a funny way of looking at relationships and the world. Kudos to him for choosing an MSU student to come out and introduce him (the highlight for her, so far, I'm sure!).

Nicky and I were fortunate to gather up our daughter Heather and fly to NYC to visit her twin, Emily the next weekend. Of course we took in a show, and chose, "Billy Elliot, the Musical" at The Imperial theatre. We all enjoyed the movie version and were looking forward to how this would be presented on stage. Well, "Billy" was wonderful (we saw him perform on the tony Awards show earlier)...but so was his "Mother". I'm pretty sure this show will travel to East Lansing in 2011...don't miss it!

Some Things in September

2010-02-15T14:35:00.000-08:00

Our first foray into live music in September was on the 12th at the Gone Wired Cafe on Michigan Ave in Lansing to see, "Everlovingmind", the creation of our good friend, Matt Bliton. This was a 4 (of the 5) piece band playing a variety of tunes in anticipation of their Lansing "Blues fest" debut later in the month. An intimate audience turned out to see a well-rehearsed, fun band play songs they know and love. Intermixed with some great "regulars" like Van Morrison's, "Tupelo Honey" were some of Matt's own songs. Everlovingmind

think the audience thoroughly enjoyed the show and were certainly enthusiastic for the group. Nicky and I could not attend Bluesfest this year but heard they did a great job there. Congrats Matt, it was a very good time.

Sept 21st marked the release of the latest Porcupine Tree album, "The Incident". More of a "concept album" than in the past it nevertheless contains all the bits of PT we have come to know and love, e.g. dark passages followed by lyrical interludes and beautiful melodies. As with the previous album, "Deadwing", it took me a few listens to really enjoy it, but enjoy it I have. If you've never heard Porcupine Tree before, try their 2005 release, "In Absentia", prog rock album of the year.

Sept 24 brought Willie Nelson and Family to the Wharton Center. I'll say this, he's 76 years old...and he and his band played (and I counted) 12 songs...IN-A-ROW...no break or song intro. Wow. He has a style you can love (or hate or anywhere in between) as when he leans into the mic with sincerity or not love...the way he consistently sings out of time (stilted...on purpose). I loved him, so did Nicky and the crowd was enthusiastic to say the least. I've seen Willie 3 times and this was the best.

2010-02-15T14:15:00.000-08:00

The Coffeehouse at All Saints

"Campfire Edition"

August 22 brought the 2009 edition of this annual (3rd) outdoor event at the farm of Dan and Gail Shafer-Crane. This is always a special night because it is truly multi-generational. From toddlers to their grandparents folks come to the farm to enjoy a hayride, antique auto show (the Cranes own several Model Ts), cookout, campfire complete with sing alongs and s'mores. This

year we had about 65 people who took advantage of all that was offered and I belive everyone had a great time.
Many, many thanks to Dan and Gail Shafer-Crane for the kind hospitality.

August: Festival Time

2010-02-15T13:40:00.000-08:00

The Great Lakes Folk Festival - Aug 7-9, 2009

Always fortunate to attend this wonderful live music/arts/crafts/etc festival in downtown East Lansing. 3 days of opportunities for intimate audiences, immediate feedback with performers and music you'd be hard-pressed to find in one spot. Nicky and I tend to gravitate to the Dance Tent for one performance, something "close" on a smaller stage and a larger show at the end. This year we saw three groups I had never heard of and am glad to say I know who they are now!

We met friends Ed and Joni B for the Acadian-favorite, "Gadelle" on Friday night. Gadelle comes from Prince Edward Island (PEI) on Canada's east coast, where our friends have spent time in pubs listening to groups just like this. Excellent fiddlers and singers (and sometimes dancers) they really get you going. We all had a good time despite the crummy weather.

On Saturday we saw, "Beyond The Pale", a klezmer band and, "Lost Bayou Ramblers", Cajun masters. It is not the first time the Festival has brought klezmer and Cajun groups to east Lansing but these are certainly 2 of the best. It is difficult to sit in your seat while they jam away, looking like THEY are the ones having the good time.

Thank you MSU Museum and the City of East Lansing for this thoroughly interesting and rewarding opportunity. I have only scratched the surface with regard to what is available these 3 days (day and night). it is a true "Folk" festival in that it always has displays of artists for the Great Lakes area including storytelling, crafts and poetry. The 2010 Festival will be Aug 13-15...don't miss it.

Lazy Days of Summer

2010-01-05T13:22:00.000-08:00

Nicky and I spent the first week of June in Santa Fe, New Mexico...a state I had only driven through in the past. This was a planned week by my sister for all of us sibs and spouses. What a place Santa Fe! We loved it...and Taos...and the mountains...and the dry desert air. The only musical highlight (besides not seeing Ottmar Liebert who was playing in the local performance theater that week) was this wonderful classical guitarist who played in the square in downtown Santa Fe. She's Romanian and played with passion and skill. I spoke with her and she said she usually performs with her husband but he was out that day. I could have sat there all day.

June 19-20 brought the inaugural Summer Solstice Jazz Festival in downtown East Lansing. Nicky and I were fortunate enough to see 2 acts...the first of which was the KNOCKOUT Esperanza Spalding on Friday and Linda Abar and the Neil Gordon Trio on Saturday. This Esperanza Spaulding was AMAZING! What a talented, confident, diverse performer. She played bass (double, electric...I believe she could play any stringed instrument) like she was born with it, sang beautifully and had a stage presence that commanded your attention. This was a thoroughly satisfying hour. Her band was tight and were the perfect accompaniment to her solos and total expertise. What a delight this was. Thank you Ms. Spaulding.

Saturday brought Linda Abar out with the group she has played most regularly with recently, the Neil Gordon Trio. They all know what to do to put on a smooth show. Linda was in particularly fine voice this day and Neil was particularly swift on his jazz solo runs. If you are in East Lansing in the summer, look for Linda and the NGT...they perform more often then. We enjoyed the band's company afterwards for dinner at Beggar's Banquet who, quite cleverly, put quite a bit of outside seating in the parking lot so diners could listen to the festival.

The next live musical event I enjoyed was Matt Bliton playing at the Lansing City Market at noon on July 24. He was accompanied on a couple tunes by our good friend, Linda Abar (they do a great rendition of Paul Simon's, "Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes" and the traditional, "Wayfaring Stranger"). This show was simulcast on Lansing Community College's radio station, WLNZ 89.7FM. Matt's originals ring true and were well-received by the noon-time audience.

That's it for June and July. Since August includes the Great Lakes Folk Festival we'll save that entry for next time. Thanks for reading....what have you seen?

Middlin' May

2009-12-30T11:58:00.000-08:00

It sure starts off right...seeing Steppin' In It at the Ten Pound Fiddle Coffeehouse on May 1. They are just so much fun to be around...great energy, pretty funny and wonderful musicians. Thanks to Rachael Davis for coming and singing (and bringing your little one!). I know I just saw them a couple weeks ago, but geez, give a music-lover a break...I really enjoy this band.

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Image via Wikipedia

Moving along to Monday the 4th, our friend Sally Potter organized a birthday sing along tribute to Pete Seeger's 90th birthday. There must have been nearly a 100 people there (Unitarian Church in East Lansing), led by Matt Watroba (huge Seeger fan and historian) and others. It was a night of fondness and love for a man of peace and courage. We even signed a large (like 4 feet X 6 feet) card for old Pete.
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On May 8 my second oldest, Heather, graduated with her Masters in Social Work from Michigan State University. No, not much music here, but hey, I am terribly proud of her.

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The 15th brought the May 2009 edition of The Coffeehouse at All Saints where we sort of had an, "End of School" theme. The sing alongs included, "School's Out", "Be True To Your School", "Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard" and the Bob Blue words to Paul Anka's, "My Way"....which if you've heard it has hilarious lyrics any school teacher would enjoy! We'll take a break in June and July and return with the annual, "Out on the Farm" rendition of The Coffeehouse At All Saints where we meet at the farm of Gail and Dan Crane, have a cookout, hayrides and a sing along by the campfire. Saturday, August 22. Details to follow. See you there!

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Tired as we were from last night we are once again energized by...The East Lansing Art Festival! I must remember...there is art there. Why do you laugh? Oh, because the truth is I really look forward to the music. Wanda Deegan organizes it and procures the musical artists and really did a wonderful job this year.

First off we were ablle to catch, "THE STRING DOCTORS A new kind of Country Swing" with Ray Kamalay, Joel Mabus, Peter Knupfer & Dave Rosin at noon on the Main Stage on Saturday the 16th. Having seen them at the WKAR taping of Backstage Pass earlier in the year we were eagerly awaiting their return. Their banter fits the outdoor concert scene and their musicianship was wonderful...especially Joel Mabus (no surprise, I know).
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Then we cruised the Festival, enjoying good weather (mostly) and many happy people.

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Were we in for a treat at 3PM with The Vienna Teng Trio.

Image via Wikipedia

WOW! Is she a talent or what?! Vibrant, charming...a much-too-short hour and 15 of "Chamber folk" music. Original songs played with expertise by the trio. I really enjoyed this set.

Well, following Vienna Teng, The Ragbirds from Ann Arbor came out and knocked our socks off! Erin Zindle is the lead singer and fiddler extraordinaire! What energy! Global groove music...got everybody moving...even Vienna Teng. It was so cool to see her jump right into the dancing at the front of the stage. Everyone was having a great time. Go see The Ragbirds! In fact, you can catch them at the Ten Pound Fiddle Coffeehouse on Friday Jan 22, 2010 at the Erickson Kiva on the campus of Michigan State University. Don't miss them!

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Sunday brought our good friend, Linda Abar & The Neil Gordon Trio to the Main Stage. Neil is a wonderful jazz guitarist and he accompanies Linda perfectly. She was in great voice, fun stage presence and obviously had a good time. She did most of the songs on her CD, "Once Upon A Time" as well as some jazz standards...a great hour in the sun.

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We wandered a bit and made sure we caugth Daisy May Erlewine and Seth Bernard (yes, I know she dropped the "Daisy"..but not then). Great original songs...skillfully played by Seth and performed with honest enjoyment by the both of them. I really like these 2 and they are fond of the East Lansing audience as well. I'm sure Wanda Deegan will take note that Seth and Daisy deserve the Main Stage next year...it was packed!

There were many others that day, including Claudia Schmidt...but we could not do it all. This is my favorite outdoor festival of the year, mostly because we can sit really close and enjoy the performers enjoying themselves.

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The next weekend Nicky and I and a few others made the trek down to Chelsea to enjoy Jeff Daniels' "Purple Rose Theatre" and see, "Bleeding Red"...a very funny play about football (English football that is....soccer). Support Michigan theater!

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That's it till next time....

April's Fool

2009-10-13T06:07:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen John Latini? What a trip! John played at the Creole Gallery in Lansing on April Fool's Day to an appreciative crowd. I have known John for about 15 years and he has simply gotten better and better to the point where his award-winning songs and guitar-playing abilities have allowed him to, "quit his day job". He was fun, funny and plays wonderful guitar. Thanks John (Jonesy)!

This show was sponsored by the local radio station WLNZ from Lansing Community College and hosted by Lyn Peraino.

From John's website:
About John Latini
Winner of the 2008 Detroit Blues Challenge, John Latini is a multiple award winning veteran singer/songwriter, performer, and above all, entertainer whose energy and presence are infused so deeply in his music that every song, indeed every style, becomes his own. Growing up in a musical family in Queens, NY hearing everything from Hank Williams to Harry Belafonte, participating in the nightly guitar pull around the family table, and finally, seeing The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show sealed his fate. Since that time, the journey has been long and gratifying with explorations into many musical styles and collaborations with many great bands, players, songwriters and above all, friends. Through it all, the one constant remains John's ability to "deliver" the song. A captivating storyteller and an exciting performer, he compels you to watch and to listen.

You can see John all over Michigan. I hope he will drop by our All Saints Coffeehouse after performing with Jamie-Sue Seal at the "Silver Bells In The City" celebration in downtown Lansing Nov 20. Then, John and Jamie-Sue will be performing a benefit concert 7pm Sunday, Dec 20 at All Saints Episcopal Church. More to come on that in a future blog.

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Oh so much more in April...

Jumping to Monday, April 20, my good buddy, Ed Baker and I, rambled down to Ann Arbor to catch the venerable Bruce Cockburn for a solo show at The Ark.

Ed and I managed a stop at Zingerman's Deli....where I saw (I swear) a $64.00 carrott cake. Great food, expensive carrots!

Mr. Cockburn...this was the 4th time I have seen him, he is one of my heroes for many reasons not the least of which is his guitar playing and song-crafting. What I thought might be a night of all new material turned into a delightful balance of old and new. In fact, he encored with, "Wonderin Where The Dragons Are", a song I thought he long ago abandoned. It was wonderful. He is a master.

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Lest we have nothing else to do, Ed and I also went to see, "Steppin In It" w/ Shout Sister Shout at a WKAR TV studio taping (Backstage Pass) on Tuesday Apr 21. This was so much fun (in fact Nicky and I went to another taping of Joel Mabus and Ray Kamalay a little later this year...in a different post). It only seats 50 people...and Steppin In It are so popular they had to have another night to accommodate the fan request (it wasn't very well advertised by WKAR...and I don't blame them...this was an intimate atmosphere..yet still "sold" out (actually it was free...thank you WKAR!). The taping was for a series WKAR won't bring to the screen until Feb 11-May 13, 2010...so it was pretty cool to be a part of this now).

Steppin In It (Josh Davis and crew) are simply wonderful. They are clever, funny, and damn good musicians. Joe and Andy Wilson (yep, twins) are excellent players....of many instruments. from accordions to trumpets to Hohner Echo Harmonica to steel guitars they provide the eclectic sound of Steppin In It. Backed by Dominic Suchyta on double bass, Steppin In it provide an entirely entertaining night. Couple it with the unique atmosphere of a TV studio audience, it was a great night.

Did I mention Rachel Davis (I do believe she and Dominic are married...) was there? She is the "Shout Sister Shout" component of the group, occasionally joining them for a set of (some) standards and tunes that sound like standards. She is adorable to watch and a great singer. This set was very well received by the studio audience.

A great 2 days!

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Not to be outdone by pop/folk music, I was fortunate to perform on the Great Hall stage of the Wharton Center for the Performing Arts on MSU's campus with 250 other musicians
(MSU Symphony Orchestra, University Chorale, State Singers, and Choral Union,
Melanie Helton, soprano; Kurt Ollmann, baritone; and David Rayl, guest conductor) in a rendering of Vaughn Williams, "Dona Nobis Pacem". A beautiful piece and I think we did it very well.

The other piece was a world premiere of Hutcheson's, "The Silver Sword" an ancient fairy tale for chorus and orchestra. This was a unique work, filled with fairy tale images and percussive, descriptive singing. I do not think I will ever again sing, "Grashadoo"!

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What? There's more? Yep. Nothing much. Just, Lil 'ol "Carmen" by Bizet! On April 30 Nicky and I were fortunate enough to attend the Michigan Opera Company's production of "Carmen" at the Great Hall of the Wharton Center. We sat in the Grand Tier and as we approached our seats we noticed we would be sitting next to our good friends, Susan and Nico Gisholt! And right in front of us?...Jean and Will Maples. And not to be left out, Paulette Johnston was also there. A little All Saints viewing the not-so-saintly, "Carmen".

Powerful singing and great stage presence for the star of the show. I look forward to more opera, possibly Romeo and Juliet in the spring (2010).

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Well, April was unique....that's a lot of public performances and I enjoyed all of them. Next time we'll look at May...end of the academic year...a busy time in the Findley household.

March Madness

2009-04-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

Nicky and I had a wild March planned, live music/theater/comedy-wise that was curtailed a bit.

We started it all on March 1 with Tony Award-winning "Spring Awakening", the smash Broadway hit. From Wikipedia: "Set in late-nineteenth century Germany, it concerns teenagers who are discovering the inner and outer tumult of sexuality. The original play was banned in Germany due to its portrayal of masturbation, abortion, rape and suicide. In the musical, alt-rock is employed as part of the folk-infused rock score."

We thought the cast were particularly good, energetic. The music was wonderful regardless of a lack of identifiable tunes...you just went with it and it moved the story along. We enjoyed it very much. Saw it at the Wharton Center on MSU's campus.

Next up was our first live viewing of Robin Williams in concert. Well, he had his heart attack 3 days before our show and cancelled. We wish him a speedy recovery (his

website says the surgery went very well and he is expected to be fully recovered in 8 weeks). So, more to come if and when he returns to East Lansing.

Moving along to March 22 we saw the iconic, Jorma Kaukonen at the Ark in Ann Arbor for a sold-out, SRO show.

He has been touring with enormously-talented friend, Barry Mitterhof, the multi-instrumentalist whose proficiency with stringed instruments (especially the mandolin) was well received that night. The two of them play like old pals, checking each other out every now and then...small smiles on their faces. I will say this, Mr. Kaukonen is a man of few words. It was a terribly intimate show. They spoke infrequently and quietly. All the more time for playing. I couldn't even tell you all the songs they did but it was a technically brilliant night on the instruments and a soft, amusing experience when they shared stories. Hooray for Jorma!

The 31st saw the return of the Lion King to the Wharton Center. Admittedly it is the 3rd time Nicky and I have seen it (once in Toronto and once here at Wharton). The opening sequence of animal kingdom entry is still the most wonderful theatrical experience. This time we were watching the faces of the children around us. It was beautiful. They were jumping up and down...happily chattering away with their friends, thoroughly enjoying the moment. For me, virtually all the rest was a bit TOO familiar. Sorry, it just doesn't do much more...it is an exact replica of the movie, so, again, no surprises. All the actors were good and the human child Simba was very good.

Our All Saints Coffeehouse on the 20th was a low key affair. We somewhat had an Irish theme. One of the suggestions I received in February was to do Three Dog Night's version of, "Shambala". Well that just brought a wave of nostalgia for me and after viewing several old Three Dog Night videos on YouTube I put together 5 songs. It was a blast. (Thanks Marty Liphard....the tambourine lady!)

That was March. Of course there is more to come in April where I'll review Lansing Symphony's combined concert with the MSU Chorale and Women's Chorus, Bruce Cockburn at the Ark, Steppin In It and Shout Sister Shout at WKAR's Backstage Pass series (a LIVE TV audience...very cool, our own, "Soundstage"!), my own concert with the MSU Choral Union at the Wharton Center on April 25 and Jesus Christ Superstar at the Rosemont Theatre near Chicago on the 30th. Thanks for joining.

Steve

2009 Ann Arbor Folk Festival, Part II

2009-02-28T12:45:00.002-08:00

The second night of the musical extravaganza included the much-anticipated Pete Seeger. Much more to come on that note...heh, heh.

The early-goings brought 2 groups the author

was unaware of and that is one of the reasons I attend these festivals... to hear new music (or at least music I had not heard before.

And so it was with, "Misty Lyn and the Big Beautiful". This was a fine group and Misty Lyn Bergeron sang and played her stuff...beautifully. See this review of their debut: "For The Dead".

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Next up was a nifty guitarist, Luke Doucet and the White Falcon from Canada and they played an inspired 4 tracks that showed energy and originality. Boy can this guy play! He uses a that hollow-body Gretsch quitar which gives the sound

of Dave Edmunds, Brian Setzer, that type. As a guitar fan, I really enjoyed him. I'm thinking (and this is often the case of certain groups) that this is best enjoyed live.

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To my surprise, the 3rd most-anticipated performers (behind Pete Seeger and Kris Kristofferson), Girlyman, came out next. What can I say? Much too little of them at this venue. Have you heard them? We have been big fans since first seeing them supporting, The Indigo Girls at the Wharton Center on Michigan State University's campus several years ago (Fall of 2004). They have precise, beautiful harmony. They play their own instruments very well, with interesting layers of sound. They have a fun stage banter showing kind souls, with funny stories (often stemming from tuning onstage...little ditties which entered their most recent

release,"somewhere different now (live)"). They sang 4 quick songs...way too short, but then, that's what happens at the Festival,

it is only intended to be a taste...you come back when they come back (which, unfortunately for me won't work since I will be on stage at the Great Hall of the Wharton Center on April 25 when Girlyman returns to the Ark.

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So, thinking Girlyman would close the first set of the night proved incorrect. What joined the stage next was a musical family, headlined by the infamous, Pete Seeger. His grandson- Tao Rodriguez-Seeger was the leader of this group, making sure things moved along. Pete Seeger is 89 years old. Wow. He sang a couple verses by himself (and led us all in an achingly-slow version of, "Amazing Grace") but stayed with the group for their entire set. The crowd was very much into whatever he said, did, asked, sang. He was the hero of the evening...much love poured toward the stage, for sure. The group also included Pete Seeger's friend's granddaughter, Sara Lee Guthrie (yes, Arlo Guthrie's daughter....Woody Guthrie's granddaughter) and her very talented husband, Johnny Irion (I was very fortunate to hear these 2 at the Ten Pound Fiddle Coffeehouse in East Lansing several years ago...great stuff).

It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Nicky and me to see this "father of American folk music"

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So the first set ended here and when we returned, so did Joe Pug. He rendered another Dylan-like performance and admittedly the song did not do much for me...but the Friday night song did. He's going to be around on the folk scene.

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Claire Lynch came out and did a short set of country music. She had a crack band supporting her pleasant demeanor and we enjoyed her singing.

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The Carolina Chocolate Drops entered the stage for a similar performance to Friday night with just as much fandom created. They are a talented, funny, fun, group who had the whole audience on its feet. Go see them live.

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The headliner for the second night of the Ann Arbor Folk Festival was Kris Kristofferson. He came out with a guitar and a harmonica...and that's all. That's all he needed. Nicky is a BIG fan of this guy (and I honestly did not know just HOW BIG until that night). Kristofferson has penned some of the best-known (and loved) tunes, from, "Me And Bobby McGee" to "Help Me Make It Through The Night" to "For The Good Times". He did them all in a stripped-down, solo version which ached and hurt and helped and sounded wonderful.

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Once again the Ann Arbor Folk Festival provided a litany of interesting performers...some you knew and some you didn't. It was an entirely pleasant weekend (and it doesn't hurt to get away with your best friend every now and then, does it?).

Celtic Woman: Isle of Hope - Detroit 2/20/09

2009-02-23T11:10:00.000-08:00

There was a good deal of excited build up to this touring event....the chance to see this incredible show we all see on PBS...live, right here in Detroit. Well, having been there I would say I was a minority; in that the show just did not do it for me...it did not MOVE me.

When I see these folks on TV it is a sublime experience. The touring company (and I suspect it is a matter of economics) is a stripped-down version of what you see on TV...4 principals, the perky fiddler, the creator-artistic director on piano, a VERY fine trio of core musicians on Guitar, Bass and Uillean pipes, 2 percussionists and 6 backup (3 male, 3 female) singers provide the music for the night. I guess I was foolish to think they would tour with an orchestra, but thought they might use a local one.

One of the highlights of the night was the resoundingly beautiful version of, "Danny Boy". The choice to end it on a beautifully-quiet, 4-part acapella verse was magic. Simply beautiful. Beinig a sucker for Enya, it was great to hear, "Orinoco Flow",...always liked it always will. I miss the wonderful principal who played harp...she sang beautifully and played harp well, as well. It would have added a layer to the show...as the show seems to need to give each singer their own "solo" and their own, "ensemble" number. They DO sing beautifully. Choice of songs? Some were....insipid...I mean, c'mon, they were dripping with sentiment and at one point my wife said, "Are they really going to sing Toby Keith"? Sometimes it seemed like we were at a fundamentalist service, where the next verse is raised up a half step in pitch to add pseudo-drama.

Because part of the Celtic Woman shows' charm is it's "earnestness"... it matters that much more to have a decent song with which to be earnest. Am I glad I went? Yes, I really wanted to see these fine singers and the man who created this entertainment magnet. I just wish it was, better.

2009 Ann Arbor Folk Festival, Part I

2009-02-16T09:19:00.000-08:00

Here we were (my lovely bride, Nicky and me) at (I think we counted) our 14th Ann Arbor Folk Festival and the truth is, it continues to deliver a variety of current (and not-so-current...see next blog entry) folk music in all sub-genres, e.g. contemporary folk, alt-country, classic folk, singer-songwriter, Americana.

The Friday night line-up this year included local Ann Arbor favorites, the Ragbirds, and I think it is a tribute to the variety and excellence of the Ark (the recipient of the fundraising activity created by "thick" ticket prices...not a bad thing, no, just fine in fact) to include local artists. They get an opportunity to play before 3530 people (as opposed to the Ark's capacity of 400). The Ragbirds were a breath of fresh air...interesting and fun to listen to. Erin Zindle, the lead singer and player of a variety of instruments (incl fiddle, mandolin and banjo) was wonderful, had a great stage presence and lovely voice. I liked this band!

In the past, the order the groups play was carefully scripted to have less well-known artists play first and end the first part of the program with a "2nd billed" group. Then they return with better-known artists culminating in the headliner. This year proved similar and since we deal with a subjective topic (I might very-well like a group more than you but their ticket and CD sales may be lower than a higher-billed artist). I have to say, depending on who you talk to, the group ending the first half blew the doors out of Hill Auditorium...but more on that in a hot sec.

After the Ragbirds we were treated to 2 female singer-songwriters who were most enjoyable, Chelsea Williams and Katie Herzig. Their clear voices were beautiful and they individually chose to sing quiet, introspective songs...and Hill was dead quiet for them. They'll be back at the Ark this spring and I think the exposure they received will help fill the Ark when they return.

Then we saw the Ryan Montbleau Band...and in the liner notes of the program they list this group's leader as having similar songwriting skills to Martin Sexton and I would have to agree...the style was "Sexton-ish". The only issue for me, and heaven forbid I admit it, I don't enjoy Martin Sexton's style...his abbreviated deliver and percussive guitar-playing don't move me. Ryan Montbleau was enjoyed by the audience and that's what counts.

So, back to ending of the first set....can you say, "Old Crow Medicine Show"? Wow, what an excellent group...tight playing, great vocals, amusing lead singer...the whole package. It was apparent the audience was looking forward to this accomplished group of competent musicians. They kept shouting out, "Wagon Wheel"! Well, the OCMS finally did it and the place went wild. They were a major hit of the night for me and I look forward to seeing them again (after they return from New Zealand and Australia!). Highly recommended.

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I suppose I would be remiss if I did not mention the emcee, Jim Lauderdale, who admirably hosted both Friday and Saturday nights. If you have not been to the festival before, it takes about 5-10 minutes to change the setup on stage for the next performer and the MC either performs, or entertains with humor, or both (most preferable). Mr. Lauderdale is an accomplished musician, songwriter (having penned many songs for the likes of Geoge Strait, The Dixie Chicks and Patty Loveless. Jim Lauderdale has hosted the Americana Music Awards for three years in a row, and won their first Artist of the Year and Song of the Year awards in 2002, as well as a 2003 award for the albumHeaded for the Hills. His 2002 album, Lost in the Lonesome Pines, a collaboration with Ralph Stanley, won the Grammy for Bluegrass Album of the Year. His latest release, The Bluegrass Diaries won the Grammy for 2008 Bluegrass Album of the Year.

I tell ya, the fella can carry a Western outfit...he was decked out, both nights. I know one his big fans, Karen Miller of The Miller Tells Her Tale, would have loved this show.

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After the break, Joe Pug came out , by himself, and did one song...showing he has talent and a somewhat creepy resemblance to Dylan...in looks and delivery. Great stuff, keep coming back Joe.

OK....so who the heck are these, "Carolina Chocolate Drops"?! The Ark says, "a group of young African-American stringband musicians who explore the rich tradition of fiddle and banjo music in the Carolina Piedmont". Lest you think that is too confining, this group had us all laughing one minute and indignant the next. I believe, at least Nicky and I thought, this group might be best at a place like the Ark...somewhere more intimate...but that in no way limits what they did on Friday (or Saturday for that matter...along with Joe Pug and the emcee Joe Lauderdale...were the only ones to do a repeat performance). It was a folk festival favorite for sure and the song Rhiannon Giddens sang about a cheatin' man....whoa! It was awesome! Sticks-playing and some jelly-like dancing made the Carolina Chocolate Drops a joy to experience. Thanks you Drops.

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Headliner Jeff Tweedy came out to do a solo gig....taking a break form his band, the highly successful and brilliant, Wilco. Tweedy has a bit of a reputation as an antagonistic performer, sometimes talking back to the audience (hey, I do not blame him...I remember going to a concert of Al DiMeola, John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucia....a real treat of acoustic guitar virtuosos...and in the second set Al diMeola stopped playing, looked up to the audience an implored, "Hey folks, this is beautiful music...let's let everyone hear it"....he did this because so many people were talking loudly) due to the heckling he receives. Cetainly he brings it on himself, as witnessed this night. But, so what. The guy is great. He writes interesting songs in both music and lyrics. He can make you cry, laugh at yourself, and feel your life. He played a whole bunch of songs, keeping close watch on the time (as evidenced by his comment, "You have to keep going at this gig, it's like they have the time Nazis on you."). I like this guy and REALLY like Wilco but I do not know anyone who likes Jeff Tweedy like my friend Bob K does. Check it out...he went to the concert Tweedy did in Kalamazoo, Michigan the night before this. http://www.youtube.com/user/wachkiller.

The Ann Arbor Folk Festival is a treat. Nicky and I had a really good time, even staying in AA after this show so we didn't have to drive back to East Lansing and back to AA again. I'll blog the second night of the festival next. See ya. Steve

The Musical Box...genesis of a treat

2009-01-19T06:39:00.000-08:00

Admittedly, when you are a fan (or fanatic, which Dictionary.com defines as: a person with an extreme and uncritical enthusiasm or zeal) it is sometimes difficult to separate truth from fact....OK, it ALWAYS difficult to separate truth from fact when you are truly a follower of something or someone (Obama, anyone?). So what is said here is the result of a concert viewing by someone who loves Genesis music and will see a cover band 8 times who re-creates this music. Of course I'd like you to see for yourself, but if you cannot get to a show, try this YouTube selection (what did we do before YouTube?):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Is1oTQj5gRk&feature=related

This show of, "The Musical Box" (http://www.themusicalbox.net/) was a song-for-song playing of the 1976-77 tour of the "Trick of the Tail" album. The show had this amazing setlist:

DANCE ON A VOLCANO

THE LAMB LIES DOWN ON BROADWAY

FLY ON A WINDSHIELD

CARPET CRAWLERS

CINEMA SHOW

ROBBERY, ASSAULT AND BATTERY

WHITE MOUNTAIN

FIRTH OF FIFTH

ENTANGLED

SQUONK

SUPPER’S READY

I KNOW WHAT I LIKE

LOS ENDOS

IT/WATCHER OF THE SKIES

The Musical Box enacted the same set list Genesis did when they first toured this album...the album and tour that brought Phil Collins from behind the drum kit to the spotlight, where he has never left. Not wanting to alienate earlier Genesis fans, the band made sure (and MUCH to my and my concert-mates' delight) to include tracks from previous LPs...including the gem, "White Mountain" from Trespass (a pre-Collins album which included my daughter's favorite, "The Knife"). They did the "Lamb Lies Down on Broadway", "Carpet Crawlers" and "It" from the Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. The Musical Box also played 3 favorites from Selling England By The Pound, "Cinema Show", "I Know What I Like" and the very-well-done (WITH piano solo) "Firth of Fifth". These 3 were my introduction to Genesis from a friend in 1974.

Labeled, "A Trick of the Tail" tour is a little misleading since they managed 5 of the 8 songs off the album...Genesis themselves did not do "Ripples" until the 1977 tour. But 5 of 8 is 5 new songs to the fan. All were enjoyable, authentic re-creations....great stuff.

Many bands have that "one song" that people always ask for (think "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd) and Genesis' most requested song is the 23 minute epic, "Supper's Ready". Thanks to the Musical Box we were able to hear this done to a tee...including the laser light which debuted during this tour. Awesome.

Having said what great music it is and how much I and my companions liked it, there is one drawback I cannot ignore....due to (among other things) the halls the Musical Box chooses to play in, they generally serve alcohol and it appears that alcohol-serving and the crowds that attend these concerts, don't mix. Now that's me saying it...perhaps from some of thoses that partake to excess or simply partake and TALK INCESSANTLY, they think it's just great. I do not..it does nothing but detract from my enjoyment of a live performance. I would argue (and yes, a little bit of snobery) that this would not happen in England. I have been to >10 concerts there and one of the strange things for an American (of the rock and roll era) to witness is the British youth's willingness to sit quietly through soft or low-volume songs or parts of songs. There, I said it. Enough.

So here is my modest (naw, simply terrible) attempt at a little video of the real thing...I was there.

A shout out to Steve and Dawn....you would have loved this show.

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Coming up is the All Saints Coffeehouse this Friday, January 23 from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. This is an opportunity to play and/or sing live. You can do sing alongs, poetry, skits...we are not choosy and are quite an appreciative audience. This week we are doing our prelude to "RAIN - The Beatles Experience" which many of us will attend on Feb 15 at the Wharton Center in East Lansing. Much of the docket will be Beatles music....and what could be better than that. So come along and join us.

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It's Chanticleer at the Wharton on Sunday the 25th and the Ann Arbor Folk Festival on Jan 30 and 31 at Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor. Busy times for live music in the Mid Michigan area.

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I'll see you at a show.

Steve

Off to Chicago...Genesis of a concert

2009-01-15T09:18:00.000-08:00

We're off to Chicago for a concert of a cover band. Why go to Chicago for a cover band? Because it is the Musical Box, the band that performs early Genesis music (and concerts) with a fine nod to detail.

I've seen this group 7 times since 2001 and have enjoyed amazing re-creations of "Selling England By The Pound" and "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway" tours of Genesis (from 1973-75). Now they are touring with, "A Trick of the Tail"...the first "post-Peter Gabriel" concert tour of 1976 (Gabriel left the band in 1975). Nicky and I saw this tour at the Auditorium in Chicago in 1977...I remember running up the stairs to the sounds of, "Dancing On A Volcano" ringing through the staircase. We drove up from the University of Illinois in Champaign.

So, tomorrow night, Jan 16 we will see it again. Great stuff! I'll report later...

Friday, November 21, 2008

2008-11-20T14:10:00.000-08:00

Much to do about something...you cannot walk in our metropolitan area this weekend without tripping over some kind of performance. There are high school musicals, (no, the REAL ones...the ones actually IN the local high schools), concert after concert, the fabulous "Silver Bells in the City" and our very own All Saints Coffeehouse.

I know East Lansing High School is doing Ragtime and I have heard they do a great job. Let me know if you go.

Folk-favorite, Joel Mabus, is in Stockbridge Saturday and I believe the show is free. Great way to see the master.

Silver Bells in the City is a fantastic array of sight and sound in downtown Lansing, Michigan's capital city. The State tree is illuminated, multiple choirs perform throughout the downtown area, a lighted parade of floats glides down Washington and Capitol avenues and local shops are open to provide nourishment in what is to be certain a chilly evening. It starts at 5pm Friday.

Now, if you've managed to go early and have had enough of the cold, come into the warmth of the All Saints undercroft at 800 Abbot Rd., East Lansing sometime between 7:30 and 9:30pm. There will be a variety of performances, snacks and drinks (please bring some) and a visit by a special guest.

Of course we are just beginning the dizzying selections of music to see/do/hear/enjoy. From now till Christmas there will be more things to see/experience than we can. Look for some reviews and suggestions in upcoming posts.

Till next time,
Steve

American, Mexican, etc.

2008-10-28T05:17:00.000-07:00

This Saturday November 1, 2008 provides a variety of musical options, from different parts of the world. The MSU Choral Union under the direction of David Rayl will be performing with the Lansing Symphony at the Wharton Center on Michigan State University's campus. This all-American program includes songs from Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein's, "Chichester Psalms". I've sung for 40 years, in America, and have never sung any Copland or Bernstein. H-m-m-m. I will this Saturday night at 8pm. See some of you there!
MasterWorks 3: American Journey 11/1/2008 8:00 PM
Wharton Center for Performing Arts
David Rayl, Guest Conductor
MSU Choral Union, Chorale & State Singers
Rod Nelman, Baritone - Abhijit Raj Das, Treble
SCHUMAN - New England Triptych
COPLAND - Old American Songs
BERNSTEIN - Chichester Psalms

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Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a Mexican cultural tradition honoring loved ones who have died. The festival includes a variety of food, music and special altar created by the participants. You can enjoying this festival for FREE this Saturday, November 1 from 6pm to 9pm at All Saints Episcopal Church, 800 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, Michigan. The festival will have free Mexican food provided by local retailer, Los Tres Amigos, a live mariachi band, a salsa dance group and an altar with items donated by those who come. You can bring a photo of a loved one or a favorite item of theirs and place it there.

The program will also include Calaveras, poems designed to mock death...sometimes reverently. It will be a wonderful community event. You can also bring a canned good to be doanted to Cristo Rey's Community Center.

In Full Swing

2008-09-23T04:38:00.000-07:00

So we are off to the races with the new academic year and all that it brings musically. Church choir began a couple weeks ago and it was nice to see everyone back at it and to welcome a couple newcomers. The instrumental accompaniment music at All Saints continues to shine with MSU doctoral candidate, Sandy Consiglio on oboe and conducting the choir. Tamara Hicks-Syron also joins Sandy and solos. Many of their pieces are arranged by composer-in-residence, Don Hoopingarner. We are fortunate to have these wonderful musicians with us. They add a layer of beauty already apparent in the liturgy. Sundays at 10am, 800 Abbot Rd., East Lansing, Michigan.
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Another highlight for the fall is to participate in the Michigan State University Choral Union .

This group, under the direction of Dr. David Rayl, performs large choral works with the Lansing Symphony or MSU Symphony 3 to 4 times a year. This fall the group is performing Leonard Bernstein's, "Chichester Psalms" and several Aaron Copeland pieces.

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Another favorite venue back for the season is the Ten Pound Fiddle Coffeehouse. Since 1975, the Ten Pound Fiddle Coffeehouse has been East Lansing's home to a concert series known for evenings of enriching, quality entertainment, with some 30 weekly concerts & monthly contra dances each season.

The Fiddle concert venues are intimate, featuring international performers from folk, Celtic, Blues, Cajun, and traditional roots music. The Fiddle is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization; admissions are very affordable; free parking is nearby; concert halls always have clear views of the stage; and performers always sign CDs and chat after concerts.

This year the booking duties have been shared by my friends Sally Potter and Arie Koelewyn; they feature many fine acoustic performers including - 9/26/2008 - Claudia Schmidt



October
- 10/3/2008	CD Releases for Kitty Donohoe and Doug Berch
- 10/4/2008	Contra Dance
- 10/10/2008	Robin and Linda Williams
- 10/17/2008	Alberta Adams: Detroit's Queen of Blues
- 10/24/2008	Tret Fure
- 10/31/2008	Chuck Brodsky

November
- 11/1/2008	Contra Dance
- 11/7/2008	Emma's Revolution: Pat Humphries and Sandy O.
- 11/14/2008	Seth Bernard and Daisy May
- 11/21/2008	Pat Donohue
- 11/29/2008	Advanced Contra Dance

December
- 12/1/2008	Contra Dance
- 12/1/2008	English Dance
- 12/5/2008	Bryan Bowers
- 12/12/2008	Holiday Community Sing, hosted by Sally Potter
- 12/31/2008	New Years Contra Dance

January
- 1/3/2009	Contra Dance
- 1/16/2009	Joel Mabus
- 1/23/2009	Small Potatoes
- 1/30/2009	Jen Sygit and Friends / CD releases party
- 1/31/2009	Contra Dance

February
- 2/6/2009	Mid Winter Singing Festival with Christine Lavin
- 2/7/2009	Mid Winter Singing Festival with Christine Lavin
- 2/13/2009	Lou & Peter Berryman
- 2/20/2009	Tim Thompson with Siusan O'Rourke & Zig Zeitler
- 2/27/2009	Ann Arbor's Dick Siegal/ Lansing's Edward Groves Band opens

March
- 3/6/2009	Dennis Stroughmatt et l'Esprit Creole
- 3/7/2009	Contra Dance
- 3/13/2009	John McCutcheon
- 3/20/2009	Ruth & Max Bloomquist and Luke Winslow-King
- 3/27/2009	Nervous But Excited and Breathe Owl Breathe

April
- 4/3/2009	Sparky and Rhonda Rucker
- 4/4/2009	Contra Dance
- 4/17/2009	Nobody's Darlin'
- 4/24/2009	Singing night with Pat Madden

May
- 5/1/2009	Steppin' In It and Rachael Davis
- 5/2/2009	Contra Dance
- 5/8/2009	John Gorka/Susan Werner

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As you can see...much to do, much to see. In addition to these fine local opportunities I'll be checking out the Indigo Girls at the State Theatre in Kalamazoo on Saturday, October 4 and Girlyman on Wed. the 8th at the Ark in Ann Arbor.
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Have you been listening to Doug Neal on Progressive Torch and Twang? What a great radio show hosted by Doug and Corrine on Tuesday nights 8p-10p on WDBM 88.9 FM.

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The All Saints Coffeehouse returns October 24, 7:30p-9:30p. We've had 3 months off and it's time to get back to it. Look for many of the regulars including a reading by Diedre Barker, Celtic music from Tammy Syron, Don Hoopingarner and yours truly and much more.

See you then.

Wasn't She Lovely

2008-08-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

It was wonderful to see so many friendly faces at the JazzFest in Lansing, Michigan's Old Town last weekend. Many of us came to see Linda Abar and wasn't she lovely? Nicky and I sat with our (and Linda's) friend Mike Klinger and admired Linda's performance. She was in great voice and I loved her stage presence. Linda was accompanied by the Neil Gordon Trio and they were superb....this bassist was excellent. They were gracious players, never overshadowing the singer. Her "Booty Song" was well received and her hit, "We Are Peace" was a fitting finsh to an excellent show. Her CD was hoppin' at the end of the concert. I hope you got one.

You Gotta Try This

2008-07-10T10:40:00.000-07:00

Last week I received a very cool e-mail from my eldest describing a website where the author "chose" an album for every year of his (her) life. I thought, "What can this mean?" So I went to said website (and you can too! http://www.avclub.com/content/blog/geeky_list_time_pick_an_album_for)

and got caught up in what he chose, why he chose it, had I heard of it (and if not, yet another way to find new music by researching the origins of the choices) and found it was (albeit time-consuming) great fun. I am not quite ready to develop my list, but Lisa, who originally brought the idea to me, has. It's eclectic and I have to say, that, in itself, makes me proud. Enjoy. Check out the website, develop your own and e-mail them to me....I'll publish them. Thanks Lisa!

83 She's So Unusual -- Cyndi Lauper
84 Born to Run -- Bruce Springsteen
85 Tim -- The Replacements
86 Graceland -- Paul Simon
87 Appetite for Destruction -- Guns n Roses
88 Surfer Rosa -- Pixies
89 Disintegration -- The Cure
90 Violator -- Depeche Mode
91 Loveless -- My Bloody Valentine
92 Come On Come On -- Mary-Chapin Carpenter
93 Exile in Guyville -- Liz Phair
94 Grace -- Jeff Buckley
95 Wrecking Ball -- Emmylou Harris
96 Pinkerton -- Weezer
97 Portishead -- Portishead
98 Mezzanine -- Massive Attack
99 Summerteeth -- Wilco
00 And Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out -- Yo La Tengo
01 The Blueprint -- Jay-Z
02 The Execution of All Things -- Rilo Kiley
03 Electric Version -- New Pornographers
04 Impossible Dream -- Patty Griffin
05 The Woods -- Sleater-Kinney
06 Boys and Girls in America -- The Hold Steady
07 Armchair Apocrypha -- Andrew Bird
08 Evil Urges -- My Morning Jacket

Time off matters, Summertime...is wonderful

2008-07-01T12:46:00.000-07:00

It is summer here in East Lansing, finally, and it is absolutely beautiful. The music is everywhere and I lament the inability to list it all. But it is safe to say there is something for everyone this summer, music-wise. There are concerts virtually every day/night of the week from Washington Square in downtown Lansing to gigs in several Lansing parks as well as the series on Ann St in downtown East Lansing on Friday nights and in the outdoor area of the Eastwood Towne Centre. All of it is free. That is amazing. So, enjoy, check out the Lansing State Journal on any given day, or slip over to http://www.lsj.com/ and there is always a listing in the Entertainment section. See you there!

So, I have been away for a bit...well, far away actually, in France. My daughter, Emily, (see photo), is finishing up a year's program teaching conversational English in Avignon, Provence. Among the many things she has accomplished is finding a venue for her music. She sings regularly at the Red Sky in Avignon (the photo was taken when we saw her there in early June). What fun! She had quite a posse that night, 15 friends from all over the world had come to cheer her on. It was fun to watch her interact with the locals musicians. As much as she accompanied herself on guitar she was accompanied by some pretty excellent musicians through the night. Besides her own tunes, "For You" and her co-written, "Let Me Be the One" she managed to do a fine turn on Roberta Flack's, "Killing Me Softly", Natalie Imbruglia's, "Torn" and the 4 Non Blondes', "What's Up". A great night. Emily will be back in town in July before she takes off for New York City in August. Catch her locally!

My next door neighbor at work is in charge of the ushers at the Common Ground, the music festival coming to Lansing July 7-13. H always has funny stories about how folks act close up to the stage. His latest one includes helping a gentleman and lady sit close to the stage for an Etta James concert (it was very sunny and warm on that side of the field and no one was willing to sit in the sun) and he finds out later that gentleman proposed to that lady that night and my friend's ability to seat them close to the stage was icing on the cake. Cool. We'll see what he encounters this year.

This weekend Nicky and I will be at our next door neighbor's (at home) son's wedding in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I bring it up because today I found out the organist is none other than Dr. Deborah Friauff, Director of Music at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Ann Arbor. Deborah was the choir director and organist at All Saints Episcopal in East Lansing for several years and I had the honor of singing with her at that time. She is an excellent organist and enthusiastic, uplifting choral conductor. It will be wonderful to see her again.

If you see a show, performer or production you enjoyed please comment below. It would be great to share the experience.

See you next time, or maybe at a show. Oh, and put in your calendar, "Girlyman" will be at the Ark in Ann Arbor on Oct 8, 2008.

East Lansing Art Festival...Huge Success

2008-05-27T12:04:00.000-07:00

The "iffy" weather held off and it was beautiful for most of the 2-day festival. I know I should look at the art...and I do....but I do not "engage" in the art as much as I do in the music. There were 2 stages with such wonderful acts...I wish you could be 2 places at once. This year Nic and I managed to see: "MOIRA SMILEY & VOCO" on Saturday and "DOWN THE LINE" and "SETH BERNARD & DAISY MAY" on Sunday. My, what a treat this music is! Moira Smiley was powerful, confident, joyful. Her 3 companions blended smoothlyfor a terrific performance. My favorites were the Eastern European-flavored tunes. Thank you ladies.

I have been waiting for over a year to see, "Down The Line" live. Being from Chicago I am always interested in what the hometown is producing (lest we forget some of the "other" talent, like, Wilco, David Roth and countless more) and these fellas are the real deal. Good instrumentalists and they really shine on the vocals. Clever, funny lyrics combined with some fun stage antics make for a pleasant hour. Thanks fellas ( I know they play the "Kraftbreu" in Kalamazoo) and we'll certainly look you up again.

Finally, with my daughter Lisa in from Chicago we were able to enjoy Daisy May and Seth Bernard again. The size of the audience dictates they perfoem on the Main Stage next year and I'm sure Wanda Degan (the EXCELLENT music host and booking manager for the festival) realizes this and will make the adjustments for next time. Daisy and Seth just get better and better every time. There intrumentation is more adept and their harmonies are sweet and pure. It was a beautiful concert...from 2 people who know how to share their craft. Thank you Daisy and Seth.

I was sad to miss the other wonderful acts for this year's festival.

Off to France...

This is how it went....

2008-05-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

So, Friday night rolled around and as usual, when there is a Coffeehouse to put on, Bob Kilbridge is there to assist. I am very grateful for his help. We set up the undercroft (funny name, I know...it's really just the lower level of our church...the location of the Coffeehouse) with chairs and tables and hurricane oil-filled lamps, set up the sound system, make copies of the sing alongs for that night, practice a little and off we go.

This past Friday was different because we "Skyped" with my daughter Emily who is in France!

She stayed up till 2am to be with us. I had a laptop connected to an overhead projector illuminating a screen and a webcam. Emily was up there slightly larger than life. She brought her guitar and played her latest original song. I think the audience thought she was a "video" at first. What a blast! Thanks for staying up so late Emily, you were great!

The night was a full one, to be sure. In addition to Emily checking in from France we had my eldest, Lisa, in from Chicago and she sang on a bunch of songs with me. Lisa has excellent taste in music....I am always learning of new bands from her. Some of her friends were in town and one of them, Amanda Wyant came up and sang a lovely rendition from the musical, "Fame". That was a fun surprise and everyone loved it.

Then we morphed a little and went with a short play, "Here We Are" by Dorothy Parker. Yours truly was joined by local thespian, Susan Murphy, for a fun 20 minutes of "newlywed bliss". Ok. Not. It was funny though...thanks Susan.

Onward to a first time performance by Thomas McKee and his friend Nick doing a selction from Nirvana's "Unplugged" album. Great harmony fellas. Come back in the fall.

Diedra Barker read a hilarious chapter form her book and had us all rolling. I wonder if her son David knows of the book's effect? Great stuff.

Bob Kilbridge came in with a Bob Marley favorite and I joined him on a Jayhawks tune (dedicated to Janet Chegwidden...cuz she's from Kansas).

It's difficult to remember every detail but not the poetry reading of Janet Navarro. She read 3 poems...some made you think, all were beautifully read.

The sing alongs were fun as usual..we di a few. Then Jean Lepard sang a lovely song from the movie, "Potter" (about Beatrix Potter), "When You Made Me Dance" and after a few more sing alongs finished with, "Memory" from Cats.

Well, if I missed anyone, my apologies. It was great to see so many people there and enjoy the music, the 10th anniversary of Matt and Dori Helm's wedding, Lisa from Chicago, Emily from France, and so much more.

The next coffeehouse will be an outdoor effort at the home of Gail Shafer-Crand and Dan Crane. This is a farm in northwest Lansing, Michigan and we'll have a potluck meal, a tour of their antique car collection, their horses, a hayride for the children and the campfire, of course. We'll sing and make s'mores for dessert. Look for it August 23. More to come.

Thanks to everyone involved in the All Saints Coffeehouse. This July we will have our 2 year anniversary...every month....usually the 3rd Friday.

As local music fan, director, singer, producer Sally Potter says, "Without you there is no sound".

Next time we'll look at the East Lansing Art Festival....which had such excellent music brought in by Wanda Degan.

Steve

All Saints Coffeehouse Friday May 16 7:30pm

2008-05-14T10:27:00.000-07:00

So, what's all this about a "coffeehouse"? Well, it started in July of 2006 where a group of us were wondering if we could create an opportunity for folks to participate in a musical offering in a casual setting on a regular basis. All Saints Episcopal Church has been the most gracious host and allowed us to have a once/month event whereby local musicians come and perform. It has grown and expanding since it's beginning.

A common night at the coffeehouse is a combination of music performed (guitar, fiddle, piano, voice, hammered dulcimer, double bass, trumpet, and more), music shared (we always have several "sing along" songs that everyone joins in on...we provide the lyrics) and now includes poetry readings, short stories, skits, and other performances. It is multi-generational. We have children doing solos on clarinets and duets from "Wicked".

The atmosphere is tablecloth-covered tables with lit hurricane lamps. People bring their own beverages and snacks/desserts and all is shared. It is a "drop-in" event...meaning folks come for some part or all of the night...there is no requirement to stay. A very casual, relaxing evening.

This Friday there will be a short play read, music from some of your favorite 70s artists (no, not disco....that's for another blog session) and another installment from Deidre Barker's upcoming book. We alos we be attempting an international performance via video! That's 7:30 to 9:30pm this Friday, May 16 at All saints Episcopal Church, 800 Abbot Rd., East Lansing, Michigan.

So, please come if you are able...if you want to perform, please give me a heads up at steve.findley@gmail.com.

The coffeehouse will take a break in June and Juky and resume on a Saturday (this time only) in August (the 23rd) at the farm of Gail Shafer-Crane and Dan Crane. This will be an expanded version of the coffeehouse to include a full potluck meal, hayrides for the children, the tour of the Cranes' antique car collection and a campfire where we'll do the songs. What a blast. More to come.

See you Friday!
Steve

A Blog Created...

2008-05-08T06:19:00.000-07:00

So, here we are with the first posting...and, of course I've managed to put up a Porcupine Tree logo. It's been 6 years and I still think they are great. But not to put too fine a label on this old blog, it won't be all "Progressive Metal-type" stuff. Nope. Too many things to work with and the tastes are too varied. So, what might you get out of blog like this? Live musical offerings in the Mid-Michigan area, reviews of CDs or digital releases, concert commentary, recommendations for instruments, organizations to check out, opportunities to participate, and things like that. Things that relate to music.

More to come, thanks for listening.