October Offerings

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

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.

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

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

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

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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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

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.