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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

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

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. ================================================ 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. ========================================================= 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. ================================================     See you in April.

February Mix

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??

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.

It's The Most Wonderful Time...

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...."

...."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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