Five Faves: Live Music Around Lansing

I posted something here recently about some of the open mike offerings around town so those won’t be repeated on my list of favorite places to hear live music.

http://lansingonlinenews.com/news/live-music-scene-head-boppin-or-bangin/

I’ll also admit to a slight conflict of interest at times, since I book music at some of the venues around the city and know many of the musicians. I’ll remain as impartial as possible, though, and will try to simply touch on what may be some of the “best kept secrets” about where mid-Michiganians can find stellar music in the Greater Lansing area.

#1 - I suspect many will agree, the MSU School of Music is a resource that is unparalleled when it comes to offering music fans the best performers anywhere in the world.

If you have children, it’s almost a crime not to take them to some of the concerts and recitals that are ongoing on campus. Many events are free or very reasonably priced, especially for students.

Click here to learn more, I’m begging you!

http://www.music.msu.edu/

As a jazz fan, I simply cannot imagine what I’d do without the Jazz Studies program, run by the great Mr. Whitaker and his roster of professors like Randy Gilispie, a percussionist beyond compare. Randy gets it done more than ever, even though he’s in his 70’s. He’s a phenom.

(Note to self: Do a profile piece about Randy alone!)

This “hard-bop” band called The Professors of Jazz is an eight-piece ensemble featuring Wessell Anderson (alto saxophone), Vincent Chandler (trombone), Etienne Charles (trumpet), Randy Gelispie (drums), Diego Rivera (tenor saxophone), Rick Roe (piano), Rodney Whitaker (bass and artistic director), and Sunny Wilkinson (voice). They play alone or together a lot around here. If you’re not familiar yet, this is what you’ve been missing.

There are regular shows with the student based Jazz Orchestras as well, three of them in all. These are usually on campus on Fridays through the spring. The next one is December 10.

http://events.msu.edu/main.php?calendar=music&view=event&eventid=1282423800326&timebegin=2010-12-10%2020:00:00

April 14-16 the yearly MSU Jazz Spectacular happens at several locations around campus.

Last year, I was at the Union Building from about noon till midnight listening to some of the most amazing players and singers you could ever hope to hear. In the evening, the ballroom upstairs was used, mirror ball and all, for music and dancing like something out of a swing era movie set.

Classical music is a huge component of the MSU program as well, of course. Click below to learn all you need to know, or request a yearly calendar of events be mailed to you.

The Home for the Holidays show is coming up soon with an evening of classic holiday songs showcasing the talents of the MSU Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestras, State Singers, Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs, and the MSU Children’s Choir.

http://www.music.msu.edu/

#2 – Can’t leave out Lansing Community College’s music program and their own faculty players featuring Dennis Therrian, Jon Gewirtz, Ed Fedewa and Mike Daniels.

Dart Auditorium is home to year round events shows and events. Check out this list of eclectic offerings. If you can’t find it here, you just don’t like music!

http://www.lcc.edu/hpa/events/

#3 – The Pumphouse Concert Series is a total gas. It’s a cool little building at 368 Orchard St in East Lansing. Call 517-927-2100 to learn more or check out some of the fine players that have appeared there or are coming up. It’s folk/rock based but you really never know who they may decide to bring in.

http://www.myspace.com/pumphouseconcerts

#4 – Perspective2 in Old Town has big plans for 2011. They’ve had some blowout live music since they opened in 2007 and have already booked some special shows at least twice a month starting in February. I’ll let them announce what that’s all about and admit my bias here as I’m working with the owners as a liaison with musicians and bands. Let’s just say it’s going to be one of the coolest “go to” stops this winter, and beyond, for a cozy Sunday afternoon or Friday early evening with friends and fans.

http://www.perspective2studio.com/

#5 – Sorry, Green Door, you know I love you and you’ll be just fine with our without my endorsement, but I’m going to go this time with what LeRoy’s on Cedar St. is trying to do with live blues on Friday nights and jazz on Saturdays. I just heard Cee Cee Collins there recently, a Detroit blues star who came by with R.J. Spangler, Harry Oman and Jim Alfredson. Incredible. Why she’s not appeared in this area more often is beyond me.

(Old Town Bluesfest, are you reading this? MORE WOMEN, please! Last year one of the best sets of the night was Shirley Johnson from Chicago, who tore it up. Blues ain’t just guitars, y’all, and it sure as hell ain’t just a stage filled with men. Just saying…)

Feel free, of course, to add your own “faves” in comment box below. I do have my preferences, but good music is just that and you can find me at a country pickin’ parlor as well as a jazz gig. My feet don’t seem to know there’s a difference in genres once they start to move.