Results for "Lansing"

496 West

Since debuting in 2008, the band "496 West" has opened for some unforgettable and inspirational artists including the legendary Kirk Whalum, soulful balladeer Phil Perry, jazz stalwarts Nick Colionne, Grammy-nominated Gerald Albright, saxman Euge Groove, smooth jazz guitarist Tim Bowman and international Grammy-nominated keyboardist, Bob Baldwin, the electrifying saxophonist Eric Darius and jazz guitarist/entertainer Nick Colionne. On Valentine's Day, they had a ball opening for Larry Braggs, former lead vocalist for Tower of Power. Performing their brand of contemporary smooth jazz, R&B, soul, a sprinkling of the blues, and gospel jazz, 496 West provides instrumental performances with a variety of combos including–music for relaxing, music for listening, and party music–from slow to jam.

Freddie Cunningham

Clare Fischer

Born: October 22, 1928

Born on October 22, 1928 in Durand, Michigan, Clare Fischer is an uncommonly versatile musician, a master with many muses. Trained in the classics, inspired by jazz artists, healed by the rhythms of Latin and Brazilian music, his eclectic sound finds expression in every chart and instrument he touches.

A veteran studio musician and a composer of rare quality, Fischer began his studies in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at South High School with director of music, Glenn Litton. After receiving his master's degree in composition from Michigan State University, where he studied with Dr. H. Owen Reed, he traveled extensively with "The Hi-Lo's" as pianist-conductor for 5 years. About the same time, his musical ascension began with his critically acclaimed arrangements for Dizzy Gillespie's "A Portrait of Duke Ellington." Fischer's influences, absorbed along the way, are as distinct as his music: Stravinsky and Shostakovich, Bartok and Berg, Dutilleux, boogie-woogie pianist Meade Lux Lewis, Nat "King" Cole, Duke Ellington, Bud Powell and early Lee Konitz - Fischer's self-expression knows no boundaries.

2018 Hope College Jazz Organ Summit

by C. Andrew Hovan
March 23, 2018

2018 Hope College Jazz Organ Summit featuring Tony Monaco, Gerard Gibbs, and Dr. Lonnie Smith Hope College Holland, Michigan March 9-11, 2018 Back in the fall of 2016, a small liberal arts college on the banks of Lake Michigan decided to serve as the epicenter of activity aimed at gaining more ...

Organissimo: B3tles: A Soulful Tribute To The Fab Four

by C. Andrew Hovan
May 8, 2017

When one thinks of jazz cities responsible for contributing some of the music's most important artists, Detroit is always a name that pops up at the top of the list. A short list of icons who hail from the city would have to include Ron Carter, the Jones Brothers, James Carter, Pepper Adams, Louis Hayes, and ...

The Early Years of Sonny Stitt in Saginaw, Michigan

by Dustin Mallory
January 4, 2017

As one of most recorded saxophonists of his generation, Sonny Stitt made more than 100 albums under his own name. He also performed as a sideman with the likes of Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Art Blakey. Despite the breadth of recorded work he left behind, Sonny Stitt's upbringing in Saginaw, Michigan is less well-documented. The ...

2016 Hope College Jazz Organ Summit

by C. Andrew Hovan
September 28, 2016

Jazz Organ Summit Hope College Holland, Michigan September 9-10, 2016 Located in Western Michigan along the banks of Lakes Michigan and Macatawa, the small college town of Holland is not the type of place you might imagine for a gathering of musicians, students and jazz organ aficionados. Nonetheless, this quaint spot ...

New Orleans Swamp Donkeys - 2015 Summer Tour & New CD! June 10 - August 17

June 11, 2015

New CD Release: July 7th A Fine Romance" featuring Alia Shawkat—Get It Now On Indiegogo On June 10th the New Orleans Swamp Donkeys left the Big Easy for their tour of the U.S. and Europe. During the tour, the band will be releasing an album recorded earlier this year with actress Alia Shawkat. The new release—A ...

Prog Ensemble Theo Featuring Renowned Keyboardist Jim Alfredson Release Debut CD "The Game Of Ouroboros"

January 9, 2015

Lansing, MI – Jim Alfredson is best known for his work with acclaimed jazz trio organissimo and is considered among the best Hammond organists working today. His newest project is a solo album known under the name THEO that originated as a rediscovery of Alfredson's affection towards the classic era of progressive rock. Inspired by classic ...

Help Us Strike A Blow For Artistic Expression And Recreate Michigan's Economy

July 15, 2012

The Michigan film industry is a real and viable alternative to the demise of Michigan's industrial base. It is a positive path to recreate Michigan's economy and help redefine who we are as a state. Help us create a film/music festival here in south-central Michigan and help support Michigan's film and music industries. Back Story In ...