First official performance since New Year's Eve as well as the devastating fire that Dennis experienced. As in the past, they will have dance lessons around 8 PM and the band will start at 9 PM.
There is a $10.00 cover at the door, and $5.00 with Student ID's. D.J. Alonso will be playing during the breaks.
Thank you all for your support, and we're looking to get our Salsa on this Saturday. see you there.

$5 online $10 at the door

Tomas Esparza was born in Mexico City in 1962. His father was known as a good singer, and the music of Pedro Infante, Jorge Negrete, and the guitar trio Los Panchos made an impression on young Tomas, along with the sounds of the streets and markets of Colonia San Rafel in Mexico city. He first heard blues music when B.B. King and John Mayall appeared on Mexican television. Relocating to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1985, Tomas saw harmonica great William Clarke play live, an event which proved to be a watershed moment for Tomas. "I knew at that moment that I had to do that", says Tomas. Years of practice and study of Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, Rod Piazza and others, set him on his way. Receiving tips and advice from Junior Wells, Steve Guyger, and George "Wild Child" Butler, among others, Tomas began making his mark as one of the most energetic and exciting harmonica players, both working with local bands, and with his own band. Tomas has opened shows for Charlie Musselwhite, James Harman, and Harmonica Shah, and his band has served as a backing band for ex-Fleetwood Mac guitar great Jeremy Spencer. He performed at Bluesfest International in Windsor, Ontario, and at Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, as well as at some of the most prominent blues clubs in Michigan. Tomas has succeeded at the rare task of creating something original, using the building blocks of the traditional harmonica greats of the 1950s, all the while being true to himself and incorporating the music he heard as a child in Mexico City. His passion for Chicago Blues, and his electrifying energy, have opened many listener's ears and eyes to the power of the Blues. Working his own band, the Tomas Esparza Blues Experience, or fronting Detroit area band the Boa Constrictors, few harmonica players can channel the energy and feeling of the greats, yet combine their own soul to create something so deep and individual. Tomas is a man who feels has found his true calling: "I really think I was born to play the Blues".

David Ludington has been playing Drums for over 50 years, He is an Institution in the city of Lansing and Beyond, David was part of The Now Legendary Uptown Band... David brings a smooth and solid rhythm to the band

Andy Callis has been playing B3 Hammond, Piano & Accordion Blues, Jazz, Zydeco for over 30 years ,performing with several band in the Lansing area and now he has join Tomas Esparza Blues Band adding the complementary sound of the of the 1950's Chicago Sound

Bob Arbogast Raised in The New England Area, Working as a Minister In Ohio and Michigan has not stopping from playing guitar whether is classic rock jazz and blues, Bob have a tremendous tone and a play style very unique helping Tomas Esparza Blues Band have a strong guitar presence

$5 cover

Straight outta Europe, Margherita Fava trio combines the elegance of Italian aesthetics and the swang of american jazz and blues tradition. The sound of these 3 bohemiennes will take you on a journey all the way from the Venetian canals to the cornfields of the Midwest.

Join us for a formidàble night of music a la americana!

James Zito is a New York based guitarist, composer, and educator. A native of Orlando, Zito has distinguished himself as a soulful player beyond his years. He is described in Artslife magazine as “The natural”. Some of his most notable accomplishments range from performing in New York’s finest jazz clubs, to being the youngest member of the Dr. Phillips Jazz Orchestra.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creating-your-best-life-tickets-56764160131?aff=mcivte

Join us for lunch as Nancy Kelly shares with us the value of creating Vision Boards. When you make a Vision Board, you get clear on what you want to create in your life-- what you want to focus onto intentionally create outcomes rather than just taking what comes along.Once you get clarity, you select images and words from magazines, and paste them on a big poster board. Seeing this board each day aligns your brain with the outcomes you most want.It sounds pretty simple. And yes, there is a process to making your Vision Board more powerful.Vision boards allow you to focus on your own authentic vision, gain clarity and begin to intentionally create your ideal outcomes.

The Joe D. Sutton Call to Justice Awards honor those that share the mission of Elder Law of Michigan, Inc. to advocate for, educate, and assist those in need, with a continued focus on older adults and persons with disabilities. Contributions to the Call to Justice Awards benefit various programs of Elder Law of Michigan, and provide services to thousands of seniors and vulnerable adults.

Your contribution to the Call to Justice Awards, will help to recognize the important work of our honorees and will provide support for Michigan Seniors. Contributions are not required to attend the Call to Justice Awards, but are greatly appreciated and your support goes a long way in providing seniors across Michigan with access to services. Even if you are unable to attend the Call to Justice Awards, your contribution will help provide seniors with much needed services.

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-joe-d-sutton-call-to-justice-awards-mid-michigan-event-wednesday-august-7-2019-tickets-60081626763

With their third CD, Out of the Woods, set to be released in the Fall of 2019, The Matt Bliton Band are excited to bring the amazing guitar work of Jim Green, the soulful vocals of Teresa Goforth, new and old tunes, and tasty covers to Urban Beat, one of Lansing’s finest venues.

Buy tickets online: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4272076

Not your father's tribute band. Abbey Road 2.0 performs powerful, fun, soulful, and sincere renditions of post 1966 Beatles classics. Abbey returns to Old Town Lansing. with new tunes, new arrangements, and more medley. Even the drummer somehow got better looking. Come on out!

Starring:
Greg Nagy,
Nicholas Tabarias,
Michael Smalley,
Mike Skory and Glenn Giordano!!!

5 dollars in advance, 10 at the door:

This band delivers a live performance that will make you move. Featuring original compositions, a tribute to Carlos Santana as well as renditions from other artists such as Sly & The Family Stone, War, Average White Band, Bobby Blue Bland, the Allman Brothers Band and many more of everyone's favorites.

$10 in advance or Bring a friend special 2 for $15 Buy tickets online: https://bpt.me/4272072
$15 at the door

$10 online and at the door

Buy tickets here: https://lisasmith.bpt.me/

Owner and President of a hip, edgy marketing group by day — smooth, sultry jazz singer by night, Lisa Smith has crooned her way into the hearts of Lansing area residents.

Over the past decade, Smith has been voted “Favorite Jazz
Act” three times by Lansing State Journal readers.

Known for her atypical interpretation of smooth, cool jazz, Smith transforms recognizable tunes into notable jazzy arrangements
that draw in crowds year after year. Smith’s laid back persona translates into an alluring stage presence which endears the
audience to her delivery of jazz, R&B, and bluesy grooves.
Smith’s “present who you are” and “play how you feel” attitude makes for an approachable performance that endears her to pop jazz lovers time and again. Lisa is supported by a group of well-versed, solid musicians.

The Band

Ed Smith, Jack-of-All-Trades Guitar Player
Ed studied classical and jazz guitar at Aquinas College and Grand Valley State University, and has instructed students at Blue Lake Fine Arts. He performs locally with the Lansing Symphony Orchestra as well as having performed with many national acts, including R&B great Bettye Lavette, Broadway star Bernadette Peters, and jazz great Melvin Rhyne.

Bob Gardner, Drums and Vocals
Bob has toured and recorded with Root Doctor, a well known and respected blues band from the Mid-Michigan area, whose latest three CDs have made the national charts. He is originally from New York and has settled in Michigan to raise his family.

Kelly Gilmore, Electric Bass and Vocals
Kelly performed with "Skyline and the Backstreet Horns" for over 20 years, and was featured on an original CD with "The Bluegills" in 1995 and 1996. She has played with several bands and can adapt her talents to all types of music — including writing Christian originals.

Doug Brown, Keyboard and Vocals
Douglas Brown is a multi-talented eclectic artist. His roots are in blues, R&B, jazz, rock, and folk. He has played with local, national, and international acts, and with artists as varied as Chuck Berry, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, Tommy Bolin, Norma Bell, Spyder Turner, The Garfield Blues Band, Koko Taylor, Dennis Coffey, jazz great Cameron Brown, free jazz artist Faruk Z Bey, Detroit's Sun Messengers, and North Star (a band consisting of members of Smokey Robinson's backup band).
Doug also works with local Ann Arbor talent. He is a member of The Sari Brown Band, and performs both music and spoken word shows with Andrew Brown.

$5 cover

Buy tickets online: https://skywardfusion.bpt.me

Skyward Fusion is the culmination of over 160 years of combined musical talent and skill finding expression in the synthesis that is fusion. This band has R&B and funk of the South hitting it with jazz and rock of the North.

James Williams began playing drums in 1960, bass in 1968.  He held the bottom in Sunquest in the 70’s and he has owned the groove in Root Doctor for 30 years.  He brings his musical brothers Boonie Dottery on drums, Tim Stark on keyboards, and Jim Adams on guitar, to lay down the power of their soulful sound.  

Benny has traveled the world, topped the charts with Stevie Wonder, James Brown, BB King and Marvin Gaye and he is coming to UrbanBeat for a very special performance this Friday!!!!

Recognized for bringing talent to Jackson to perform with him...such as Gene Harris, Lyman Woodard, Eddie Russ, Alvin Jones, and Abbey Lincoln, whom already lived in Jackson, it assisted them in getting world known.

Performed with Grant Green, Richard "Groove" Holmes, also at concerts with the Lloyd Price Band and Jimmy Smiths Group and more.

Long time performer at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort and other venues.

"A pair of funky jazz songs Poole recorded in 1967 — one of which briefly broke through on the national charts — have become collectors items, particularly in England, where Poole's name is still well-known among aficionados of the "northern soul" movement that emerged out of the '60s mod scene." - MLive Bill Chapen

In 1977, Betty moved to Lansing to work in the Michigan Senate. Her singing career resumed when she met Sandy Izenson, a talented local pianist: “He could play any tune I called, in any key I wanted—without charts.”

Soon Betty and Sandy were playing weekly at Aux Delices, as well as at country clubs and local lounges. She then partnered with Dr. Fred Mitchell, Jr., a talented pianist and bassist, and began her career in smooth jazz. In 1988, she adopted the name “Satin Sounds,” and became a much-sought-after vocalist in mid-Michigan. Her just-released CD, Love Remembers, features a quartet of mid-Michigan all stars - Jeff Kressler, piano; Ed Fedewa, bass; Jeff Hall, reeds; Fred Knapp, drums.

From the Grand Rapids Press: “Baxter has a club singer’s voice—sensuous and intimate. The softer she sings, the more you pay attention.”

Betty is well known in central Michigan having performed at the Lansing Old Town Jazz Festival, the Michigan Festival, Lansing Riverfest, MSU ‘Jazz at the Museum’, and their annual Chocolate Party, In 2008, during the presidential campaign, she dipped once again into American popular music history and presented a program of political satire in song for Lansing Matinee Musicale.
Betty is a self-taught pianist and a life-long music student—studying at Jamey Aebersold’s Summer Jazz Camp and at Lansing Community College in a New and Experimental Music course.

Betty Baxter’s life is music—or, her music is her life. As a performer she is engaging; her personal style is infectious; and her musicianship is impeccable. Betty and Margaret Whiting would have gotten along famously; Betty and Jo Stafford could have sung silky smooth duets; and Bobby Short would have loved her.

The funeral for Lawrence "Lo" Leathers will take place at 10 a.m. June 29 at New Mount Calvary Baptist Church at 3800 W. Miller Rd. in Lansing.

A Memorial Jam will take place at UrbanBeat at 6pm.
Come celebrate the life of our 2 time Grammy award winning drummer with live music, drinks, and food. Bring your instruments, there will be a piano, drum set and bass amp on hand.

Buy tickets online: https://michaelreed.bpt.me

Michael J. Reed is a jazz drummer currently based in East Lansing, Mi. Michael maintains an active performing career throughout the Midwest, performing throughout Northwest Ohio and Detroit with artists such as Rodney Whitaker, Ramona Collins, Gene and Ray Parker, Steve Davis, Mark Whitfield, Melissa Aldana, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and The Dr. Phillips Center Jazz Orchestra in Orlando, Fl. He also leads his own group, Reedify Trio, which has performed at Cliff Bell’s, the Ohio Theatre, the Toledo Museum of Art and the former Degage Jazz Café. Michael released his first album as a bandleader and composer, entitled A Walk of Perspective, in 2017 and has recorded with other artists such as Chloe and the Steel Strings, and the Gazebo. He is also the drummer of the Gathering Orchestra, under the leadership of bassist, Rodney Whitaker.

Michael attended the Toledo School for the Arts, studying classical, Afro-Caribbean, Steel Pan, and Jazz percussion. He received his bachelor’s degree, in Instrumental Jazz, at The University of Toledo and is pursuing a master’s degree in Jazz Studies at Michigan State University. During his time at UT, he has performed with the Jazz Ensemble, Latin Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Vocalstra, and Percussion Ensemble. Michael was a recipient of the Art Tatum Memorial Scholarship and other scholarships from UT.

Buy tickets online: https://eurotrio.bpt.me

Euro Trio

Straight outta Europe, Margherita Fava trio combines the elegance of Italian aesthetics and the swang of american jazz and blues tradition. The sound of these 3 bohemiennes will take you on a journey all the way from the Venetian canals to the  cornfields of the Midwest.

Join us for a formidàble night of music a la americana!

Margherita Fava, piano

Born in the hometown of your favorite sparking wine, Prosecco, Margherita spent her teenage years playing in bars around Italy for inebriated crowds of all ages. After a wild gig played on the night of her 20th birthday, Margherita couldn’t sleep all night. She started the next day with a horrible headache and a clear thought in her mind: she had enough of that. So sorry she packed her keyboard and moved to Michigan to find a new audience and learn how to swing like only Detroit musicians can. 

Guglielmo Crandelli, drums

The Crandelli’s family has been for decades a big name in the Venetian glass industry keeping its lineage for 3 generations. However, Guglielmo’s heart has always been somewhere else far, far away: he spent most of his time as a child listening to music of John Coltrane and began to hit the drum at age 11. At age 17 he was ready to become a professional  and play with the big “cats”. He hasn’t stopped since (even if his family still secretly hopes he’ll change his mind on Venetian glass).

Augustino Mutiala, trumpet

Born in the beautiful Sicilian city of Messina, Augustino learned to play the trumpet practicing for hours and hours in his family owned lemon fields, far away from any complaining neighbors. He wouldn’t consider himself done with his practice time until he would make fall at least 3 lemons on the ground only using the sound of his trumpet and thanks to this intense training he gained a fruity but powerful tone that is going to leave you speechless this Thursday night.

Scøtt Wënte, bass

Native of Denmark, Scøtt moved to Michigan a few years ago because of an argument he had with some fellow jazz musicians back home. After playing a gig in Copenhagen with some “cats” from Detroit, they all started arguing about who gets the roughest winter between Denmark and Michigan. As soon as Scøtt heard the drummer saying:”Man, you people here know nothing about winter man! And you think you got it rough!”, he knew he had to book a one way trip to Michigan and see what they were talking about. Sure enough, he’s here now to play for y’all. Come hear him swing so hard he should be considered as an alternative energy source!

$5 cover

Buy tickets online: https://skywardfusion.bpt.me

Skyward Fusion is the culmination of over 160 years of combined musical talent and skill finding expression in the synthesis that is fusion. This band has R&B and funk of the South hitting it with jazz and rock of the North.

James Williams began playing drums in 1960, bass in 1968.  He held the bottom in Sunquest in the 70’s and he has owned the groove in Root Doctor for 30 years.  He brings his musical brothers Boonie Dottery on drums, Tim Stark on keyboards, and Jim Adams on guitar, to lay down the power of their soulful sound.  

Buy tickets online: https://fareedhaque.bpt.me

Fareed Haque is a modern guitar virtuoso. Steeped in classical and jazz traditions, his unique command of the guitar and different musical styles inspire his musical ventures with tradition and fearless innovation.

Born in 1963 to a Pakistani father and Chilean mother, Fareed’s extensive travels and especially long stays in Spain, France, Iran, Pakistan, and Chile exposed Haque to different musics from a very early age. While this natural eclecticism has become a hallmark of Haque’s music, it was repeated visits to Von Freeman’s Chicago jam sessions that gave Haque a grounding in the Chicago blues and jazz traditions. The 1981 recipient of North Texas State University’s Jazz Guitar Scholarship, Haque spent a year studying with renowned jazz guitarist and pedagogue Jack Peterson. Fareed’s growing interest in the classical guitar led him to transfer to Northwestern University, where he completed his studies in classical guitar under David Buch, John Holmquist and Anne Waller.

Soon after his transfer to NU, Haque came to the attention of multi-instrumentalist Howard Levy and joined his latin-fusion group Chevere. Thru Levy Haque was introduced to Paquito D’Rivera and began a long and fruitful relationship with the Cuban NEA Jazz Master. Numerous world tours and recordings including Manhattan Burn, Celebration, Havana Cafe, Tico Tico, Live at the MCG were to follow. Especially notable is the classic and award winning Reunion featuring Haque along with Arturo Sandoval, Danilo Perez, Giovanni Hidalgo, Mark Walker, and David Fink.

Thru D’Rivera, Haque was brought to the attention of Sting, who had just begun his record label Pangaea. Sting invited Haque to join the label and he released 2 critically acclaimed recordings Voices Rising and Manresa. Haque toured briefly with Sting, including notable appearances at The Montreux Jazz Festival as well as NBC’s Michelob Presents Sunday Night with David Sanborn, but his own career demands led Haque in other directions.

Haque has been featured on WTTW’s ArtBeat and Chicago Tonight, Ben Sidran’s New Visions, Michelob Presents Sunday Night with David Sanborn on NBC, his own Lonesome Pines special for PBS, and on BET cable jazz channel. Fareed has twice been selected as Talent Deserving Wider Recognition in Downbeat Magazine. In 1989 Haque also joined the faculty at Northern Illinois University as professor of jazz and classical guitar. He continues to teach at NIU to this day.

After a short stint at Warner bros. recording Majestad (unreleased and featuring John Patitucci, Michael Landau, Russel Ferrante, Grazinha, Lenny Castro and Carlos Vega!) Bruce Lundvall signed Haque to the legendary Bluenote records. While at Bluenote Haque recorded three albums as a leader: Sacred Addiction, Opaque and Déjà vu. Haque toured and recorded extensively with other artists including tours and 3 CDs with Javon Jackson: A Look within, For One Who Knows and Good People. In addition sideman credits include tours and recordings with Joe Henderson, Herbie Mann, Bob James, Richie Cole, Joey Calderazzo, Kahil El Zabar and the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble and nemerous Bluenote recordings for producer/arranger Bob Belden alongside Cassandra Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Joe Lovano, Paul Motian and many others. Numerous classical recitals as well as appearances with the Vermeer Quartet and many symphonies across the US and abroad added to an incredible diversity of performances during this period.

Thru Belden, Haque was invited to join forces with Joe Zawinul as part of his Zawinul Syndicate. The group proved to be one of Joe’s best and most eclectic. Included were percussionist and vocalist Arto Tuncboyacian, drummer Paco Sery, bassist Mathew Garrison along with Haque on Guistar and Electric Guitar. A year of extensive touring brought Haque closer to his Jazz/Rock roots.

In 2001 Haque’s interest in jam bands and the jam scene led him to co-found the jam super-group Garaj Mahal featuring Kai Eckhardt, Eric Levy and Alan Hertz. This began 10 years of extensive touring across the US, performing in excess of 200 shows per year.Haque also joined George brooks’ group Summit, featuring Zakir Hussain and Steve Smith. Haque was voted ‘Most Valuable Player’ at the 2002 High Sierra Music Festival. Haque and Garaj Mahal released 3 Live CDs as well as 5 studio CDs: Mondo Garaj, Blueberry Cave, w00t, More Mr. Nice Guy and Discovery, which featured Haque’s debut of the Moog Guitar.

In 2004, Fareed premiered his Lahara Double Concerto for Sitar/Guitar and Tabla with The Chicago Sinfonietta at Symphony Center in Chicago, under the baton of maestro Paul Freeman, featuring tabla virtuoso Ustad Zakir Hussain, to whom the work is dedicated.

In 2006, Fareed was commissioned to compose a classical guitar concerto for the Fulcrum Point Ensemble. His Gamelan Concerto was premiered in May of ’06 at The Harris theatre in Millenium Park.
In 2007, Garaj Mahal won an Independent Music Award.

In 2009 Haque was voted ‘Best World Guitarist’ by Guitar Player Magazine’s Readers’ poll. His acclaimed 2009 release Flat Planet was twice #1 on the World Jazz Radio charts.

After 10 years of over 2000 dates with Garaj Mahal, Haque’s interest in electronic music and the Moog Guitar spurred him to leave Garaj Mahal and form Fareed Haque’s MathGames featuring bassist Alex Austin, drummer Greg Fundis.

Notable during this time include Haque performing and assistant directing the first Jazz Festival en la Patagonia in Frutillar, Chile under his mentor and friend Paquito D’Rivera, and appearances with his own groups at JavaJazz, The Chicago Jazz Jestival, The Twents Guitar Festival, The Indy Jazz Fest, Coleman Hawkins Jazz Fest, Jazz in June, The Lafayette and South Bend Jazz Festivals, Sophia Jazz Fest, Bulgaria and many others around the world. Haque also performed both the Aranjuez and Villa-lobos guitar concertos (in one concert!) with The Chicago Philharmonic, under the baton of Lucia Matos at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall.

Since 2011 Haque has returned to his first loves, jazz guitar and classical guitar. He been busy performing and recording with his trio featuring legendary B3 virtuoso Tony Monaco, his own trio and jazz quartet, as well as his larger world music group the Flat Earth Ensemble.

Recent releases include the critically acclaimed Out of Nowhere featuring drummer Billy Hart and bassist George Mraz, The Flat Earth Ensemble's latest release Trance Hypothesis, and The Tony Monaco/Fareed Haque release Furry Slippers that reached the top 10 in Jazz Radio Airplay.

IN addition, Fareed has performed at the Chicago, Detroit and Java Jazz festivals and was featured as part of the Made in Chicago Series performing with his numerous groups at Millenium Park's Pritzker Pavillion in Chicago. He also performed and arranged numerous classical programs as 2013 artist-in-residence for The Chicago Latin Music Festival, was featured on WBEZ as well as WFMT's Fiesta! radio programs, and has recorded his arrangement of Piazzolla's 5 Tango Sensations, El Alevin by Eduardo Angulo Leo Brouwer's Quintet for Guitar and String Quartet with the critically acclaimed Kaia String Quartet. Haque continues to tour and record extensively along with documenting his unique teaching methods in a series of best selling interactive video courses through TrueFire.

IN 2016, Haque was invited to perform at the Indianapolis Jazz Festival Tribute to Wes Montgomery along with Peter Bernstein, Bobby Broom, Henry Johnson, Will Mathews, Russell Malone, Pat Martino and Dave Stryker. He was also a visiting scholar at Western Michigan University.
Recent projects include artistic directorship of numerous jazz festivals, performances with Tony Monaco, Paquito D'Rivera, Vijay Iyer, pundit Vikku Vinacrayam, long-anticipated reunion concerts with Garaj Mahal, concerts in India, a return to Java Jazz and concerts and teaching in China.

In 2017 Mr. Haque released The Bridge with virtuoso Chilean bassist Christian Galvez and renowned Indian percussionist Selva Ganesh. Haque has also rekindled his duo with Goran Ivanovic. Performances include Canadian Guitar Festival, Winters Jazz Fest NYC, Lotus Music Fest and many others. Upcoming tours in China and Europe are slated for 2018. Haque has been commissioned to arrange Chinese Opera for traditional jazz combo and traditional Chinese ensemble in 2018.

Haque has also joined drum legend Billy Cobham as a member of his Crosswinds Ensemble featuring Haque on guitars, Ernie Watts on saxes. Extensive touring and recording are slated for 2018.

“This is Our Environment” brings together original music, spoken word, and environmental justice in order to challenge our understanding of the environment to push us towards a more just and equitable society founded on a sense of community.

This performance at UrbanBeat Event Center is part of the debut tour of “This is Our Environment,” featuring myself and five of my great friends and musicians in the Joseph Herbst Sextet. Following the tour, we will record these pieces for our first album. This night, we will be performing all of the selections from the album, as well as jazz standards by fellow NC artists such as Thelonious Monk & John Coltrane and originals by members of the band.

My compositions draw influence from musicians such as Brian Blade, Ambrose Akinmusire, Alan Ferber, and Maria Schneider, while pulling on my classical background. Altogether, the music is highlighted by lyrical melodies interjected with bursts of energy and chaos to create stories that I hope will bring you, the listener, along for the journey.

I hope will join us in this event and conversation as we make our way across Michigan!

We will be joined by local spoken word artists, who will be announced in the near future.

Tickets are $10 at
https://josephherbstsextet.bpt.me

Musicians:
Evan Taylor, Trumpet and Flugelhorn
Joseph M Herbst, Saxophones and Compositions
Liany Mateo, Bass
Luther S. Allison, Piano
Peter Martin, Guitar
Zachary Mckinney, Drums

BAND BIO (in 3rd person now)
Coming from Asheville, North Carolina, saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Joseph Herbst is paving his way as an avid composer and arranger in the jazz world, combining his years of classical saxophone studies under internationally acclaimed saxophonist, Joe Lulloff, with his active involvement in traditional and modern jazz. Joseph has studied composition and arranging under Etienne Charles and Diego Rivera while at Michigan State University and has had his arrangements performed by musicians such as Rodney Whitaker, Mark Whitfield, and Harvey Mason.

The Joseph Herbst Sextet features fellow students and alumni of Michigan State - Evan Taylor on trumpet, Peter Martin on guitar, Luther Allison on piano, Zach McKinney on drums, and Liany Mateo on bass. Collectively, members of the band of performed and toured with artists such as Rodney Whitaker, Etienne Charles, and Michael Dease, worked as clinicians at camps across the country, and performed at notable venues such as Smalls Jazz Club in New York City, among many other accomplishments.

To learn more about the project and tour, visit here: http://bit.ly/TIOE-Tour

Buy tickets:

https://gregnagy.bpt.me/

$5 cover, pay online or at the door

A multi-faceted artist in the most classic sense, his songwriting, singing, and guitar playing beautifully reveal Greg’s personalized music refreshingly and honestly infused with elements of soul, r&b, rock, and gospel. So unique and impressive was Greg’s debut release that it earned him a prestigious Best New Artist debut nomination from the Blues Foundation in Memphis, as well as favorable reviews from hard-to-please critics at top media outlets like Down Beat, All About jazz, Blues Revue, Chicago Tribune, Detroit Free Press, Living Blues, Hitting The Note, Elmore and more. DJs throughout North America, Europe, and Australia responded enthusiastically to Greg’s music, with Walk That Fine Thin Line debuting on the National Living Blues Radio charts at number fourteen, and peaking at number three on XM satellite radio, no small achievement.

Following up to the debut of Walk That Fine Thin Line, Greg raised his own bar several notches with the dynamic Fell Toward None. Ken Bay's of Rollingstone.com called the release one of the best of 2011. Nagy also received high praise from such notables as Bruce Iglauer of Alligator Records, Sing Out Magazine, About.com, and much more. Greg released a record that further carved out his place in the upper echelon of contemporary blues inspired artists. Fell Toward None also charted at number three on XM radio, again, no small achievement.

On the heels of his impressive sophomore record, Greg was given the honor of performing at BB Kings in Memphis the following year for the Blues Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony; with icons the likes of Buddy Guy and Alan Touisannt present, his star continuing to rise. 

Greg Nagy's third record "Stranded" released in Feb 2015 received four stars from Soul Bag, DownBeat, and received great reviews from Vintage Guitar, Blues in Britain, and more. Stranded also spent fourteen weeks at number one and presently going on seven months in the top ten on the Root Music Soul/R&B charts. It also debuted in the top ten for the National Living Blues charts. In heavy rotation on XM/Sirius and spinning on hundreds of stations around the globe, Stranded is a recording that continues to win attention and acclaim...

A Manhattan-based drag queen with huge hair and a goosebump-raising voice, Lauren Ordair is known in the Lansing area as Nick Page.

We are a funk, rock, and soul band based in the mid-Michigan area. Anthony Thompson - Vox, Lead/Rhythm Guitar; Carlos Perez - Drums & Percussions; Robert E. Patterson - Bass; Ross Gatien - Lead/Rhythm Guitar

Kellie Duggan – YOU: Your Best Advantage
Creating Personal Brand through Image Management Development
YOU: Your Best Advantage
Creating Personal Brand through Image Management Development
Kelly Duggan, AICI CIC

Kelly will be sharing how to create a personal brand as a strategy to growing an influential impression, creating the opportunity to attract more prospects, gain rapport and achieve more professionally and personally.


This program will introduce you to:

Creating positive lasting impressions
The ‘Image Management Formula,’ with a personal perspective of using personal brand to grow
a career/business
Head to toe’ professional appearance standards tips to implement immediately
A plan of action to create your professional advantage

Kelly Duggan is an executive presence consultant and personal brand strategist. Her certified company is
an award-winning member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI).
www.kellyduggan.com

Tickets are only $5
https://icywaters.bpt.me

Deacon Earl presents The Icy Waters Band, as they make their debut performance. bringing you blues, reggae, R & B, Rock & Roll and much, much more.... Special guest Justin Deason will open the show at 6pm. The band will take over at 7:15. $5 entry.

Trained under local guitar legend "Frog", Justin Deason, guitarist and songwriter from Lansing, MI has been a prominent member of the local music scene. The two-time people's choice award winner of the C.A.B.S Bluesbrawl, Justin's soulful guitar sound spans blues, rock and country. Justin has opened for national acts such as Alien Ant Farm, Easton Corbin, Kentucky HeadHunters, Larry McCray, Quiet Riot, Saving Able, Sponge, Taproot, Zach Meyers, and many more! New music from his bluesy rock band Dedfoot will be available later this year!

Tickets on sale now! https://fatboyjiveturkey.brownpapertickets.com/

THE BRAINCHILD OF BENJAMIN HALL, A CENTRAL MICHIGAN BASED MUSICIAN, whose voice is said to be the illegitimate lovechild of Jeff Buckley & Nina Simone. Ben comes to the stage readily equipped with a high-voltage stage presence, a searingly vigilant voice and a harmonica hell-bent on inflicting pain on your soul. The group is rounded out with a dynamic and eclectic group of local and regional musicians, that are sure to provide music lovers with a fresh interpretation of the roots of blues, country, and jazz paired perfectly with exciting original tunes.

With over a decade of performances under their belt, FBJT has performed at clubs, bars, festivals and other events throughout Central, East and West Michigan. (Old Town Blues Festival, East Lansing Art Festival, Cliff Bells, Cadieux Café, U of M Flint, Blues Brews & BBQ, Arcadia Brew Pub)

They have had the opportunity to share the stage with Ruf Records artist Mike Zito, New Orleans musician Terrance Simien, and the Motor City's own Queen of the Blues, Thornetta Davis.

After a desperate plea from the powers that should be...a direct result of an overabundance of pre-programmed electronic hype currently referred to as music, the JiveTurkey, and his faithful sidekick Fatboy return to the chaos of the musical world. Offering up a heaping helping of an eclectic, raw, bayou- bitten, Workcamp-worn, Jukejoint-ready, bluesy good time.

Chalk of the Town

Date/Time
Date(s) - 06/01/2019
10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Get ready for a day of vibrant art and fun in the street of Old Town! Come down during Be a Tourist in Your Own Town Day for Old Town’s own, Chalk of the Town. Beginning in the morning, artists will take to the streets creating masterpieces on their assigned piece of sidewalk using chalk only. The creations will be completed by the afternoon when the judging will commence. Visitors will be allowed to vote for the People’s Choice winner all day. Families are also welcome to participate in the kid’s sidewalk art area.

Purchase tickets here: https://ladychampagne.brownpapertickets.com

$5 online and $10 at the door

Lady Champagne has been singing blues over 38 years. She has been known for over 14 years keeping the Blues Live going strong every Saturday night at Bert's Market Place in the Eastern Market District. She also performing live with the legendary Motown recording artist and former member of the funk brothers Dennis Coffey every third and fourth Tuesday of the month at the Northern Lights Lounge. Lady Champagne shared the stage with a lot of great artist. In 2006 she performed on stage with some of the latest and the greatest blues singers from KoKo Taylor, Johnny Bassett, Alberta Adams, Blues man Chick Willis, writter of Mustang Sally the Blues man Sir Mack Rice, Blues man Larry McCray, Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Blues man Billy Davis. Lady Champagne and her band had the honor and pleasure of opening and warming  the stage for the Legend of the Blues concert featuring Mr. Bobby Blue Bland, Theodis Earley, Clearance Carter, Latimore. 

 

In 2010, 2013 and 2014  she was nominated for Best Blues singer from the Detroit Black Music Awards Association. March 2014 she received an outstanding award for being inducted into the Detroit Blues Hall Of Fame for Best Blues artist. August 3, 2014  winner for Best Blues Singer of the year from the Detroit Black Music Award Association. 2015 Life Time Achievement Award.  Sept 2017 the Diamond award for Best Blues singer of the year from the City Of Pineville Louisiana. Dec 16th 2017 MVMA Midwest Video Music Award for best blues performance.

No Cover

Skyward Fusion is the culmination of over 160 years of combined musical talent and skill finding expression in the synthesis that is fusion. This band has R&B and funk of the South hitting it with jazz and rock of the North.

James Williams began playing drums in 1960, bass in 1968.  He held the bottom in Sunquest in the 70’s and he has owned the groove in Root Doctor for 30 years.  He brings his musical brothers Boonie Dottery on drums, Tim Stark on keyboards, and Jim Adams on guitar, to lay down the power of their soulful sound.  

Admission Free
Food and Drink available for purchase