Consider this the nudge you need today -- the slight permission of touch via your computer screen to do something different you will remember the rest of your life. You didn’t ask for it, but here it is this weekend, found in two very unique events in two unique settings from the world of music.
For starters, on Thursday, Nov. 1, you would have to get to New York City to see the level of talent that
St. Cecilia Music Center has on stage for just one night.
For their annual gala concert, they have invited Jazz musician John Pizzarelli to Grand Rapids to perform in their intimate space. (Read as: not a bad seat in the house.)
But, he is doing something really incredible for this downtown music club devoted to excellence. Pizzarelli, one of the greatest living Jazz guitarists in the world, is bringing the his very musical family, including the spry (and often funny) head of the house, legendary guitarist and banjoist Bucky Pizzarelli.
Pizzarelli has often assembled his family for special concerts in the past and as recently as last spring in NYC. What stood out to a lot of reviewers then was how much fun the banter between members of the band was -- the kind that only a family member could get away with.
When this family of musicians that
The New Yorker has called “the von Trapps on Martinis” finally does arrive in Grand Rapids after Sandy has receded, they may be bringing a whole suitcase of fresh new stories from the multiple transportation vehicles that could be employed to get them here in time for the concert. I’m thinking they could be in the live version of
Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
Also firing up in Grand Rapids this weekend is our version of a house concert-sized Woodstock that is easy on the budget and ideal for those looking to swap the mud for a rug:
The Lamp Light Music Festival.
This deliberately small music event held over four stages (i.e. neighborhood homes) in the Eastown area is part-house concert, part-community engagement. Most of all, it is an experiment in social practice.
Not only will attendees get a chance to hear more than 25 local music artists perform in this fashion, many of the venues will have artisan created works of art for sale.
And if it is successful, you can be sure it will be back with a mass of folks trailing behind, clamoring to get in the crowded living rooms.
If you have ever wanted to be on the front end of anything, this is the event you have been waiting for to arrive. Artists performing include
Mandolin Orange,
Karisa Wilson,
Sugarwolf,
The Wallace Collective,
Brent Shirey (Valentiger),
A.B. and nearly 30 other artists and acts!
Admission: $75. Pizzarelli / $12 - 25. Lamp Light Music Festival