A few years ago, while catching up St. Cecilia Music Center Executive Director Cathy Holbrook, I was happy to learn that after decades of operation, this rather recent director had unearthed an exciting revelation after peering over their mission.
"We had always interpreted our mission to mean music in the vein of classical or jazz," said Holbrook. "But as we dug into our history, it became very clear that it was very open."
And just like one's eyes adjusting to the luminance of a new day, Holbrook, armed with possibilities, would navigate through a series of new programming firsts for SCMC. Among them, creating a music showcase for ArtPrize with the assistance of musician Michael Crittenden as well as crafting big city alliances like their current partnership with New York's Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society.
Thursday is the launch of another new addition to SCMC’s ever-expanding mission as they, along with Mackinaw Harvest Music, offer music critic and Local Spins Live creator John Sinkevics a fitting venue to showcase a spotlight on contemporary folk.
"I've hosted 'Local Spins Live' shows the past two years at intimate venues such as One Trick Pony in an effort to draw more attention to special, up-and-coming West Michigan artists,” said John Sinkevics of the Local Spins Live talk show (1340 AM) and
Spins on Music. "This region is teeming with talent in a broad range of genres, though it seems the folk/Americana/folk-rock/bluegrass movement has really exploded."
To honor this talent, the first concert is presented round robin style with artists Lux Land, Karisa Wilson, Ralston Bowles, Michael Crittenden, Michelle Chenard, and Lucas Wilson all contributing music and insights on their favorite songs in an unplugged format.
After the concert, attendees are invited to visit with the artists in the ballroom for a wine and dessert reception.
On Feb. 21, two ArtPrize music award winners -- The Crane Wives and Delilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys -- will perform in a semi-acoustic show. The last concert in the series will be a progressive bluegrass performance by Fauxgrass Quartet and "royal couple of Michigan folk" Seth Bernard and May Erlewine on Mar. 28.
As with everything SCMS offers our region, this is yet again another stellar addition to their can't-miss music programming. What are you waiting for? Get your tickets now.
Admission: $15.