The average band doesn’t often get the opportunity to play on national television or star in a documentary, but Under Construction isn’t the average band.
The East Lansing band is making an appearance on national television, headlining a Saturday night show at Rick’s American Cafe, 224 Abbott Road, and debuting a documentary about Under Construction - all in the same week.
Under Construction is the guest band on the Mitch Albom Show on Wednesday afternoon, which airs on the radio station WJR in Detroit from 3 to 6 p.m., and on MSNBC Cable from 3 to 5 p.m.
On Thursday night, lead singer Jesse Young will be debuting his documentary about the time and work that goes into Under Construction for an MSU film festival called Lawn Shorts. The Red Bull-sponsored festival will showcase six short films made by MSU students and will be held at the rock on Farm Lane at 8 p.m.
The band is finishing its week with a performance at Rick’s American Cafe on Saturday with Liquid Courage.
Under Construction drummer Eric Schuetzler, who is currently doing an internship in Indiana, said the band is used to busy weeks like this one.
“You have to plan everything,” he said. “It’s the only way to keep yourself sane.”
Schuetzler said the band even takes vacations at the same time, but it’s a sacrifice he’s willing to make.
“I love being in a band,” he said.
“It gets hectic, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
As for Under Construction’s first appearance on live television, Schuetzler said he’s looking forward to the experience.
“I’m not nervous about being on the show,” Schuetzler said. “But I am really excited.
“You don’t often get the chance to play on national television.”
Under Construction bass player Ryan Ruiz said the band wasn’t expecting to be on television when it sent a promo to the show, but he’s looking forward to the opportunity.
“It was really a freak chance that we got it,” Ruiz said. “We didn’t push it at all, but now that we’re going to be on the show, it’s a huge opportunity for us.”
Young said he hopes his documentary film will be appreciated by the entire public.
“If you’ve never heard the band before, hopefully you will become a fan,” he said. “If you’re already a fan, I think you will like the band even more.”
