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Earth, Wind and Fire wraps up final Common Ground day

July 14, 2014

Bright strobe lights and groovy displays of color collided with the Lansing sunset tonight for the finale of the Common Ground Music Festival.

While the festival was winding down, the attendees were in full force for the headliner of the night — Earth, Wind, and Fire.

The multi-genre band rose to fame in the '70s, but their music and stage presence live on to this day.

"Their show is fantastic and their showmanship is great," Holt resident Mark Stiles said.

Only three of the original members remain in the group today, but the band still captivated the crowd. When favorites such as "September" and "Boogie Wonderland" were played, fans of all ages leapt from their seats to dance.

For the band, stages like common ground are opportunities for connect with their fans.

"Its more intimate you get a chance to really get intimate with your fans," Earth, Wind, and Fire bass player Verdine White said. "At bigger shows fans sometimes seem like a speck in the crowd."

That intimacy is important to diehard Earth, Wind, and Fire fans, who have spent their lives enjoying the music. 

"I grew up on Earth, Wind, and Fire," Lansing resident Adah Baucom said.

But the stands were not just filled with old fans. The front row of the stage was lined with young people eager for band to take the stage.

"When I was little, my parents had us listen to Earth, Wind, and Fire on car rides," Holt High School Senior Rylie Stiles said. "I am a musician ... they are so different and everyone loves that."

Fans that came for Earth, Wind, and Fire were also greeted to many other performances. The rising rhythm and blues singer Daley performed before Earth, Wind, and Fire. Rylie said she is glad she heard him play.

"I really liked him ... I will follow him after this show," Rylie said.

A famous headliner like Earth, Wind, and Fire also helped many local bands gain recognition.

"Exposure to people that would have never heard of them is huge," MSU alumna Calla Hubbard said. "Once they have heard their music and seen their name they would be more apt to see them again."

The Common Ground festival mixes the local and worldwide scene together on three stages. Festival-goers said the inclusion of local artists is an important part of the event.

"I love the fact that we have so many local artists at this festival," Kalamazoo resident Margie Stinson said. Stinson's son is a part of Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers that played earlier in the day.

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