Nearly 35 years after its grand opening, the record store Flat, Black and Circular, or FBC, 541 E. Grand River Ave., remains a strong component in East Lansing.
On Sept. 4 and 5, the Music Building began to fill with the clammy hands, heightened heartbeats and humming voices of prospective new members of State of Fifths, one of MSU’s coed a capella groups.
To have the career they’ve always dreamed of, musicians must be able to express versatility, variety and originality, especially with today’s critical music industry and audience.
For those who compulsively update their iTunes every few weeks, it’s a relief when their favorite bands release new music often. But when it comes to an album that you’ve waited years for, it makes the listening experience that much sweeter.
Many East Lansing residents recognize Greg Robertson as one of downtown’s prominent street performers, but few know his history and how his life led him to his spot outside the Peanut Barrel Restaurant, where he regularly serenades shoppers.
The streets of Lansing’s Old Town were packed this weekend as jazz enthusiasts gathered for a two-day celebration of music.
Everyone needs a solid summer soundtrack. Whether you’re in your car on the way to the beach or taking a road trip across the country with friends, the tunes you have playing on your warm-weather journey are important.
Many Lansing residents soon will experience a new level of head banging and moshing as hardcore band This is Hell makes its first appearance in the area.
The seven-day long event featured more than 40 musical acts on two stages, and this weekend’s headliners included rock groups The Wallflowers and Three Days Grace, as well as ska-punk group Sublime with Rome.
“American Idol” fans soon will have the chance to see James Durbin, one of the show’s past finalists, perform live rather than watching him on TV.
The weeklong musical event will continue until July 15 at Adado Riverfront Park, 300 N. Grand Ave., in Lansing. During the seven days of performances, more than 40 acts representing a wide range of genres will be featured.
When Josh Michels wants to see a live musical performance, he doesn’t have to travel any farther than his own garage.
The East Lansing live music scene has dwindled over the past decade, and more venues are turning away from live entertainment, instead hiring disc jockeys or hosting karaoke events.
Tabbert Wakley recognizes East Lansing’s music scene is struggling. With a lack of venues for musicians to perform at and a decreasing interest in live music, the city’s once-vibrant musical culture simply isn’t what it once was. But Wakley, who currently is studying music management at Lansing Community College, said he is hopeful he can help revive it.
Brian Vander Ark always will have a special place in his heart for a dusty basement bar in the heart of East Lansing. Vander Ark, the frontman for the rock band The Verve Pipe became quite familiar with several local venues, especially Small Planet, formerly of 220 M.A.C.
A few weeks ago, I visited Rochester High School, or RHS, to visit my high school choir director, Mrs. Plotzke. I originally went to pick up a CD she burned me — a compilation of my choir’s songs we recorded over the course of my four years under her instruction — but what happened instead was a deeply engaging political discussion over the course of two hours.
When one of Kathy Toman’s close friends told her how talented the Sea Cruisers were, she decided she had to see for herself.
Tomorrow evening at Wharton Center at 7:30 p.m., the Verdehr Trio will showcase their unique sound for music lovers to enjoy. Walter Verdehr, violinist for the trio and professor of violin at the College of Music, said that this concert will kick off the 40th year of performances by the group, which was founded with his wife in 1972. Verdehr said the trio has performed in many large-scale concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Sydney Opera House. Still, he said he continues to love working and performing at MSU. “MSU is a wonderful place to work because the administration encourages performance,” he said.
While many students are out ordering their favorite drinks at one of East Lansing’s various bars, Diana Henry is stuck behind the counter serving them.
Every Friday night at 7 p.m. from now until Labor Day, there will be a free concert at the Lake Lansing Band Shell.