music

Willie Nelson's harmonica player adds to his signature sound

Lorraine Caron — Mon, 06 May 2013 20:51:51 +0000

Willie Nelson and Family are in concert May 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the State Theater in Kalamazoo. Even if the name Mickey Raphael isn’t familiar to you, you have most likely heard his music. Raphael is the harmonica player in country music legend Willie Nelson’s band.

Musician carries on Beaver Island culture, community

Cara Lieurance — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 21:22:00 +0000

Music on Beaver Island, Michigan, has always been essential to island life, but it also draws the interest of outsiders such as musicologist Alan Lomax, for its unique color, which draws from a history of Irish American fiddling, songs and ballads of the Great Lakes, and a Grand Ol Opry set list established in the 30s, 40s and 50s.

Busy mandolinist Mike Compton to perform at Cooper's Glen Music Festival

Lorraine Caron — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 16:56:22 +0000

Mandolinist Mike Compton will travel from Nashville, Tennessee to perform Saturday evening at the Cooper's Glen Music Festival. The festival takes place February 15 and 16 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo and is put on by the Great Lakes Acoustic Music Association.

Choral Festival shows what high school vocalists can do

Lorraine Caron — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 02:01:39 +0000

High school choirs in Southwest Michigan have been rehearsing for the 15th Annual High School Choral Festival. The event is put on by the Kalamazoo Bach Festival this week at Kalamazoo College.

Hymn composer to lead 'Big Sing,' spiritual retreat

Cara Lieurance — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 22:42:25 +0000

John Bell is famous as a Scottish composer of modern-day hymns for worship and as a BBC radio commentator. He is also in demand as a leader of spiritual retreats and community music-making. On February 10th at First Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo, he'll lead a free, public "Big Sing,” co-sponsored by the Michigan Festival of Sacred Music.