News Archives

Madonna to Appear at Traverse City Film Festival
 
Five hundred and forty lucky film fans will get to see the all-time queen of popular music – the one and only Madonna – live in person when she brings her new documentary, "I Am Because We Are," to the Traverse City Film Festival (TCFF) this summer.

Madonna will travel to Traverse City on Saturday, August 2 for a gala screening of her new film at the town's historic State Theatre. Tickets for the event will go on sale June 7.

"We are both honored and thrilled to welcome Madonna to Traverse City," said Oscar-winning filmmaker Michael Moore, who founded the festival in 2005. "I saw her film a month ago and was so deeply moved in a way that rarely happens with movies these days. I asked her immediately if she would come to our festival, and she said, 'yes.' I have known her for years and she is truly one of the most caring and generous people I have met. Her presence here in Traverse City will have a profound impact on people."

"One thing's for sure, Front Street (in downtown Traverse City) will never be the same again!"

Festival executive director Deb Lake said ticket prices and box office hours for June 7 will be announced next week. Festival organizers predict that tickets for the event will be snapped up immediately.

"We are usually mobbed by large crowds the day tickets to the festival go on sale," said Lake. "We expect the desire to see Madonna will take us from mob to riot. That's why tickets to her film will go on sale a month before tickets for the rest of the films in the festival."

Madonna, currently in rehearsals for her upcoming tour (her new album, "Hard Candy," debuted three weeks ago at number one in the U.S. and 26 other countries), is expected to fly in on August 2 just for the screening.

"To take time off from preparing for a worldwide tour that begins that same month – this is not something that's easy to do," observed Moore. "But she is very committed to this film and to making the rest of us aware of the world that is not right outside our own window."

"I Am Because We Are," which had its world premiere last month at the Tribeca Film Festival, is Madonna's personal journey and meditation about the African country of Malawi, a nation devastated by poverty and disease but filled with a desire to overcome all that it faces. The documentary has been described as "searing," "thoughtful," and "powerful" by critics. The film features Bishop Desmund Tutu, President Bill Clinton and author/activist Jeffery Sachs. It is also a love letter to the home country of Madonna's adopted son, David.

 
About the Traverse City Film Festival

The Traverse City Film Festival is a charitable, educational, nonprofit organization committed to showing "Just Great Movies" and helping to save one of America's few indigenous art forms – the cinema. The festival also owns and operates a year-round, community-based, mission-driven art house movie theater, the State Theatre. Founded by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore and co-founders local photographer John Robert Williams and New York Times best-selling author Doug Stanton, with filmmakers Larry Charles and Terry George rounding out the Board of Directors, the festival brings films and filmmakers from around the world to northern Michigan.

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Wharton Center Breaks Ground on New Addition (posted:5/19/08 4 pm))

With music, fanfare and an audience full of distinguished dignitaries and donors, Wharton Center has broken ground on its 11 million dollar expansion,
Donors to the project include MSU Federal Credit Union and Jackson National Life.  Representatives from those companies joined other dignitaries and university officials to grab the silver shovels and turn over the first mounds of dirt. 

When complete, Wharton Center’s new space will consist of a glass and brick, four-story structure integrated into the front facade of the current building. It will create a dramatic face to the facility and will expand the front lobby, enlarge the box office and gift shop, add two education/reception areas on the second floor, and consolidate all staff offices on the third level. In addition, expansion of the backstage will include crew rooms, restrooms, and dressing rooms, all necessary to maintain the Center as a state-of-the-art facility.
 The one year plus construction project will accommodate the increased demand for arts in education programs. The facelift on the 25 year old complex will   make the facility bigger, and more easy to work in.

The enhanced facility will include more than 24,000 square feet of new space to accommodate everything from expanded arts in education programs, distance learning, and community programs to flexible space for private gatherings and donor receptions. It will also address all touring production issues backstage. In addition, more than 9,000 square feet of current space will be renovated to maximize utilization.

Wharton’s PR guru Bob Hoffman tells MIentertainment.biz that getting in and out of the center for concerts and shows will not be a problem while the renovations are underway.

For pictures, a look at the new addition and a MIentertainmentTV video report:
CLICK HERE

Pubs Of Lansing Debuts at Rum Runners (posted:5/18/08)

	The new  “Pubs of Lansing” poster made its debut Friday night at Rum Runners in downtown Lansing. The creation of Brian McKelvey, this latest in the series represents the best of the Capital City’s night spots and entertainment. The event helped out the Volunteers of America  and was going on at the same time as the Luau at RR. I interviewed  the artist, click here to listen and see some photos and even a video of my pal Smokin' George who was one of the “Dueling Pianos”  I did get in the action, but there are no photos of my performance so  those of you who were there know the Hokey Pokey secret, keep it between us. For Photos, Audio and Video: Click Here

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LCC Celebrates! (posted:5/19/08)

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They Were Ready to Rumble For The Red Cross!
BATTLE OF THE HIGH SCHOOL BANDS!...(posted:5/19/08)

For Pictures and Video of the Winning Bands Click Here

9 Greater Lansing High School Rock Bands performed on both stages at the Cadillac Club, and the Audience and the Judges decided who won the prizes!   

I was proud to be one of the judges for this event. If you ever worry that our younger citizens are out of touch or out of control, DON'T. This show was shining example of kids who were anxious to help and show off their talents.

The votes were base not only on the bands performances, but on the crowd the encouraged to come cheer them on and vote for them. When everything was tallied up, The band"Johnny Cut Corners" from Okemos took first prize, "Open Late Thursdays"was second and "HYLAS" from Grand Ledge was third. They all took home cash prizes and all the bands got gifts from Marshall Music

The Biggest winner of the night was the Mid Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross…
This event was part of the "Heroes"  Campaign to raise funds to help people in their time of need right here in our community. 

The Celebrity MC's were: Rally & Strickland of 97.5 FM The Celebrity Judges included: Jim Fordyce - WILS Radio and www.MIEntertainment.biz Christian Czerwinski-Noise Anne Erickson-LSJ What's On? Eric Gallippo-City Pulse Joanie Daniels - Marshall Music Co.

We have to thank Bob Hoffman from Wharton Center, Ronda Liskey, Dave Sheets, Chef Brett and the gang from the Cadillac Club and of course the Bands from 9 Area High School who were competing for prizes:

	Daily Disruption from Bath                      Feedback from  Dansville               HYLAS from  Grand Ledge        Minority Funk from Waverly                 Search the Sky from  East Lansing        Johnny Cut Corners  from Okemos                  Via Stereo from Laingsburg             Open Late Thursdays from Holt                         Star Rarz from Eaton Rapids

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“Funny Gals” Comedy Show to Helped Women’s Historical Center

East Lansing Art Festival Announces Musical Lineup

The 45th Annual East Lansing Art Festival, scheduled to hit downtown East Lansing streets on May 17 and 18, will feature back-to-back free, live performances on two outdoor stages.

This year the Art Festival’s musical lineup will bring the sounds of original, traditional and contemporary acoustic, Americana, bluegrass, blues, Celtic, classical, Eastern European, family, folk, Irish, jazz, old‑time, pop, R&B, roots, soul and world  music to downtown East Lansing. Nineteen sets will be featured during the two‑day event, with a record nine acts new to the festival.

Main Stage First-Time Debut Performers
On Saturday, May 17, the Main Stage will host Moira Smiley & VOCO, a fiery roots vocal band from Los Angeles. They are the 2007 National A Cappella Champions, bringing rootsy, improvisation‑built, Americana- and Eastern European-soaked songs to folk and new music lovers. They will be followed by Detour, a bluegrass band that mixes original, contemporary and traditional material. Detour is perhaps Michigan’s hottest new bluegrass band, featuring a national banjo champion and local performers from northern Michigan and Okemos.

On Sunday, May 18, Down the Line and the Michigan State University Professors of Jazz will make their Art Festival debuts on the Main Stage. Down the Line is a Chicago‑based acoustic pop band known for delivering mighty hooks and harmonies with smart songcraft and shining vocals. The Michigan State University Professors of Jazz is a "hard‑bop" band, performing under renowned artistic director Rodney Whitaker. The MSU Professors will bring standards, jazz classics and original compositions to the Main Stage.

Ingham Regional Medical Center Stage West Debut Performers
The Ingham Regional Medical Center Stage West will feature four lively performances new to the festival on Saturday, May 17. First-time performers will include the Barons of Brass, a variety quintet; Sonas,an acoustic Celtic trio; Jocelyn Scofield, a pop/folk singer songwriter with jazz influences; and Laura Bates and Brandon Foote, an old‑time, bluegrass and country roots duo. On Sunday, May 18 the pleasantly aggressive folk duo, Nervous But Excited, will make their Art Festival debut on the Ingham Regional Medical Center Stage West.

Art Festival Returning Acts
Several popular groups are returning to this year’s Art Festival after a number of years away, including a closing show on Saturday’s Main Stage by local blues band Root Doctor. Also returning to the Art Festival on Sunday will be Kitty Donohoe and Millish, both Ann Arbor-based performers with innovative Celtic sounds. Ann Arbor‑based Gemini will present a musical celebration for families at the Ingham Regional Medical Center Stage West on Saturday. On Sunday the Ingham Regional Medical Center Stage West will feature The London Trio’s classical flute and cello music from around the world, Mystic Shake’s rhythmic fun family concert and Seth Bernard and Daisy May, finalists in Prarie Home Companion’Talent Contest in 2007 for their heartfelt traditional and original folk sound.

Returning favorites from last year’s East Lansing Art Festival are Jen Sygit & Spare Change,featured on the Main Stage on Saturday, May 17; and the East Lansing High School Jazz Band,opening the Main Stage on Saturday. The MSUCMS Suzuki Program will open the Ingham Regional Medical Center Stage West on Saturday.

A full schedule of performances and links to the performers’ Web sites can be found at www.elartfest.com
Reminder: East Lansing Art Festival Seeks Volunteers                                 

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The 45th Annual East Lansing Art Festival, scheduled to hit downtown East Lansing streets on Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18, is currently in search of community volunteers.

There are a number of volunteer options at the festival, which will run 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 17 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 18. Volunteer options include working with the traffic/parking crew, working with the set-up/tear-down crew, serving as a booth sitter/runner, working at the information booth, helping with volunteer registration and/or serving as a stage assistant. Morning, afternoon and evening shifts, running approximately two to three hours each, are available.

Community members who wish to lend a hand at this renowned, action-packed festival can download a volunteer application form at www.elartfest.com. Forms can be sent by fax to the East Lansing Art Festival, (517) 337-1607, or mailed to East Lansing Art Festival, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI, 48823. Individuals can also request a form or e-mail volunteer preferences and availability to mcarlson@cityofeastlansing.com.   

Art Marathon Weekend a Success! posted 4/21/08

Art lovers were on overload this weekend aas they sampled the MSU cultural scene. There was 48 hours of continuous arts programming during "Arts Marathon Weekend," There were more than 90 separate events will be held, including a public rally in support of the arts at the State Capitol Building in downtown Lansing at noon on Saturday.
I took some pictures and caught up with one tired theater teacher.

Click here to see them

Yes, I saw Blackthorn (Finally!) (posted:3/29/08)

After a bad experience that had nothing to do with the band, I finally had the pleasure of seeing “Blackthorn” This weekend.  You may remember I was supposed to see Michigan’s Premiere Irish singing group on Saint Patrick’s Day in the Detroit area, and I wrote you an editorial (copy below) to tell you why bad customer relations lead to me leaving the restaurant before they played.  But this wonderful band of bad boys was playing right here in Mid Michigan this past Saturday night for the annual Irish fund raiser at Saint James Catholic Church in Mason. I gathered those who were supposed to attend on March 17, (Josh and Sarah) picked up Sarah’s Mom and we all jumped in the MIEntertainment Van and had a fabulous evening. First, let me say the gang at Saint James Church were so welcoming and fun, something this good Irish boy loved.  I felt right at home in the church hall right after mass and the party began. There was a delicious buffet, pitchers of liquid cheer and a silent auction. After we ate, dessert and coffee came out and Blackthorn took the stage. These men are wonderful, talented and fun. The show is blend of Irish  tunes, sing alongs, jokes, and stories in a very informal concert that fit the event and the mood perfectly.  There were two sets, with and intermission and two encores that kept the crowd clapping and singing along. I highly recommend catching  “Blackthorn” as the travel around Michigan. You won’t be sorry you did. I took some pictures that are in the Photo Album. If you want to see where they are playing next or want to purchase their CD’s or wares, head to their web site by clicking here

Jim's Editorial:
“Why is There No Review of Blackthorn?”

by Jim Fordyce (3/18/08)

I told many of you including the radio audience that I was off to the Detroit area for a special Saint Patrick's Day treat. My friends have long raved about Blackthorn billed as Michigan's Best Irish Live Entertainment Band. They had seen them many times around the Lansing area and urged me to join them for the trek from Lansing to hear them on the green holiday at the famous O’mara’s Irish restaurant in Berkley. How could an Irish kid like me resist? Irish food, drink and a chance to review what I heard was a great music group.  
The lovely Sarah made our reservation (back in January) for the 9
O’clock show and says she was told there was no cover as long as we ate dinner, which sounded fair since we intended to eat up a storm and feast on Corn Beef and Cabbage and Irish Stew. Blackthorn was on stage at 9, so we decided to arrive around 7 so we could eat, drink and be merry.  When we arrived, we were told our reservation was for 9 and we had to wait for the "change over" what ever that was. We asked to be seated when a table became available. We were then told if we were seated early, we would have to pay the early cover charge of $5 per
person and then the main cover charge at of $10 per person at 9 pm. Some quick calculations meant our party of 4 was going to have to pay $60 just to sit down in the overcrowded dining room which obviously had extra tables squeezed in. We said we were told there was no cover if we ate and the man at the door just shook his head no. So we shook our heads and left. I like an Irish Party, but not one that costs that much served up by rude people who obviously didn't care that we left. If you are looking for Irish food next time you are in the Detroit area, skip O'mara's. (Some one asked me why didn't I just tell them who I was and that I wanted to do a story on the band. The answer is simple, I should not have to be a reporter just to be treated with respect and courtesy)
So what did we do for Saint Patrick’s Day?
We headed back west and stopped at place we had all heard about in Howell. Ok , so Tomato Brothers (3030 West Grand River)is Italian, but it was busy too and they were in the spirit playing Irish music and serving up green beer.
And what a difference! We were made to feel welcome, by a friendly staff, served drinks with a smile, had bread sticks and salads to die for and ordered up a delicious meal that came out piping and filled us up. But not full enough that we didn't have room for one of the best slices of cheesecake I have ever had. Your nosy entertainment reporter has to know all, So we chatted with the staff and learned from the  that the eatery was locally owned and all the food was made right there. So, on your next trip to or by Howell, pop off I-96 at exit 133 and give Tomato Bros. a try.  And if the people from O'mara's pass by, they should drop in the place and get a lesson in customer service from people who know how to do it.

Ingrid Visits for a Great Show at Ruhala (posted:3/30/08)

"Broadway Baby" Ingrid Saxson paid a visit to mid michigan this weekend. One of the nation's leading vocal teachers, inspired a class of students at the Ruhala Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday and treated an intimate audience to a Cabaret show on Sunday afternoon. Ingrid Saxon's experience ranges from TV, soaps, commercials, jingles, demos, Children’s albums, theatre, events, night clubs, concerts. Some of the venues include the famous Rainbow Room and Merkin Hall near Lincoln Center.

I call her the " Broadway Baby" for a good reason. Even thought this delightful entertainer is a star in her own right with Plays and Musical's a Plenty, not to mention a CD or two, She is the daughter of Show business legends David Sorin-Collyer and singer Nanci Sorin Collyer. If you missed the show Sunday, you missed a treat. But this wonderful Lady allowed me to use the MIEntertainment cam to record one of her songs, and we took some pictures. Go to the Photo Album page and enjoy. To learn more about Ingrid or to buy her music head for her website by clicking here.

Bridge Now Bears the Name of Robert Busby (posted:3/2/08I

A year has passed since Old Town Lansing lost Robert Busby. Sunday morning, the community gathered to remember him and rename the bridge he so often used to cross from one side of Old Town to the other in his honor. The span across the Grand River now sports a beautiful plaque that reminds everyone that this bridge will always be his. But his image on that plaque will always remind us that while the bridge is his, we are all always welcome to cross it with him as we keep his dream of Old Town alive. 
I took pictures of the event and the special reception afterwards at his beloved Creole Gallery.

To see many more pictures of this event go to the Photo Album

East Lansing Poster is an Award Winner 3-2008

The City of East Lansing is proud to announce that the poster design for the 44th Annual East Lansing Art Festival has been awarded a Gold ADDY. The 2007 poster was designed by CiesaDesign’s Kevin Liuzzo under the art direction of Creative Director Lauren Ciesa. For several years the East Lansing Art Festival’s team of in-kind designers and printers have consistently produced a quality, award-winning festival poster for the East Lansing Art Festival. In addition to the most recent award, the poster design for the 2006 East Lansing Art Festival received the Gold ADDY and Best of Show awards and the festival poster design in 2005 received a Gold ADDY and publication in a national magazine: Print Magazine’s Regional Design Annual. The 2005 and 2006 posters were also designed by Kevin Liuzzo, who has worked at CiesaDesign since mid-2004. About the awards: The American Advertising Federation, a not-for-profit industry association, conducts the national ADDY Awards competition annually through its 200 local member advertising clubs, including the Mid-Michigan Creative Alliance and 15 districts nationwide.

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Jim Meets Will Ferrell

After the schedule change in East Lansing, I was able to catch up with Will Ferrell in Chicago and chat with him about his new movie " Semi Pro" which was shot here in Michigan. I must say Mr. Ferrell was a delight and told me he enjoyed performing last week at Breslin. Many have asked if the portion of that event where Ron Burgundy interviewed Coach Izzo was available to view. Head for http://www.funnyordie.com/ and enjoy. For pictures of me and Will and some Green and White, go to the photo album.

	If you missed Jim Fordyce talking with Will Ferrell, Click here and the entire interview and the entire interview will be beamed to your computer right from the MIentertainment.biz control room

BoarsHead Day in Lansing (posted:2/13/08)

Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero declared February 13 “BoarsHead Theater Day.” A morning ceremony included A Proclamation, Music by John Dale Smith and Kind words from regular BoarsHead visitor, First Gentleman, Dan Mulhern.  BoarsHead Theater has served the Lansing area with professional theatrical productions for over 40 years, and has been designated as an Anchor Arts Organization by the State of Michigan. I had the Camera with me for the pics, click here and head for the photo album

Click Below to Watch Videos from Boarshead Day

The First Gentleman

John Dale Smith Plays

The Secret to Good Tickets at Boarshead