Tuesday, May 31,2011 7:30-8:30pm
$10 admission / $5 for students
You've seen her everywhere lately. Tia Hanna has put together an amazing show for you as she brings her own style to improvisational music, with her special guests Carolyn Koebel and Elden Kelly. You won't want to miss this very special performance! This is raw talent and skilled musicianship at it's finest. Journey with Tia once again at Art Alley as she works to bring the best musicians together to create a fresh and compelling sound.

Tuesday, May 24,2011 7:30-8:30pm
$10 admission / $5 for students

Tamara Mayers is a jazz vocalist, composer, and arranger originally from St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. Her style of music ranges from jazz, classical, and the blues to reggae, funk, and Afrobeat. In some of her compositions and arrangements, you will hear a taste of the caribbean as well as a deep connection to the blues and gospel. 

Prior to jazz performance, Tamara performed as one of the soloists in the Aviano Gospel Choir that toured Italy from 2000-2001. She also studied classical music at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville where she received her B.A. in Music. She is now in her last year of the Jazz Studies Masters program at Michigan State University and is ready to embark upon her musical career.  

Tamara has performed with an elite list of jazz musicians, such as Sean Jones, Tia Fuller, Rodney Whitaker, Sean Dobbins, Perry Hughes, Wes Anderson, Ron Blake, Etienne Charles, Diego Rivera, Steve Ritchko, Paul Keller, and many more throughout her jazz career. She’s been seen performing in local venues in the Lansing area and Detroit, such as Mumbai, The Green Door, Leroy's Classic Bar & Grill, Gregory's, Cliff Bells, and Bakers. Tamara has also performed in the East Lansing Jazz Festival in 2010 and the Detroit International Jazz Festival in 2009 and 2010 with the Mack Avenue All-Stars and the MSU Bebop Spartans.  

Tamara’s sound is a blend of her jazz and classical roots with an earthy, yet modern twist that is sure to be an exciting experience for any audience.

Tuesday, May 17,2011 7:30-8:30pm
Ray Kamalay is an American jazz guitarist and singer from Detroit, Michigan who has recorded several jazz records with his group, the Red Hot Peppers. Kamalay is noted for his work with many folk music groups and notable jazz artists such as the Chenille Sisters, Johnny Frigo, and Howard Armstrong. Kamalay is also well-known for his work in music education, giving lectures and demonstrations on folk music topics.

After completing a degree in philosophy from the University of Detroit, Kamalay began his career as a professional musician in 1974, concentrating on historic American music such as folk and jazz. In 1983, he formed his regular band, the Red Hot Peppers. The Red Hot Peppers has included several notable jazz musicians over the years, including the Chenille Sisters, Johnny Frigo, and Howard Armstrong, and trumpet player Walter White, who formerly played with the Harry Connick, Jr. orchestra. His collaboration with Armstrong earned Kamalay a W.C. Handy Award nomination in 1998.

In 2008, Kamalay began a music education program named "Freedom, Slavery and the Roots of American Music" in which he uses the guitar to demonstrate sounds from a variety of musical movements. He connects those movements with major periods and events in American history, such as the time of slavery. He has performed the program in celebration of Black History Month throughout Michigan.

Musician Rodney Page’s talent spans the music spectrum from violin to vocal percussion and classical to freestyle rap. As a creative, classically-trained violinist and pianist, Page has accrued thousands of hours of performance experience in diverse venues. His unique and energetic style, whether as a performer or DJ, has touched audiences for more than 15 years. Rodney has a clear concept of music that is evident in his artistry.
Southfield, Michigan-native Page began studying violin at age 10. Upon high school graduation he was awarded a music scholarship to Michigan State University where he subsequently earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education. Throughout his secondary school and collegiate career, Rodney also studied piano, developing into an accomplished pianist.
Page’s professional affiliations as a violinist include the Midland Symphony Orchestra (7 years), Michigan State University Symphony Orchestra (4 years), and the Livingston Symphony Orchestra (1 year). He has also performed as a guest artist with several other community orchestras and was invited to be a guest conductor with the Menendes University Chamber Orchestra in Turkey.
A passionate teacher who inspires students to appreciate all forms of music, Page has been involved in music education for 9 years. In addition to the orchestras he directed in the St. Johns and East Lansing (Michigan) public school systems, Rodney engaged teenage musicians at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan as symphony orchestra conductor and violin instructor over 4 summers. During his college career he founded and directed a summer string camp for middle and high school students in Southfield. Rodney cultivates talent in aspiring musicians and believes the future of music is impacted by the musical experiences children have in school.
Rodney’s skill and accomplishments in the classroom were acknowledged in 2006 when he was designated District V Orchestra Teacher of the Year by the Michigan Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA). His reputation as an educator—not just a music educator—was recognized in 2002 when he was named a Fulbright Memorial Fund recipient. He used his award to travel to Japan to study the country’s educational system and culture.
During college Page embraced contemporary music, especially hip-hop and its focus on improvisation. He began experimenting with vocal percussion; in 2000 he won first place in Lansing’s “Keepin’ It Real” talent show where he beatboxed his way to a $1,000 prize. This exposure led to engagements in metropolitan Detroit and Lansing, including performances for high profile sports and political figures.
Rodney made his national television debut on Showtime at the Apollo in 2002. His performance, a unique mix of hip-hop, jazz, and classical music, had the crowd on its feet with a selection he wrote specifically for the show.
Page has since turned his attention to providing entertainment services as a freelance musician and DJ presenting unique, innovative shows. His repertoire includes violin, piano, and vocal percussion, often enhancing recorded music with live instrumentation. His music library encompasses Top 40; 70s, 80s, and 90s; disco; techno; jazz; R&B; and other popular genres. Rodney has performed at variety of clubs in mid- and northern Michigan as well as at weddings, private parties, social events, and business functions.

The Peace Education Center will hold its annual art auction at one of Lansing’s hottest art galleries in Lansing, REO Art Alley. Wonderful art pieces will be auctioned, including pieces from Craig Mitchell Smith, Kathryn Darnell, Christine Altese, and many others. We have some great musical performances scheduled for the evening from Michigan State Klezmorium, Pretty Shaky String Band, and Dali Felipe.  And you can enjoy wine & cheese, or a dip in the chocolate fountain. You don’t want to miss this great fundraiser for the PEC. Learn more about The Peace Education Center at www.peaceedcenter.org
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Tania Hayward:  An up-and-coming singer/songwriter in the East Lansing, MI area, Tania Hayward connects with her audience on an intimate level, with story-like songs reminiscent of conversations with an old friend. With a straight-forward and vulnerable honesty, a delightfully uncommon intuition, and a hopeful spirit that keeps it all in perspective, Tania is the perfect blend of old soul meets youthful idealism.
www.facebook.com/taniahaywardmusic
www.ourstage.com/profile/taniahayward
www.myspace.com/taniahayward

Chris Russell:  A native of Flint, MI, singer/songwriter/guitarist Chris Russell is an example of independent music at its finest.  Drawing upon a variety of musical styles, his music is best characterized by strong lyrics, catchy rhythms, and smooth, rich vocals.  Incorporating a unique blend of humor, cynicism, and wit, while also reflecting profoundly on the human condition, Chris aligns all the right elements to create a lasting impression.  
www.facebook.com/russtopherd                                
www.ourstage.com/profile/chrisrussell
www.myspace.com/chrisrussell84

SVEN ANDERSON, M.M.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Attended Interlochen National Music Camp summers of ’75-79.  High school diploma from the Interlochen Arts Academy .  Student of Doy Baker, C. K. Kabala, David Sporny, Mark Cudek (guitar).  B.M. in composition from Oakland University , Michigan. While at Oakland he was a student of Stanley Hollingsworth, Flavio Varani, Charles Boles and Marvin “Doc” Holliday. Sven was the first student in the history of Oakland University to win the concerto composition playing his own composition.  M.M. in composition from the Cleveland Institute of Music.  Student of Eugene O’Brien, John Reinhart and Dennis Eberhard.  Master Classes with composers Aaron Copland, George Crumb, Jacob Druckman, Leslie Bassett, Virgil Thomson.  Scholaship recipient for “Jazz In July” with Dr. Billy Taylor. 

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
He has been music director, arranger and pianist for Jimmy Scott and has toured with Earl Klugh.  Performances with Martin Short, Robert Goulet, Clay Aiken, Regis Philbin, Cindy Blackman, Franz Jackson, Marcus Belgrave, JC Heard Big Band, Paul Keller Orchestra, Larry Nozero, Tom Saunders, Charlie Gabriel, Ernie Krivda Big Band, Johnny Trudell Orchestra and Peter Soave.  He has played several Broadway productions including White Christmas and Beauty and The Beast.  He has been an accompanist for every major jazz vocalist in the Detroit area.  He has been a headliner, with his wife Janet Tenaj, at jazz festivals throughout the Midwest and Canada .  He has been an instructor of piano, music theory and jazz studies for the Cleveland Music School Settlement and Ann Arbor School of Performing Arts.  Staff accompanist for Oakland University and choreographer Iacob Lascu’s Ballet Company.  Rehearsal pianist for The Twyla Tharp Dancers and the Dance Theatre of Harlem.  He was a choral accompanist for the Detroit Board of Education for eleven years.   He served as guitar instructor for the University High School Academy.

"Bitch's mouthy wordplay and virtuous electric violin playing are ferociously hot"
- The Village Voice, New York

"On stage, the politically charged
violinist/vocalist is a force to be reconed with"
 - Flavorpill, Los Angeles

You loved her in "Bitch and Animal"
You saw her in "Shortbus"
You heard her on "The L Word"

The only electric-violin playing,
ukulele-toting, bass-slapping,
keyboard tickling, Bitch
is a music box all of her own.

www.bitchmusic.com

to hit is an exciting new percussion duo based in Mid-Michigan. For over a decade, Tim Mocny and Mike List have been students, performers, and teachers of percussion. Now, by combining marimba, electronics, and percussion instruments from all over the world, they have created a sonically and visually fascinating performance that fuses influences as diverse as the concert hall, the drum corps world, the tabla drumming of India, and popular styles such as jazz and rock.

Wisaal, an Arabic fusion ensemble based at the Michigan State University College of Music, was formed in February 2010. Wisaal is an Arabic word meaning links, connections, or unities. This reflects our attempt to present high-quality concert and educational presentations of music that fuse elements of the Arabic musical heritage with Klezmer (Jewish dance music), Classical Indian, and American influences while respecting the spirit of these musics. Wisaal’s repertoire consists of Classical Arabic instrumental pieces, contemporary fusion pieces, and our compositions.

Classical Arabic instrumental pieces from the twentieth century become frameworks within which traditional Arabic forms and rhythmic patterns blend with Western harmonic backgrounds and rhythmically charged pop and world-music grooves. Arabic instruments - oud, percussion, and bass - are joined by Klezmer-influenced clarinet, American folk mandolin, and Indian tabla. Contemporary fusion pieces and original compositions combine these various influences and allow for extended improvisations that showcase the different improvisatory traditions represented in Wisaal.

Wisaal has been active in creating projects and finding performing opportunities. Wisaal recorded a demo cd in March/April 2010 and updated it in January 2011; performed in various galleries and venues in the Mid-Michigan area such as SCENE Metrospace (East Lansing), Michigan Historical Museum, Elderly Instruments, Art Alley and Creole Gallery (Lansing) and Art Reach Center of Mid-Michigan (Mount Pleasant); opened for a reading by the Arab American poet, Suheir Hammad, when she came to Michigan State University in March 2010; performed in Detroit for the Arab American community. Wisaal’s highlight was performing one piece at the Wharton Center Cobb Great Hall to a packed house in the Collage Concert, an event hosted by MSU’s College of Music.

REVIEWS

“Wisaal played for the Wellspring Literary Series at Art Reach in Mt. Pleasant and their music transformed that small gallery space into a place of wide open air. As a listener, I felt like a kite that was directed by the whims and winds of their tunes, by their strings. Their compositions were both engaging and complex, a lively, deeply spiritual tapestry of interwoven influences and melodies, times and cultures—that wrapped us up, inspired us, made us feel peace.”
-Robert Fanning, Assistant Professor of English, Central Michigan University

"Wisaal is a musical journey to a world yet to be discovered. The combination of instruments from near and far mesmerize you with every piece [...] an unforgettable experience leaving you always hungry for more." 
- Devon Anthony, Board of Directors at Art Reach

“They clearly have both talent and unique understanding of Arabic music.”
-Paul N. Shaheen, Michigan State University, University Outreach and Engagement Administration

“The performance of Wisaal [...] was received very well by the audience members and served to broaden their musical horizons. They achieve a very high level of musicianship while also being accessible to the general public. Both of these elements are keenly important to the success of an ensemble seeking to bring new and different music to a public that is unfamiliar with the kind of music being presented.”
-Colin R. McKenzie, Michigan State University Doctoral candidate in Conducting, Collage Concert Production Manager

No Love Lost is a Lansing-based act featuring all original music.  A variety of styles are integrated including rock, folk, funk, and world beat.  Most selections offer unique vocals accompanied by bass, guitar, and occasional drums.  Instrumental selections feature guitar and violin.  The music of No Love Lost has been described as eclectic, original, fresh, and danceable. 

Biography  
Elegant, seductive and smooth are as synonymous to the sounds of Penny Wells as they are to the woman who sings them.

Penny Wells, born in Detroit, Michigan, discovered her classical voice at age 6 and quickly rose from singing in youth choirs at her church to a musical talent to be reckoned with. She recalls singing all of her life but credits her high school music teacher for encouraging her to pursue a solo career--Penny has been singing professionally now for 23 years.

Influenced by vibrant musical  greats such as, Diane Reeves, Lalah Hathaway, CeCe Winans and Jonathan Butler; her sultry and sophisticated sound embodies the vocal music styles of Jazz, Classical, Spirituals and Gospel all cascading into the soothing hues of Penny Wells.

She has studied at Wayne State University, Department of Music and Performing Arts and the Detroit Community Music School of Arts; also studying voice under the tutelage of Frances Brockington and Ivan Griffin of Wayne State University.

Her opening act & performance credits include icons Pattie Austin and The Temptations; the legendary Kirk Whalum and Maysa Leak; the hot artistry of Will Downing, Yolanda Johnson, Al McKenzie, Marion Meadows and Kim Waters; and the creative talent of Tim Bowman, Dwele, Euge Groove, Kem, Frank McComb, Najee and Vinx.

Of all her musical triumphs and accomplishments, she is most proud of having her first single “Free to Walk Away” placed into rotation on Detroit’s Radio Station WGPR by Rosetta Hines. Penny contributes this opportunity as one that launched her career as a recognized and respected artist in the region. In a word music is her joy. Penny’s greatest joy however is that of motherhood and her three fabulous children.

Reminiscent of her childhood aspiration of just another little girl standing in front of a mirror singing using a hair brush as her microphone; today,  Penny astutely focuses around learning the art of balancing her roles of mother, daughter, singer, lover and friend. “Each role is important to me in very meaningful ways. I am blessed to have so many passions in my life.” Penny’s future aspirations of becoming a musical treasure to the industry with something unique to say is well within reach.  Always one to keep several irons in the fire, Penny pursues writing and completing numerous works not only for her but for other artists.

Penny will be releasing her sophomore CD entitled Close to You—Penny Sings Burt. This CD is made up of a collection of Burt Bachrach and Hal David classic pop songs like Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head; Make it Easy on Yourself, and Alfie.  This long awaited CD will be a refreshing collaboration of good music of the past, the soul stirring and spirited grooves of today and the smooth tones of Penny Wells to elevate the tracks to the next level. Close to You—Penny Sings Burt is the elegant, seductive and smooth sounds of Penny Wells for the grown, sexy and classy. 

Look for it in February 2011.
******************************************************
Awarded “Outstanding Gospel Christian Vocalist” for Detroit Music Awards 2007
1st album released “Shine” called “Soothing, honest and inspirational” by Metro Times 2004
Performing the National Anthem for the 2004 International Ryder Cup, Oakland Hills Country Club in Birmingham, Michigan

“There is an external invisible force that carries them and their music, making it so much stronger and louder and powerful that one can hardly believe such strength can come from just two people.”
-The Revue Magazine January 2010 about Mighty Medicine
 
Mighty Medicine is guitarist and folk instrumentalist, Larry Neuhardt and vocalist and percussionist, DeShaun Sparkle Snead. Mighty Medicine has a set list of over 150 popular songs crossing over into every genre including pop, rock, blues, jazz, folk, and gospel.

Since the summer of 2009 Mighty Medicine has performed over 300 concerts, played live on multiple radio and television programs, and are featured on movie soundtracks, and commercials. Mighty Medicine plays many different venues: clubs, private and corporate parties, weddings, retirement communities, coffee shops, and festivals.

Larry is an expert and adept American folk stringed instrumentalist. He has been promoting, organizing and performing for over 25 years. Larry has a special stage presence that is exciting and draws audiences into the music he creates. Larry writes music, improvises on guitar and is also a dazzling visual artist, who speaks fluent Japanese and German.

DeShaun is an outstanding vocalist with a unique style who sings from her heart. She is also a multi-instrumentalist, performing on piano, guitar and percussion when on stage with Larry as Mighty Medicine. She studied jazz vocal performance at Michigan State University with Rodney Whitaker and Sunny Wilkinson. Her influences include artists like Ella Fitzgerald, the Beatles, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and The Grateful Dead.

Mighty Medicine is greeted with enthusiasm by Michigan and Chicago audiences, and often invited back to perform at multiple venues. Larry and DeShaun are working to bring their music to world audiences. Bloom, their first independent LP, released in 2009, has sold over 1,000 copies. They are diligently at work on their second album, Mighty Medicine. Their original music is unique and brilliant with a rock edge and a folk feel. Look for the release of “Michigan Rock n Roll”, a song about the faith and hope Mighty Medicine has in Michigan's past, present and promise.

Mighty Medicine has built a reputation for making great music that is healing and uplifting. They send a positive message, shaping a growing musical community all over Michigan. Now they are ready to bring their high-energy music to you!

OCTOBER EVENTS October 22,2011  7-9pm:  David Meeder - Native American Flute CD Release Party for "Eye of the Storm." 

NOVEMBER EVENTS Lana La Reau & the Ron Neuman Trio, November 19, 2011  Doors open at 7:00pm, show begins at 7:30.  

January Events: January 5, 2012  8:00pm - 10:00pm
David Meeder and Paul David Black playing together in support of Stefan Johnson's art exhibit at Art Alley. They will be playing music together from their respective CD releases: Eye of the Storm and Someone Like You(Black).
Checkout the music stores, if you like at:
Paul:http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldavidblack 
David: http://www.cdbaby.com/AlbumDetails.aspx?AlbumID=davidmeeder