 Photo by LivProductions/ Painting by Bob Rose The Artist’s Umbrella Presents The Shelter in Place Artists Showcase Wednesday, May 27th, 2020 at 7:00pm Eastern Virtual Production on www.facebook.com/artistsumbrella/ (Lansing, MI) – Multi-continental award winning & New York based Operatic/Vocal Performer Stephano Andreotti will Headline the Artist’s Umbrella’s upcoming virtual production “The Shelter in Place Artists Showcase on Wednesday, May 27th at 7pm Eastern Time via Facebook Live. The bill will also include additional artists from around the United States, as well as some of the Lansing Region’s top talent. The event is FREE to view, however the Artist’s Umbrella encourages you to donate the normal cost for a ticket ($10.00) to Mid-Michigan Non-Profit EVE: End Violent Encounters via the online donation link.
The Artist’s Umbrella, who will celebrate their one year anniversary next month, has established itself as Mid-Michigan’s Premiere Variety Show. The show is normally the last Wednesday of every month live from The Loft, but with Covid-19 preventing the show from occurring at their regular venue, the organization had to get creative. “With the performing arts world going virtual, it gave us a great opportunity to feature talent that under normal circumstances may not have the time in their schedule to get to Lansing from New York for a mid-week show,” said Brandon Navin, Creator, Founder, & Executive Director of the Artist’s Umbrella. “We are very excited to have Stephano Andreotti as our Headliner!” Stephano Andreotti is the 2017 winner of the Festival of Song USA Competition in Brooklyn, NY, and the winner of both the classical & musical theatre categories of the 2018 National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition. He is also the Overall Talent winner of the 2020 Talent-Inc USA Competition in Orlando, FL. In addition to his many awards, Stephano has performed in various concerts across the United States and Europe, including at the Red River Lyric Opera, the Castello Ristonchi in Pelago, Italy, and at the 2017 Cantamare in Palermo, Sicily. The connection between Stephano Andreotti & the Artist’s Umbrella was facilitated by Opportunity Arts, a Lansing based Arts Promotion Company owned by Mike Marriott, who worked in the NYC Arts Scene before moving to Lansing two and a half years ago. “Both Stephano, and the Artist’s Umbrella are Opportunity Arts Affiliates, and I saw the chance with the virtual platform for one of my top New York clients to headline a show for one of my top Michigan clients,” said Marriott. “It’s a great chance for Mid-Michigan art lovers to see talent they would normally have to travel to New York to see, and with Stephano’s following in New York, and throughout Europe that will be tuning in, it’s a great opportunity for our Michigan & Lansing based talent to be seen by performing arts lovers & industry professionals from around the world.” The lineup for the show is stacked with Michigan talent including musicians Matt Niven, Sarah Vedolich, Will Pruitt, & Scotty B with Earl Carr, poets Grace Carras, Morgan Madden, & Dan Feister, and storytellers Melissa F. Kaelin & Allison Spooner. The show will also feature Texas based professional dancer Katie Rowan, another talent that was only available via the virtual platform. There will also be a DIY Cocktail created by Bartender Jim Henson. The show will include content from the Artist’s Umbrella’s community partners including Downtown Lansing Inc., Carter & Cruz’s Silly Socks & Accessories, Lithic Creations, & Preuss Pets. In addition to performing, Allison Spooner will also be hosting the show, while the newest member of the Artist’s Umbrella brain-trust, Director of Art and Production, and artistic activist Roxy Hayes-Brown will be acting as the stage manager for this ambitious undertaking. For more information on The Artist’s Umbrellas visit: www.artistsumbrella.com For more information on Headliner Stephano Andreotti visit: www.stephanoandreotti.com To Support & Donate to EVE: End Violent Encounters visit: www.eveinc.org
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 Mila Lynn is a multi-disciplinary visual artist who specializes in collage, painting, and caricature art. Growing up, and currently residing in Lansing, MI, Mila has studied & presented art both nationally & abroad, including at Wimbledon Art Studio in London, England. While in London, she also had the opportunity to work alongside, share studio space, & brainstorm creative ideas with esteemed British abstract painter Allan Storer. Mila also commissioned, and presented her first solo exhibit, the Repurpose Project at Factory 114 in Tampa, FL in the summer of 2019.
The granddaughter of a professional jazz musician, creativity is in Mila’s blood. Her father taught her how to draw when she was a child, and she began studying other forms of visual art in middle school. When she picked up a paint brush again as an adult, she wasn’t expecting it to take her as far as it has. She is extremely grateful that she has been able to turn a childhood activity in to a blossoming professional career. Mila loves working & creating visual art to a wide array of music, and she tries to tone the music to whatever creative project she is working on at the time. Through this process, her energy is focused on that specific theme, and is ultimately transferred into whatever she creates. Mila has a passion & love of creation on every level, and one of her greatest gifts is her ability to visualize something and bring it to life through her art. For more information on Mila and her work visit: www.mindofmila.com  Group 2 is a stylistically diverse & musically engaging saxophone quartet that was formed at Michigan State University in East Lansing, after MSU Professor Joseph Lulloff assigned the four to work together during their tenure at MSU. Group 2 specializes in musical storytelling through a deep knowledge of style, vulnerability, and unique interpersonal connection, while introducing their ever increasing audience to one-of-a-kind soundscapes.
The quartet consists of Lansing, MI native Evan Harris, who received degrees in Saxophone Performance from Central Michigan University, & University of Oklahoma, and is pursuing his doctorate at MSU; Tucson, AZ native Eric Zheng, who received degrees in Saxophone Performance and Economics from Northwestern University, and is now pursuing his Master’s degree at Michigan State University; Aberdeen, NC native Tyler Young, who received degrees in Saxophone Performance from Florida State University & Michigan State University, and is now pursuing his doctorate at Michigan State University; and Adam Epler, a native of Richardson, TX, who is currently pursuing Bachelor degrees in Saxophone Performance and Music Education at Michigan State University. Each of the members embody diverse backgrounds in classical, jazz, new music, and transcriptive performing, and together Group 2 delivers fulfilling musical experiences to diverse audiences both near and far. Group 2 has performed in venues all over the United States including at North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Biennial Conference in Tempe, AZ, the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, Meijer Gardens, Cook Recital Hall, UrbanBeat, Albion College, & the MSU Broad Museum’s Business Gala. The quartet has been named finalists in several national competitions as well including the Music Teachers National Association Chamber Music Competition and the North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial Competition, and winning first prize at the New Orleans Chamber Festival Competition. Group 2 was also named semi-finalists for the Michigan State University Barbara Wagner Competition, and The 28th World Music Competition. The members of Group 2 have also won individual accolades including top prizes in the Yamaha Young Artist Competition, Vandoren Emerging Artist Competition, the Music Teachers National Association solo and chamber competitions, and the North American Saxophone Alliance solo and chamber competitions. Each member of Group 2 teaches saxophone classes throughout Mid-Michigan. Tyler teaches at the Flint Institute of Music & Alma College, Adam teaches in Jackson, Evan teaches at Grand Ledge, and Eric teaches at Albion College. For more information on Group 2 & their music visit: www.group2quartet.com  Bridget Vander Hoff is a professional dancer, choreographer, and teacher with a background in competitive and concert dance and an interest in educational and therapeutic applications to the art form. Originally from Morenci, MI, Bridget moved to Lansing after completing her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance from Oakland University, where she also received the Thesis Award in Dance from Oakland University’s Honors College.
A third generation dancer, Bridget currently teaches in and around the Capital Region including as an instructor at Happendance & Nerve Dance Center. She has presented choreography at DANCE Lansing and the Young Choreographers Forum. She has also performed at American College Dance Association and various performances as a member of Happendance’s professional company, Velocity. For more information on Bridget and her work visit: https://www.instagram.com/bridgetvanderhoff/  Sarah Sanders is an emerging mixed media artist & body painter with extensive experience in installation art, music, mural work, body casting, video art, makeup, photography, frame design, cake decorating, and floral design. She has transferred body paints onto canvas, canvas work onto cupcakes, pastel work into video work, and prides herself on being able to make art versatile with the medium.
Born & raised in Mason, MI, Sarah is currently pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Arts Foundation, and an Associate’s Degree in Art History from Lansing Community College. She has won numerous awards including The Award of Excellence for outstanding performance and contribution to the 2014-2015 Art Gallery Exhibit & Celebration from Ingham Intermediate School District and Lansing Art Gallery, The Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Achievement in Visual Arts at Mason High School, and The Outstanding Performance of Excellence in Visual Arts from Mason Public Schools and the Mason City Council. As the winner of The 2017 Zimmerman Arts Fund Competition, you can also see her work displayed publicly & permanently on Lansing Community College campus in the Health and Human Services Building. Sarah’s work has also been seen at the Ingham County Fair Art Contest, MSUFCU Art Exhibit, Ingham Intermediate School District, From Soup to Art: A Fundraising Auction for Arts Initiative of Mason, and the Mason Emerging Artist Event & Exhibition. In 2020, Sarah launched Contrasted Content, a public platform to showcase her upcoming projects. Contrast is a consistent theme within the basis of her work and has a deep meaning within the artist herself. In her words, “Contrast lies within every aspect of life, whether it be day and night, joy and sorrow, or love and hate. Contrasted Content’s purpose is to remind us that without the contradictions life brings us, balance wouldn’t exist.” For more information on Sarah and her work visit: www.facebook.com/Contrastedcontent/  Amy Phillips is an abstract artist generally recognized as a painter who incorporates texture along with mixed medium with a holistic calming twist. Born in Lansing, MI, Amy graduated Magna Cum Laude from Lansing Community College with a degree in Computer Graphics & Commercial Art. She then went on to spend time in the Metro Detroit & the Traverse City area before returning to Mid-Michigan and opening Good Vibes Art Studio in Okemos. Amy also offers off site art workshops as well.
Amy is a member of the Brairwood Art Collective. She is moved to paint with specific colors and techniques, and prefers to create a majority of her work using her fingers, hands, & arms as opposed to brushes. Amy’s work has been seen at multiple festivals including Scrap Fest, REO Town Arts Market, the Berkley Art Fest, and the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau Holiday Market. Her work has been seen at multiple businesses throughout Lansing as well including The Crafted Bean, Blue Owl Coffee, Reputation Beverage Co., and Woke Mind Body Studio. For more information on Amy and her work visit: www.goodvibesart.com  Feb. 1st – Feb. 28th: Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center in Lansing, MI
Current Art Exhibition: Sorry, I'm Not Leaving | Britta Urness Feb. 1st: Mid-Winter Singing & Folk Festival Workshop 1:40pm – 2:40pm at the Hannah Community Center in East Lansing, MI Featuring Sarah Wallace. Feb. 1st: Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center in Lansing, MI Noon – 2pm: Adult Workshop - Intro to Color Pencil Drawing with Miranda Sue Hartman Feb. 2nd: Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center in Lansing, MI 11am – 3pm: Open Art House - Space to work on an art project, bring your own materials. Feb 6th: Opportunity Arts presents Another Artists’ Networking Event 7pm – 9pm at Henry’s Place in Okemos, MI Feb 7th: Davalois Fearon Dance Master Class 10:30am – Noon at the Brooklyn Arts Exchange (BAX) in Brooklyn, NY Featuring Davalois Fearon Feb. 8th: Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center in Lansing, MI Noon – 2pm: Adult Workshop: Tapestry Making with Carrie Byington-Oei (Sold Out) Feb. 9th: Burning Desires: An Afternoon of Love Poetry 2pm – 4pm at UrbanBeat in Lansing, MI Featuring Sarah Wallace & Liudmila Bondar Feb. 9th: The Poetry Room: Family Room – MSU CUPSI Fundraiser 6:30pm at Henry’s Place in Okemos, MI Feb. 11th: The Poetry Room: Family Business featuring Amy Love 7pm at The Robin Theatre in Lansing, MI Featuring Isabella J. Mansfield, Sarah Vedolich, & Morgan Madden Feb. 12th: The Artist's Umbrella Presents "A Chance of Showers" Open Mic Noon – 2pm at Reputation Beverage in Lansing, MI Feb. 13th: Downtown Traffic Jam 4:30pm – 6pm at the Knapp’s Building in Lansing, MI Featuring the Artists Umbrella Feb. 14th: Davalois Fearon Dance Master Class 10:30am – Noon at the Brooklyn Arts Exchange (BAX) in Brooklyn, NY Featuring Davalois Fearon Feb. 18th: City of Lansing Listening Session for Artists & Creatives 5:30pm – 7pm at the Lansing Public Media Center in Lansing, MI Feb. 21st: Davalois Fearon Dance Master Class 10:30am – Noon at the Brooklyn Arts Exchange (BAX) in Brooklyn, NY Featuring Davalois Fearon Feb. 25th - March 1: Talent Inc. Conference B Resort & Spa in Orlando, FL. Featuring Stephano Andreotti Feb. 26th: The Artist’s Umbrella Vol. IX featuring Scorpion 6pm at The Loft in Lansing, MI Featuring Grace Carras & Lithic Creations  Sarah Elizabeth Wallace best known for her vocal performances of opera, musical theatre, and jazz, is also a multi-faceted artist who expresses herself through numerous art forms, including, music, dance, acting, poetry, arts education, and multi-media art forms. Hailing from Lansing, MI, Sarah studied Architectural Technology and Design at Lansing Community College before going on to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Music (Vocal Performance) with a Minor in Spanish Business from Oral Robert's University in Tulsa, OK. Sarah is also a member of the professional Actors’ Equity Association.
Coming from a family of professional artists, Sarah has presented her art at numerous theatres and venues throughout Michigan and other states. She started her professional singing career at the age of 5 as Caroline Kennedy in Accidentally Exalted for the Kenneth Robbins Opera Company in St. Paul, MN and performed in her first professional tour as an 8 year old as part of Charles Dickens - A Christmas Carol with Bill Fegan Attractions out of Dallas, TX. As an adult, Sarah’s work has been presented at Katalyst Gallery, Absolute Gallery, and the Turner Dodge House & Heritage Center in Old Town Lansing, Boarshead Professional Theatre of Lansing, MI, Silver Bells In The City, Okemos Barn Theatre, Civic Players, as a guest choreographer for DANCE Lansing, and as a guest choreographer & vocal performer for Lansing Community College, and numerous events in Wayne, NJ including the Broadway Young Artists’ Program. She has performed at the DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids, Knox County Memorial Theatre in Mount Vernon, OH, and has performed with the Opera Grand Rapids. In 2018, Sarah performed in New York City at Carnegie Hall as part of the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus with the Grand Rapids Symphony. Sarah has won numerous awards including a collegiate Outstanding Music Award, 1st Place for ''O mio babbino caro'' (Giacomo Puccini), with Takis Pizanis--Accompanist" for the Third Annual Lawyers Got Talent in 2013, and Dinner with Jerome Hines - Metropolitan Opera New York Basso Profundo. She recorded with other professional artists including Peter Kaukonen, the lead guitarist for Jefferson Starship, in a collaboration called JL Hannah's Sum Voices - of Autumn and Insight. Sarah is a published arts writer and has been featured on numerous publications and media outlets including an interview & performance with her mother for Fox 47 regarding their performance at the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame. She has been featured in Lansing City Pulse, and the Lansing State Journal on numerous occasions for her work as a choreographer and professional singer. Sarah has also done professional voice over work for Detroit Metropolitan area TV commercials and product promotions in Detroit, New Jersey and New York City including for L’Oreal, Vogue Magazine, BBMAK Tour, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Teen People and ABC Daytime Soapstars. When not engaging in her artistic talents, Sarah loves participating in sports, including community outreach events that include 5Ks, half-marathons, marathons and triathlons, such as the Race for the Cure - Susan Komen Foundation, Bark in the Dark in Grand Rapids, MI, and Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City, MI. Sarah has a great love of learning foreign languages and understanding different cultures. She loves the outdoors and loves animals, including her cat. For more information on Sarah and her work visit: www.facebook.com/sewallaceseclecticart/  Album Release Party & Concert Saturday, January 11th, 2020 at 7:30pm UrbanBeat 1213 Turner St. Lansing, MI 48906 (Lansing, MI) –Matt Bliton, and the Matt Bliton Band are proud to announce the release of their 3rd Album entitled “Out of the Woods”. A concert and release party for the album will take place on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 7:30pm at one of Lansing’s most prestigious music venues, UrbanBeat in Old Town. Tickets for the event are $10.00 in advance, and $15.00 at the door. To purchase tickets visit www.urbanbeatevents.com.
Matt Bliton Band is a Mid-Michigan based Folk-Rock & Blues jam band fronted by internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter Matt Bliton. The band draws influence from acts such as James Taylor, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and The Eagles. The band released their first album, “Solid Ground, Endless Sky” in 2013, and followed that up with the release of their second album “New Morning” in 2015. This third album, “Out of the Woods”, is mix of blues rock, rock and roll, jam band, basso nova, Latin and folk rock. It is filled with incredible instrumentation, thoughtful songwriting, and tight harmonies. The album, which was recorded with Ryan Wert at Elm Street Recording, will also features Rick Seguin on harmonies, Mark Thompson on trumpet, Gary Clavette on sax, Mark Kieme on flute and sax, Joshua Dunigan and Ty Forquer on percussion. “We are always excited to get a chance to play our music for our families, friends, and fans,” says Bliton. We are really looking forward to the release of our third album, and hope everyone has as much fun listening to it, as we did making it.” Matt Bliton Band has performed at local live music venues throughout Mid-Michigan including The Robin Theatre, (SCENE) Metrospace, The Loft, EagleMonk Pub & Brewery, and The Avenue. The band has been featured in the Lansing City Pulse, and on Michigan State University’s WKAR. They have also been featured at local music & performance festivals including BluesFest, Renegade Theatre Festival, and Pumpstock Festival of American Roots Music. The Band’s Single “Bus Called America” received a 2018 international songwriting award. The band has been performing for the past decade. In that time, band members have included Matt Bliton (Vocals, Guitar, & Harmonica), Jim Green (Vocals, Guitar), Tersa Goforth (Vocals), Nate Bliton (Keyboard, Strings), Steve Springer (Drums), Chuck Page (Bass), Robby Richardson (Keyboard, Vocals), Pat Hudson (Bass), Rick Seguin (Vocals), & Jon Ritz (Bass, Percussion) For more information on Matt Bliton, the Matt Bliton Band, and their work visit: www.mattbliton.com. Direct Link to purchase tickets to the Concert & Release Party at UrbanBeat visit: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4477823 # # #  Sarah Vedolich is an emerging artist, writer, spoken word artist, poet, and singer/songwriter, originally from Imlay City, MI, and now residing in Lansing. Sarah is in pre-production on her first book, which should be available to the public the first part of 2020.
Sarah’s passion for the art of the spoken word developed while she was a student at Michigan State University. She has performed the art form at a variety of venues over the past decade including at The Poetry Room at the Robin Theatre, The Artist’s Umbrella at the Loft, The Creative Collective, and at the State Capitol Building on multiple occasions. You can also see Sarah at many of the local open mics, where she combines her spoken word, and musical talent. One of Sarah’s greatest passions is utilizing her artistic talents to connect with others through spoken word, writing, music, and story-telling. She enjoys sharing her talents with others, and collaborating to hone her craft. She continually explores ways in which she can share her art with others, and is excited to be a part of the Greater Lansing Artistic Community. For more information on Sarah & her work visit: www.facebook.com/SarahMVedolich |
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May 2020
CategoriesPast HeadlinesSeizing the Opportunity:
The Poetry Room with Masaki Takahashi becomes Opportunity Arts Affiliates. |
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