Random Notes (7)
Lansing Art Gallery seeks artists for 34th annual Holiday Art Market
Written by REVUE MinionNON-PROFIT NEWS RELEASE: Lansing Art Gallery seeks artist applications for inclusion in the 34th annual Holiday Art Market. Jury-selected artworks will be professionally displayed in Lansing's oldest non-profit gallery in the heart of downtown. Lansing Art Gallery will provide expanded space for holiday sales opportunities, as well as extended hours during the holidays. Gallery promotions include statewide marketing and exposure to more than 47,000 downtown employees, 461,000 tri-county residents and thousands who visit downtown Lansing.
Eligibility: Applying artists must be at least 18 years of age. Original artworks in any media are eligible to apply; reproductions must be archival and include a certificate of authenticity.
Procedure: Artists may send images and entry form via email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , with a list of title(s), media, prices and size. Artists may pay $10. entry fee by credit or debit card by phone at (517) 374-6400 x 3 or mail payment to Lansing Art Gallery. Submissions are due by October 1, 2011.
Artist applications are now available online atwww.lansingartgallery.org
This month marks the debut of Lansing’s first anime convention, Shuto Con (Shuto means “capitol city”).
Co-founder and chairwoman, Stefanie Shall is a longtime anime enthusiast, convention aficionado and artist.
“I have been going to conventions as an attendee and as an artist for a little less than a decade. I recently moved up to Michigan and wanted to start my own [convention],” Shall said.
When creating Shuto Con with her husband Joe, Shall wanted to incorporate interactive elements and showcase the passions of dedicated artists and hardworking, amateur costume designers in ways she hasn’t seen at other conventions around the country.
“For our Con, what I [am doing differently] from other Cons in the area, is a thing called interactive cosplay,” Shall said. “When
attendees come to a convention, they usually dress up as their favorite anime and comic characters. I want to encourage people to do whatpeople in Japan do and actually act out their characters.”
Beyond simply embodying characters through elaborate costuming, participants have a chance to duke it out with other characters and play battle in an appointed interactive zone, safely monitored by a martial arts practitioner.
| Shuto Con: Anime Convention Lansing Convention Center March 25-26 Membership passes $25 day, $35 weekend shutocon.com |
“Our weaponry is handmade with foam water noodles. It’s very soft when you get hit with it,” Shall said.
Other attractions include the artist alley, the video game room and panels on topics ranging from costume creation to the basics of speaking Japanese along with special guests. The guest of honor, Michelle Ruff, is a Michigan native and works in Los Angeles as a voice actor who won the 2009 SPJA Best Actress Award for her role in Cartoon Network’s “Bleach” as Rukia Kuchiki.
While Shuto Con is an event for all ages, it does have adult events scheduled at night that are 18 and up.
“Late, late, late at night we have [rated R] showings behind closed doors,” Shall said. “We [also] have an anime dating game that we have scheduled.”
In keeping with her focus on community, Shall teamed up with the Lansing Food Bank. When attendees come to pick up their Shuto Con membership badges (admission to the event is gained by purchasing a membership) they are asked to donate non-perishable food items, with an emphasis on packaged items.
While the Shalls are hard at work finalizing all the details of the debut event, 2012 is already on their minds.
Questions for Lansing City Market's new market manager, Joe Lesausky
Photo by Alyssia Booth
Theatre ///
LOCAL MUSIC
One of downtown Lansing's premier restaurateurs and a hip Lansing ad agency have teamed up to launch a new outdoor music series on Washington Square. Urban Feast, the management firm behind Troppo and Tavern on the Square, has partnered with Traction, a downtown ad agency, to create Lansing Live (lansinglive.org), which will present live music each Thursday afternoon on the 200 block of South Washington Square. All shows begin at 4 p.m. and are 21 and up. For June, catch Nidal and the Lash on June 10, and Dan MacLachlan and Remedy on June 17. Other shows are in the works ... It was kind of a bummer to drive into Old Town and see the venerable corner music shop, Uncle Sam's Record Emporium, boarded up. A fire in the basement of the building melted vinyl and other inventory, and caused substantial smoke damage. No word on whether Uncle Sam's will re-open anytime soon.
ON TOUR
With June comes the beginning of summer and a bevy of great concerts throughout mid-Michigan. Arguably one of the best selling rock groups of all time, U2 is bringing their ever-lasting 360 Tour to Sparty's front door. For $30, $55, or, if you are feeling really adventurous, $250, you can watch Bono and gang perform a load of their hit songs, along with some new ones, while lighting up the stage at Spartan Stadium on Wednesday, June 30 ... For less than $3 a band ($11 total), head over to The Loft in Lansing on June 3 and check out Hawthorne Heights, The Audition, The Story Changes and Don't Ever Tell the Syndicate. Not only will you be getting four unbelievable shows for only $11, your ticket comes with a free download of Hawthorne Heights' newest album Skeletons. Its first album with new "unclean" vocalist Micah Carli, "screamo" vocals are present for the first time since the late Casey Calvert died on tour in 2007. The Audition also has a new album, Great Danger, out since March 16 ... Mac's Bar on East Michigan Avenue in Lansing is host to a plethora of musical talent in June. Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground, consisting of a dozen members, will incorporate almost every instrument imaginable on June 12 into its songs to create an old-fashion, yet modern sound that can be described as somewhere between jazz and ‘60s rock-and-roll. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. On Monday, June 14, Off With Their Heads rolls into Mac's loaded with punk rock songs that will make you want to tear the roof off the place. Tickets are $8. Hard rock guitar riffs and even harder vocals, DOA will be playing Macs on June 24 for $10 in advance and $12 day of.
NATIONAL CD RELEASES
Four years removed from her last album, Christina Aguilera is back with her electronically driven fourth studio album, Bionic. It hits stores June 8 ... Singer-songwriter Jack Johnson is at it once again, strumming his guitar and brightening your day with his fifth studio album, To The Sea out June 1 ... Now employed as Jimmy Fallon's house band on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," The Roots will release their ninth studio album, How I Got Over on June 22 ... Fans of the Dixie Chicks will only need to carry around one CD once the trio releases a greatest hits album, Playlist: The Very Best of Dixie Chicks on June 1 ... After an extremely succesful EP So Far Gone in 2009, rapper Drake is back with his first studio album entitled Thank Me Later on June 15 ... Ozzy Osbourne is back again. The Prince of Darkness will release his tenth solo album, Scream, on June 22 ... Australian soul/pop singer Sia is set to release her new, upbeat album We are Born on June 22.
COMMUNITY
To celebrate 50 years on the air (although five in the top 40 format) 97.5 NOW FM presents Mayday Parade, Kat DeLuna, Hot Chelle Rae and Tino Coury on June 6 at Xcel. Tickets are $7 and proceeds benefit Capital Area Literacy Coalition. Look for a really big event from 97.5 this summer to celebrate the five years it has played top 40 ... The Temple of Michigan in Old Town, known as the Temple Club (2001-2006) is under construction. Former Crunchy's general manager, Paul Stewart is building out a three floor restaurant and entertainment complex that will have three distinct themes. A restaurant, a sports bar and an upscale bar called, "The Robin's Nest' will complete the venture. Look for more big news on this topic to be made public soon.
THEATRE
How funny can a theatre show about somebody who pretends to not speak English be? Apparently pretty funny and Lansing Community College is going to present it. The Foreigner will run from June 23 to 27 with all shows at 8 p.m. Written by Larry Shue and directed by Paige Dunckel, it is a story of a shy Englishman who pretends he can't speak English in Georgia. In his attempts to avoid all contact, and more importantly, conversations with the locals, hilarity ensues.
BEER
The first ever Great Lakes Wine & Brew Fest will be held at the Michigan International Speedway by Jackson on Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27. The event starts at 12 p.m. on both days and runs until 7 p.m. on June 26 and 5 p.m. on June 27. Tickets can be bought for the whole weekend or for single day admission. Single day tickets are $25 in advance and include $10 in tasting tickets. Single day tickets are good for either Saturday or Sunday. A weekend ticket is $45 in advance and includes $10 in tasting tickets for both days ($20 total). Designated Driver passes can also be purchased for $15. You must be 21 years old to attend the event. Camping is also available at Graves Farm Camping and can be purchased through the festival on their website (mispeedway.com).
BARS AND RESTAURANTS
In the ultra competitive downtown bar market, Harem is making a move to improve the club experience. The "Urban Lounge" has recently made the switch to being exclusively a video dance bar. All tracks played in the club have corresponding videos projected above the dance floor. The Firm Lounge in downtown Lansing recently changed hands. Mark Feta (formally of Spartan Sports Den) purchased the business from longtime downtown Lansing industry veteran, Chris Strange...The Arena in Bath Township is currently under construction. Word on the street is that the new bar will be a high end sports bar complete with stage and sound as well as a pizza kitchen that extends into the restaurant. The location is the former home of the Small Planet and looks to open late summer to early fall ... Over on Michigan Avenue, The Soup Spoon Cafe has expanded. The quirky eatery has nearly doubled the number of seats, added an espresso bar and opened up more room for occasional live music.
OVERHEARD
Everything smells left.
We have complete faith that you're a total dick.
Everything I do is intense, like camping.
Whenever I say something good, it's usually because my brain shuts down and words start spilling out of my mouth like vomit.
Random Notes is compiled by REVUE staff and minions, including Brian Edwards, James Nichols, Lindsay Patton-Carson. Send your news to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Country music is in for the month of March as some of the big names release new albums. Blake Shelton will release Hillbilly Bone Six Pak on March 2, followed by Gary Allan with Get Off On The Pain on March 9, and Alan Jackson's Freight Train and Gretchen Wilson's I Got Your Country Right Here follow on March 30 ... On a different note, English singer/songwriter/musician Jamie Cullum will release his third and long-awaited album The Pursuit on March 2, followed by a release from another English band, but of the virtual type-the Gorillaz with Plastic Beach on March 9.
On Tour
Just in time for the celebration with green beer and four leaf clovers, the real spirit of Ireland is coming alive in Michigan through music. CMU public radio presents Dervish, a group named as masters of the art of traditional Irish music, at the State Theatre. Traveling all over the world, Dervish interacts with crowds and entertains with their traditional Irish fiddling, singing and storytelling. The show will be held March 11 at 8 p.m. and tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students ... Taking a blast into the ‘80s past, Starfarm is bringing back that nostalgic feel to a variety of venues in the Lansing area. See them perform live at Dublin Square Irish Pub on March 6, The Green Door on March 13 and Rick's American Café on March 26 ... For a local feel, come hear Griff and John's Afterhours Experience perform live at Crunchy's on March 3 and 31. The use of harmonica, guitar and vocals blend together for a high energy rock-and-roll show developed in our own backyards ... Black Eyed Peas: The E-N-D World Tour LIVE is coming to the big screen. Celebration! Cinema hosts the live concert performance as part of their Big Screen Events for the month of March. The special show also includes a DJ set with Will-i-am and a 30-minute special featuring behind the scenes footage, giving viewers their own backstage pass into the touring life of the hip-hop group. The event is bound to present a good night so live it up for the one night event happening on March 30 at 10:30 p.m. in Lansing as well as additional West Michigan locations.
Theatre
Shakespeare goes musical with MET Opera's performance of Hamlet. Not only is the play taking unconventional forms, but the show is being presented on the big screen by Celebration! Cinema. Ambroise Thomas creates a rendition of the tragedy by pairing it with the art of singing to produce a product that will have Shakespeare cheering in his grave. The show is staring Simon Keenlyside, Natalie Dessay and many more to bring the experience of the MET Opera to a screen near you. The production will make a one show appearance on March 27 at 1 p.m. in Lansing and other select Celebration! Cinema locations ... If you are looking for a more traditional musical theatre experience, consider one that will bring you back to a favorite childhood story. The Wharton Center Pasant Theatre presents Tomie DePaola's Strega Nona, a musical tale of a friendly, Italian witch and the magical pasta pot. The show will be performed Sunday March 7 at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. and tickets are $8 ... For a show that appeals to your grownup self, check out Lansing Community College's presentation of Cider House Rules Part I. Adapted from John Irving's novel, the play unveils the issues of adoption and abortion in the 60-year life of Dr. Larch. The show will appear onstage March 26-28 and April 2-3 with shows at 8 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $5-$10.
Film
Don't miss the one-night showing of the original Boondock Saints film in celebration of its 10th anniversary. Come to Goodrich Lansing Mall on March 11 at 7:30 p.m. to watch as Norman Reedus (Murphy MacManus), Sean Patrick Flanery (Conner MacManus), and Willem Dafoe (Paul Smecker) take the big screen once again with exclusive interviews from director Troy Duffy and cast revealed after the show.
Dining
Enjoy St. Patrick's Day to the fullest by taking advantage of traditional Irish food at a cheap price. Brannigan Brothers is offering food and drink specials all day. Savor the taste of Ireland with Savory Dublin Corned Beef and Cabbage, Mulligan Stew and Irish Chicken Puffed Stew for only $5.
Random Notes is compiled by REVUE staff and minions, including Brian Edwards, Lindsay Patton-Carson and Kelli Ponstein. Send your news to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Music
Move over Pandora. WKAR Radio has launched several online-only music listening streams available at the WKAR.org Web site. The streams include folk, jazz, classical as well as NPR programming...speaking of WKAR, the public television affiliate has announced the acts for its third season of the popular Backstage Pass series, which will be taping in mid-April. Acts for season three include Frog & the Beeftones, the MSU Voice Faculty Quartet, Thom Jayne and the Nomads, The Hard Lessons, The Verve Pipe and others...and speaking of music on the screen, the Michigan Theater in Jackson continues its Sunday "Opera in Cinema" series with Gounod's Romeo et Juliete (Feb. 21) and Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte (March 21). Showtime is 3 p.m. and tickets are $16...for some more classy music in a casual setting, there's the latest installment of the Absolute Gallery Classical Series, which features a small classical ensemble in an Old Town art gallery. This month, on Feb. 5, they rip into French Chamber Music with an homage to Francis Poulenc.
On Tour
Wilco, the masters of do-it-yourself marketing are stopping by Wharton Center's Cobb Great Hall (East Lansing) for an evening of insightful folk/rock. See Jeff Tweedy and company on Feb. 21...Garage/blues rock outfit The Elms will be making its stop at Small Planet (East Lansing) on Feb.4...No matter how many albums he releases, he'll always be known as The Gambler to us. Kenny Rogers - and his tear-jerker ballads - is making a post-Valentine's Day stop at Soaring Eagle Casino (Mt. Pleasant) on Feb. 19...After 17 years, Martina McBride's star is still shining bright. The country queen is making a Grand Rapids stop at Van Andel Arena on March 4 with special guest Trace Adkins. For more on McBride, visit www.revuewm.com for an exclusive interview.
National CD Releases
Musician, director and all-around creepy guy, Rob Zombie has taken a break from remaking the Halloween franchise to release Hellbilly Deluxe II, his fourth solo album and a companion to his debut album, Hellbilly Deluxe. The album drops Feb. 2...New Wave icon - and former Talking Heads front man - David Byrne is teaming up with Fatboy Slim to release Here Lies Love on Feb. 23...Also being released on that day is Computers and Blues from British hip hop act Michael Geoffrey Skinner, also known by his stage name, The Streets...British electropop group Hot Chip is releasing its fourth album, One Life Stand on Feb. 9.
Art
WKAR and the Kresge Art Center on MSU's campus are hosting a free and exclusive showing of paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures and drawings from the period between the two World Wars. Entry to American Modernism 1920-40s is gratis on Wednesday, Feb. 10 from 6-8 p.m...SCENE Metrospace is taking submissions for two exhibits: Pocket-sized and For Cheaps Sake: Photocopied. Deadline is Feb. 22. For more info, visit scenemetrospace.com.
Theater
How can you not be intrigued by a play with the phrase "Space Pandas" in the title? The Mid Michigan Family Theater presents The Revenge of the Space Pandas or Binky Rudich and the Two-Speed Clock beginning Friday, Feb. 5 through Sunday February 14. Tickets are $6 for students and adults; $4 for pre-schoolers. Here's the part you weren't expecting: It's written by David Mamet...if you're up for something that's more conventionally Mamet, check out Lansing Community College's presentation of American Buffalo with shows in the Feb. 19-27 timeframe...for a different playwright - but a similar gritty and creepy feel - look into Peppermint Creek's Dark Play, Or Stories for Boys, about the mind games that get played in Internet chat rooms and the consequences that come with them.
Community
The Lansing Symphony Orchestra has recently announced its Annual Raffle fundraiser with an RIU all-inclusive resort for two in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica or Mexico set as the Grand Prize. The Second Prize is a private dinner for six at Lansing's Troppo restaurant with Maestro Timothy Muffitt. The Third Prize is tickets for two to a Detroit Symphony Orchestra performance and an overnight stay in Detroit. Tickets are $20 each, or six for $100 and are available by calling (517) 487-5001 or at any Lansing Symphony event through April.
Dining
Firekeepers Casino is hosting an Iron Sous Chef contest with four rounds of two chefs going head-to-head. The chefs will race against a two-hour deadline and cook with an assigned ingredient. The final round - on Feb. 5 - will be judged by local reporters, food critics, DJs and anchors. The winner of the contest will have their dish on the menu at Nibi, Firekeeper's fine dining restaurant.
Random Notes is compiled by REVUE staff and minions, including Brian Edwards, Kate Bedrick, and Lindsay Patton-Carson. Send your news to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
