Leelanau Community Cultural Center » News

08/13/2010 Switchback Concert @ The Old Art Building

LCCC Staff — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:44:14 +0000

What: SWITCHBACK-American Roots & Celtic Soul Concert

Where: The Old Art Building In Leland

When: August 13 at 7:30 pm

Tickets: $15 in advance, $18 at the door. Available at Oryana Natural foods, Leelanau Books, and The Old Art Building.

For more information on Switchback go to www.waygoodmusic.com

SWITCHBACK BIO

For over two decades, the musical partnership of Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack, known as Switchback, has been entertaining audiences around the world with their unique American Roots music blended with Celtic Soul. In 1986, FitzGerald was a mandolin student of Jethro Burns and had already been touring with Clifton Chenier when he met McCormack, an award-winning voice student of Whelma Oshiem at the American Conservatory of Chicago and a member of the Star Search selected band Beyond Blue. They were both chosen by legendary County Kerry composer and concertina master Terrence 'Cuz' Teahan to join his traditional Irish group. Teahan taught FitzGerald and McCormack the old country techniques of Irish musical entertainment, making them one of the last generations to be directly influenced by a master of this musical genre.

By 1988, shortly before Teahan's death, the duo continued his musical legacy with the Wailin' Banshees, joining forces with banjo great Bert McMahon of Woodford, County Galway and Chicago fiddle legend Mary McDonagh. The Banshees flourished, but it was the power of seeing such Texan greats as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Joe Ely, and Rodney Crowell that fueled FitzGerald and McCormack's songwriting and ultimately led to the formation of Switchback in 1993.

Their first album was literally a commercial success, with Chevrolet using one of the songs to promote their Chevy Blazer. Their music eventually reached the ear of Grammy-winning producer Lloyd Maines, who then produced several albums for the band, with The Fire That Burns being selected as one of Performing Songwriter Magazine's top choices for 2003. Throughout this time, the duo managed a heavy touring schedule, opening for such acts as The Moody Blues, Leon Russell, Lee Greenwood, John Hartford, and Beausoliel.

Meanwhile, the Celtic music world never forgot the duo's Irish roots, so Switchback continued to cultivate a following at concerts and festivals. The duo has shared the stage with such notable Celtic musicians as Cherish the Ladies, Gaelic Storm, Liz Carroll, and John Williams. They annually tour Ireland and frequently perform at the Westport, County Mayo pub owned by The Chieftain's Matt Malloy, who often appears there as well.

Playing over 200 engagements a year, Switchback can be heard at festivals ranging from the Stan Rogers Folk Festival in Nova Scotia to the Summer Celebration in Michigan where they performed for an audience of 15,000. Their concerts take place at such venues as the intimately famous Bluebird Café of Nashville to the 3,400-seat Star Plaza Theater in Merrillville, Indiana.

Switchback's music is frequently played on radio stations such as RTE Radio One with Pat Kenny in Dublin, Ireland and can also be seen on Public Broadcasting Television stations throughout the United States.

Switchback also conducts educational programs and songwriting workshops for school and community organizations. They have developed several instructional sessions and often customize programs to fit the curriculum or concepts of the clients. Many of these seminars are held in elementary and high schools and libraries but have been conducted in settings as far-ranging as juvenile detention centers and church camps.

Wherever they play, no matter the size or age of audience, Switchback always captivates and charms folks with their energy and creativity.

John Lindenau Quartet

LCCC Staff — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:43:16 +0000

Music for Art Leelanau will be provided by the John Lindenau Quartet. A trumpet and flugelhorn jazz artist, John has played with such greats as Jimmy Dorsey, Woody Herman, Ramsey Lewis, and Dave Brubeck, as well as in many classical music groups. As a crossover player, he has an ease of tone quality that translates into an exceptional and rare ballad style. He is now retired from his long career as a music instructor, most recently with the Interlochen Arts Academy, and owns and operates a charter sportfishing boat out of Leland’s Fishtown during the summer months.

The other members of the quartet include Steve Stargardt, a sought-after jazz keyboard player who regularly plays with many local musicians in various settings throughout the northern lower peninsula. Steve was a music teacher for over 30 years, and has played for Broadway musicals, jazz and classical concerts, and as a studio musician.

Another musician equally at home in jazz and classical music settings is bassist Jerry Cameron. His degree in Music Education with a minor in Jazz Studies have prepared him well for a career in music that has included playing on cruise ships and being a band leader in Nashville. Jerry now plays all over the state at jazz festivals and in jazz clubs.

Drummer Jon Lindenau rounds out the quartet. Son of a musician, he plays drums for this group and others. As a member of the On Quartet, Jon will be playing for the Traverse City Film Festival Founder’s Party on Sunday, July 26. He also serves as First Mate on his father’s charter boat, the Infinity.

07/16/2010-07/17/2010 Kathleen Ann Murphy Exhibit

LCCC Staff — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:21:33 +0000

Kathleen Ann Murphy

Retrospective and Recent Paintings

July 16 and 17, 2010 at Old Art Building, Leland.

The opening reception will be on Friday, July 16, 2010 from 5-9 pm. Wine and hors 'deouvres will be served with music performed by Jazz Guitarist Jerry Flowers.

The exhibit will continue on Saturday, July 17 from 10 am to 6 pm.

For more information please call 269-599-2350

07/15/2010-Josh White Jr. Concert

LCCC Staff — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:38:51 +0000

Connemara Concerts and WNMC 90.7 FM are pleased to present a very special evening of music by the legendary performer, Josh White Jr. The concert is set for Thursday July 15, 2010 at 8 pm at the Old Art Building in Leland.

Josh White Jr. is a gifted performer who connects with an audience as if by magic. This performance will allow the audience to experience the magic of both the man and his music. The historic patina of Leland's Old Art Building will offer the listener....a true mid summer night's dream....a extrodinary performance of folk/blues, pop and jazz.

Thursday July 15, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Tickets: $20 in advance $25 at the door

Ticket Outlets: Old Art Building, Leelanau Books in Leland, Bahle's in Suttons Bay or Oryana Food Coop in Traverse City. For tickets and more information call: 941-8667.

2010 Summer Program Schedule Available

LCCC Staff — Mon, 03 May 2010 14:27:41 +0000

For a PDF printable version of the Summer Program Schedule CLICK HERE!

11/2009 LCCC Newsletter

LCCC Staff — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:07:53 +0000

Read the 2009 fall news letter.

Make a contribution

LCCC Staff — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:06:43 +0000

The Leelanau Community Cultural Center welcomes your charitable contributions. You may call us at 231-256-2131 to make specific bequests or donations or use the links below.

If you would like to include notes or special requests with your contribution, there is a box marked "Add Comments About Your Order" where you may do that.

07/23/10-07/28/10-Art Leelanau Benefit & Exhibition

LCCC Staff — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 21:31:05 +0000

Join us for the 18th annual benefit art exhibition and sale for support of the Old Art Building. The exhibit promotes the artwork of more than 100 Leelanau artists, with 40% of art sales to benefit the operating fund.

To view some of the participating artist's work CLICK HERE.

The opening Friday night gala is from 5:00-8:00 pm with live music by the John Lindenau Quartet, hors-d'oeuvres, and cash bar.

Tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

The exhibit continues through July 28 from 10:00 am-5:00 pm.

Sunday hours 12:00-4:00 pm.