music

Balancing the obligations of life is still a constant challenge. It leads to many creative people setting something that gives them personal joy and fulfillment. "I’ll get back to it someday,” they say. Then, someday is forty or fifty years down the line. Marissa Conniff, a young business owner and mom, found her way back to her first creative love: singing. Find out how when Marissa joins Deb Polich, your host, on the next "creative:impact."

Joe Malcoun is an entrepreneur active in local politics and community development. He is also a music club owner. What drives him? As the owner of Ann Arbor’s storied Blind Pig, is he living out his teenage fantasy of “being in a band,” or is he a sly investor? Maybe he’s both! Find out when Joe joins Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact."

James Parry Eyster – AKA Jason – knows Frank Porter Glazier – perhaps Chelsea, Michigan’s most prominent and notorious resident. In fact, Jason found Glazier’s life so fascinating, he was compelled to write a musical to tell the tale. Meet Jason and hear all about the drama and intrigue when he joins Deb Polich, WEMU's "creative impact" host.

50 years of Gemini! Twin brothers San and Laz Slomovits’ music, harmonizing voices, and fun memorable lyrics have captured the attention of children and families for five decades. What’s kept the brothers in the game and on the stage all these years? Find out when San and Laz join host Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."

Record Store Day is on Saturday and music fans from all over Washtenaw County and beyond will descend on Ann Arbor. In what is relatively rare in this day and age, the city has four record stores within walking distance of each other. WEMU's Josh Hakala put on his walking shoes to find out how four record stores can thrive in one downtown.

The University Musical Society, or UMS, has a new goal of engaging the Ypsilanti community in the arts in their neighborhoods. The effort will kick off with a week-long program of music, art and dance coming to Ypsilanti's Freighthouse in April. The program will be filled with singers, dancers, graffiti artists, orchestral and African-inspired music -- all with performances that encourage audience participation. WEMU's Cathy Shafran brings all of the details with Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale and UMS vice president of learning and engagement Cayenne Harris.

Teachers William and Verna Hayes turned their vocation into their passion. Identifying a void in Ypsilanti, a school district absent of an orchestra program, Bill and Verna stepped up to start the Ypsilanti Youth Orchestra and began changing lives. They will be honored with an Outstanding Service Medal on February 27 at THE pARTy!, Creative Washtenaw’s signature benefit event. Bill and Verna join "creative:impact" host Deb Polich.

Peter "Madcat" Ruth and his harmonica have delighted music fans here and across the world for decades. A Grammy Award winner, Madcat includes Dave Brubeck and his sons Chris and Danny Brubeck, as well as his longtime partner Shari Kane, on the list of those with whom he’s made music. Madcat receives a Lifetime Achievement Medal on February 27 at THE pARTy!, Creative Washtenaw’s signature benefit event. He joins "creative:impact" host Deb Polich and they talk about his life and career.

After nearly 50 years, the historic downtown Ypsilanti building that housed antique store Materials Unlimited has new ownership. That new owner gathered a variety of musicians, artists, and community members to unveil her plans for a music venue that she calls her “love letter for Ypsi”. WEMU’s Josh Hakala was there.

Star tenor of world opera and Grammy Award winner, George Shirley is a legendary performer. A Medal of the Arts recipient – our nation’s highest accolade for artists – and already in Opera America’s Hall of fame, Professor Shirley receives a Lifetime Achievement Medal on February 27 at THE pARTy!, Creative Washtenaw’s signature benefit event. He joins "creative:impact" host Deb Polich, and they talk about his life and career.