MAJIC Begins: Steve Talaga and Mind's Eye

We had our first concert last night and it was a great success! There were about 70 people who showed up for the concert, a great start for a first concert on a first series of its kind in Grand Rapids.

So great to have a tight jazz group performing in a concert venue in Grand Rapids! The biggest comment I received was that folks couldn't believe that the four guys in the band are in the Grand Rapids area. Who knew we had such amazing jazz musicians in West Michigan? Steve Talaga told me that it is a treat for Mind's Eye to play together. They have a whole book of original tunes, each by different members in the band and when they play together (which Steve Talaga told me unfortunately doesn't happen enough) it is very special.

Paul Petersen brought a nice group of folks down from Muskegon to see his photographs; that helped boost our crowd as well.

Thanks to the MAJIC task force members, and all of the Bethlehem folks who made for a nice reception at our first concert!

Sound Check by John Sinkevics

A concert series to embrace

Posted by John Sinkevics | The Grand Rapids Press October 12, 2007 00:40AM

Categories: Concerts

Steve Talaga and Mind's Eye, one of West Michigan pre-eminent jazz outfits, kick off a special concert series tonight at Bethlehem Church, 250 Commerce Ave. SW.

The monthly, eight-show lineup is sponsored by MAJIC (Musical Arts for Justice in the Community, a ministry of the church), with all donation proceeds benefiting the Grand Rapids Coalition to End Homelessness.

The concert begins at 7; admission is free, but a donation of $10 is suggested and the bands that are playing are worth way more than that. Future shows will feature:

• Eastern Blok (Nov. 9)
  
• Grand Rapids Cantata Choir (Dec. 14)
  
• Shakuhachi Grand Master Michael Gould, with Brian Hedeen (Jan. 11)
  
• Dean Windemuller (Feb. 8)
  
• Sunny Wilkinson and Ron Newman (March 14)
  
• Grand Rapids Guitar Quartet (April 11)
  
• Folias Latin Dance Project (May 9).

As the pianist Talaga so aptly put it:

"I am thrilled to be part of such a noble effort. I hope they raise a ton of money for this worthy cause. To me, this is the best of what the arts are all about.

"Through the power of art, social change can come and it happens in a much more positive way than via some alternative methods. I really hope we start to learn in this country how valuable and indispensable the arts are. ... I'm very proud to be a part of this endeavor to use the arts to help make a positive impact in our community."

Well said. Now, let's hope folks turn out and chip in, too.

E-mail John Sinkevics: jsinkevics@grpress.com