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