music

Fête de la Musique – Make Music Day – was started in France 40 some years ago to mark the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. Now celebrated in hundreds of countries, Make Music Day made its way to Ann Arbor last year, thanks to the Ann Arbor District Library. On this episode of WEMU’s "creative:impact," Rich Retyi tells host Deb Polich what’s on the playlist for the longest day of the year, June 21st.

When you find and wonder what to do with that loved, but dusty and unused musical instrument found in your basement, attic or garage, give it to "Horns for the Holidays." Ken Kozora has collected, repaired and repurposed instruments for students across Washtenaw County. Meet Ken and learn more about "Horns for the Holidays" when he joined Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."

Charles Latimer was named a 2024 Jazz Hero by the Jazz Journalists Association. He talks about his award with WEMU's John Bommarito.

The tradition of community bands dates back centuries. We learn about the local bands that entertain residents on national holidays and put on concerts in parks and auditoriums when local community band experts Jerry Robbins and William Perrine join Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."

The Ann Arbor Jazz and Blues Festival, the Hash Bash, the White Panther Party and the music of the legendary MC5. What do these things have in common? Activist and rebel John Sinclair. The noted poet and music historian passed away Tuesday in Detroit at the age of 82. Two of Sinclair's friends stopped by the WEMU studio to share their memories and experiences. Current Hash Bash organizer and former event organizer Adam Brook joined WEMU's David Fair to honor their friend and colleague.

It took 40 years and a Facebook page to make Steve Girbach’s and John Mooneyham’s dream to open a music club come true. Together, they launched Manchester Underground Music and Art to bring live music to downtown Manchester. We meet Steve and hear the origin story about the club when he joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."

As a recording artist and music producer, Dr. Rod Wallace amplifies hip hop. He is an educator who applies the study of music technology to ignite and inspire youth. Rod is busy planning the March 2nd Detroit Electronic Music Conference at Washtenaw Community College. Meet him when he joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."

The theme of Black History Month this year is African Americans and the Arts. The Ann Arbor-based Willis C. Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale is celebrating 50 years of sharing the legacy of African American spirituals in 2024. It has spent five decades combatting the lack of inclusion for Black composers in chorale and classical music spaces. WEMU's David Fair talks all about it with the president of the chorale, Sharon Vaughters, in advance of some special performances in Ann Arbor on another Black History Month edition of "Washtenaw United."

Underground and not listed on concert calendars, Johnny’s Speakeasy has hosted bands in a little venue down the road since the late 1990’s. That is, until last year, when a fire destroyed both the venue and Johnny Williams’ home. Hear how and why local musicians have launched a campaign to "Save Johnny’s Speakeasy" when Johnny joins host Deb Polich on this edition of 89.1 WEMU’s "creative:impact."

What do Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, John Legend and Gwen Stefani have in common with Ann Arborite Angelina Nazarian? They appeared together on the 24th season of The Voice. Hear about Angelina’s experience as a contestant and being on Team Reba when she joins host Deb Polich on the next edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."