2011

Linda Abar

Bringing passion and innovation to her career as a singer, songwriter and teacher, Linda Abar has found expression in a uniquely individual, stylized melding of her varied musical background.
            
In her first CD, Once Upon A Time, Linda demonstrates her soaring vocal talent. Through the intricate woven melodies and incandescent lyrics of her original compositions, she conveys both daring ingenuity and dedication to her craft. Influenced by a multitude of genres, some of her songs on this recording have been compared to the jazz piano compositions of Vince Guaraldi, to the smooth vocal expression of Sade, and to the rich string arrangements of chamber music. What is most evident about this recording, however, is the fascinating feeling it evokes—at once relaxing and energizing.

Linda agilely performs folk, jazz and classical, drawing imaginatively on elements of Celtic and New Age. The result is an intuitive blend of the varied music she has followed in her lifetime of study and performance.

From the time as a child when she performed backyard concerts with friends and sang in church and schools, music has been an integral part of Linda’s life. A graduate of Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in vocal music education and theory composition, she has acquired a wealth of diverse professional experience. She has been a resident with the Ten Pound Fiddle in East Lansing, MI, and has performed on the main stage at the Montreaux Jazz Festival. She also recorded as a guest artist on Thom Jayne and the Nomads’ Road Trip and on Max Raines Songs of Forgiveness CDs. Linda also sings throughout Mid-Michigan as a church soloist.

As a music instructor, Linda has made many discoveries studying body mechanics through Alexander Technique, Yoga and Pilates. She teaches a natural way of singing that can be used for any musical style. Intuitive and innovative in her approach, she applies her individualized instruction to draw out the creative potential of each student, addressing the mental and emotional aspects of becoming an artist and performer. 

Visit Linda's Official Website.

Opening Act:
Spoken Words: Tari Muñiz, Lee Sayles, and Laurie Hollinger

This is the first time Spoken Words have performed together.
Lee is a poet around town and author of two poetry chapbooks; The Year of the Phoenix and I Have Nothing to Say.  Her next project, Salicious Butch will be out in the spring.
Tari has been writing poetry and smart-ass essays for a long time.  Her work has been published in numerous periodical throughout the years.
Laurie, aka Wyrd, is an emerging poet, an intern at MSU's Center for Poetry, and a non-traditional English & Humanities student at MSU. Her "Army Mom" columns have been published in Greater Lansing Woman.

 

Hana Malhas

“With her emotive voice and graceful stage presence, Hana Malhas is an important new figure on the Ann Arbor music scene. She delivers soul-stirring songs with great intensity.”  - Martin Bandyke, Ann Arbor’s 107one

“…magic on stage…an entertainer along with a stunning voice.” 
– Gw Staton, Black Crystal Café

Hana Malhas (pronounced Hena) is a singer-songwriter originally from Amman, Jordan. Currently based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, she is inspired by the contrast between her two homes, while staying true to her brand of borderless indie-folk.  

Her live performances showcase an expressive vocal delivery and lyrically driven songs in a style that is Sarah-McLachlan-meets-Bon-Iver. On stages in both the US and the Middle East, she is a storyteller with an emotionally engaging live repertoire that is infused with sincerity and humor - whether solo with her piano and guitar, or accompanied by cello, bass or percussion/drums.

“A folk-rock songstress with a 10,000-watt voice… it’s as if the music is taking over her body, channeling through her lungs in a sort of velvet explosion…she has an infectious smile, and a playful way of grooving onstage, performing with either piano or guitar.” – JO Magazine

Hana's debut album 'Shapeshift' (self-released in March, 2010), was crafted in four recording locations, with 17 American and Jordanian artists over two time zones and 6000 miles. 

Visit Hana's Official Website.

Opening Act:
Safe Drive Home (Jess Klein & Caiden Droscha )

More info coming soon!

 

Day Stage

Sponsored by Liberty Tax Service

12:30pm   Tania Hayward - Singer/Songwriter 1:00pm    Alfonso - Spanish Songs on guitar and ukulele 1:30pm    Anna Christy Folk-Rock: Anna Christy's 1st solo performance. 2:00pm    Sistrum - Lansing's Womens Chorus Sistrum Mission Statement Creating music that inspires, empowers and entertains. Sistrum Core Values: We provide a musical haven where women may find and nurture their voices and enjoy the camaraderie offered by the Sistrum community. We create a choral instrument through which our members can use their voices to raise beautiful music and powerful energy. We challenge and entertain our audiences and ourselves, such that all are moved to emotion, thought, and action. We believe in the magic and joy of raising our voices together as diverse lesbian, bisexual, heterosexual, queer, and transgender women. In doing so, we lend our spark to the worldwide struggle for peace, equality, and freedom for all people. 2:30pm    Magdalen Fossum - 10 year old singer/songwriter! (video) Named this years (2011) Open Stage Performer of the Year by The Ark in Ann Arbor, and recipient of the Elyse Fishman Music Scholarship by the Wheatland Music Organization, Ten year old Magdalen Fossum of Ann Arbor is carrying on the tradition of folk music in Michigan. Performing old traditionals and old jazz tunes Magdalen delights and entertains with charm, humility and good cheer.   3:00pm    Amy Starr - Singer/Songwriter, performing original music.