Old Town - Lansing, MI
Performers Hit the Streets
This article was posted on Fri, Aug 01 2008 | Permalink
Free festivals bring music and theatre to Old Town
Lansing JazzFest
The Lansing JazzFest is scheduled to hit the streets of Old Town Friday, August 1 from 4p.m. to12:30a.m. and Saturday, August 2 from 2p.m. to 12:30a.m. This annual, two-day, music festival is a free event, bringing local, regional and national performers to the district.
JazzFest’s uniqueness stems from the fact that each artist at the festival is asked to play an original composition; a new piece that hasn’t been played at any other event. Featured performers include headliners Rayse Biggs and Johnny O’Neal Trio along with Beauty and the Beat, Don Phillips, Ed Smith’s Jazzfest All Stars, Lansing Symphony Big Band, Sunny Wilkinson and organissimo. A complete list of this year’s featured artists is at http://www.jazzlansing.com/artists.
Music is not the only thing you will find at JazzFest. The heart of Old Town is home to fantastic art galleries, unique boutiques and delicious eateries, all of which will keep their doors open during the festivities.
In addition, special vendors will be at the event, providing items such as ethnic food, beverages, art, clothing and crafts. Some of the vendors include Mongolian Barbeque, L&L Food Centers, Vernadine’s Soul Food, Tricia’s Fashions and World Gifts, among many more. The event features beverage tent at the festival, which patrons can enter for $5 per night on Turner St.
For more information on the festival visit http://www.jazzlansing.com or call the Old Town Business and Arts Development Association at 517.371.4600.
Renegade Theatre Festival
Old Town becomes the stage for Theatre Inside and Outside the Box as the Renegade Theatre Festival visits in August. Come see diverse grass-roots plays, impromptu performances, open mic readings, as well as traditional productions in the unique surroundings of Old Town.
The festival will take place August 21 through August 23, between 6p.m. and 10p.m. each evening. Be sure to bring the kids on Saturday from 1p.m. to 5p.m. to enjoy “Renegade Kids” featuring kid-friendly performances, art and activities.
All performances and activities are free-to-all.
For locations and the most up-to-date information visit http://www.renegadetheatre.org festival.org
Make sure to bring the kids down on Saturday from 1-5p.m. for “Renegade Kids” events featuring special performances just for the little ones. This is a great way to expose your kids to theater and the performing arts world.
For scheduling information, visit http://www.renegadetheatrefestival.com or look for the information booth at the corner of Turner and Grand River during the event.
Member Business Spotlight: Elderly Instruments
This article was posted on Fri, Aug 01 2008 | Permalink
Elderly Instruments is an award-winning music store, complete with a gorgeous showroom, endless products and accessories, a repair shop and knowledgeable employees with a passion for music.
Now celebrating their 25th year in Old Town, Elderly continues to serve as a legendary landmark in this historic district. Elderly is also one of the ten lucky businesses that received a makeover from IKEA this past January.
Elderly carries a wide variety of merchandise, including electric and acoustic guitars, percussion instruments, woodwinds, violins, books, CDs, DVDs and even ukuleles! Elderly sells everything that the aspiring or experienced musician may need to either learn how to play an instrument or to improve overall musical skills. Staff members in the repair shop are available to assess and fix any damages or faults on several types of instruments.
Elderly hosts many special events, including workshops and clinics for all kinds of instruments, as well as in-store concerts, tours and special guest “meet and greets.” For a complete list of upcoming special events, visit Elderly’s website at http://www.elderly.com.
Elderly is open Monday-Wednesday from 11a.m.-7p.m., Thursday from 11a.m.-9p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 10a.m.-6p.m.
For more information about the products and services that Elderly has to offer, visit
http://www.elderly.com or come to 1100 N. Washington Avenue to check the place out for yourself!
Old Town Welcomes By the Riverside
This article was posted on Fri, Aug 01 2008 | Permalink
“My daughter and I were walking down here and we just started dreaming,”said Betsy Garza.
So when Betsy Garza and Karen Massoglia had the opportunity to fulfill their dream—an arts emporium—they did. Ideas for By the Riverside (BTR) began to develop and form into what BTR is today.
Betsy and Karen decided to open in Old Town because “we both felt like this is where we were supposed to be,” said Betsy. “We’ve already met a lot of really nice people and everybody has been so welcoming.”
By the Riverside will open its doors to the public Friday, August 1. As an art gallery and emporium, BTR will feature unique handmade clothing buttons, furniture, jewelry, fine art, clothing made from recycled cloth and much more.
“Both of us had a dream to do something like this forever,” said Betsy, “but for awhile, we had to take care of family and had other things to attend to, so now it’s our turn.”
BTR plans to launch a website soon. A grand opening for the gallery/arts emporium is scheduled for September.
To learn more about BTR, stop by during JazzFest and call or email Karen at and 517.484.6534.
It’s Time for Pickin’ in the Park!
This article was posted on Fri, Aug 01 2008 | Permalink
Pickin’ in the Park serves as a weekly social affair that brings together musicians and residents alike in the heart of Old Town. This free event allows local acoustic performers to participate in a jam session every Tuesday and Thursday on the corner of Turner and Grand River by the Brenke Fish Ladder or in Turner Mini Park from 6p.m. until dusk. Musicians of all skill levels are invited to fill the streets of Old Town with the sounds of bluegrass, folk and jazz.
Pickin’ in the Park is a nationwide event that originated in Georgia and currently has programs in South Carolina, New York, Tennessee and Virginia. The OTCA became a part of this program in the summer of 2006. In previous years the event was held on Thursday evenings, but this year we are trying to incorporate Tuesday evenings into the schedule as well. After all, two jam sessions a week are much better than one!
Instead of spending your Tuesday and Thursday evenings at home, grab a chair, bring a friend and come down to Old Town to hear some tunes, enjoy dinner or check out the specialty boutiques and shops along Turner and Grand River. Or, feel free to bring along an instrument to join in on the fun!
For more information contact the OTCA office at 517.485.4283 or visit http://www.pickininthepark.com.
Reach Thousands at Old Town Oktoberfest
This article was posted on Fri, Aug 01 2008 | Permalink
The OTCA is currently searching for sponsors to help cover the costs of hosting Old Town Oktoberfest, mid-Michigan’s only German-style event. Complete with world-renowned German-style beer, authentic German food and live polka music, this is one sponsorship opportunity that you won’t want to miss!
By becoming a sponsor for Old Town Oktoberfest, you will reach thousands of festival patrons while supporting the community and linking your business with Old Town’s growing popularity and success as the commercial and cultural district of the Greater Lansing area.
Multi-level sponsorship opportunities are available to allow businesses of all sizes to gain exposure and contribute to the success of Old Town and Old Town Oktoberfest. Sponsorship levels range from $100 (banner sponsorship) to $10,000 (souvenir glass sponsorship). Customized packages for in-kind sponsors are also available.
The OTCA is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization. As such, a portion of your sponsorship may be tax deductible according to IRS regulations. In addition, please be aware that this event is one of the OTCA’s largest fundraisers. With the help of our generous sponsors, all funds accumulated through admission and sales during the festival contribute directly to Old Town’s revitalization.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or need additional information, please call the OTCA office at 517.485.4283 or e-mail .
Thank you for your continued efforts to support Old Town!