2011
Red Tail Ring, Saturday evening, February 26. $10 at the door, or by calling 392-7151
Red Tail Ring is the musical brainchild of two old-time-minded Michiganders – Michael Beauchamp and Laurel Premo. The collaboration blends the loving attention of revivalist fervor with the playful creativity of starting from scratch. Whether rendering a traditional tune or one of their many original compositions, the duo infuses each song with musical imagination, haunting harmonies and instrumental artistry. “We love pushing the boundaries of what a traditional song can be,” says Beauchamp. “It informs how we write our original songs. There’s a real energy exchange between the old and the new.” This two-way connection between old and new takes center stage in Red Tail Ring’s upcoming studio recordings, scheduled for release in 2011. Two albums featuring Premo and Beauchamp’s original songs as well as their interpretations of Appalachian and folk tunes are in the works. As Premo explains, "We want to show references of the traditional forms that have inspired us in our new writing.”
For Beauchamp and Premo, the duality of Red Tail Ring makes perfect sense. As performers, they balance an enduring regard for the ballads and refrains of times past with a restless desire to create melodies and narratives that resonate with listeners. In Red Tail Ring the duo also taps into each musician’s distinct roots. Beauchamp, an Earthwork Music artist who holds a joint degree in Ethnomusicology and English Literature from the University of Michigan (2005), melded his whimsical lyricism with Breathe Owl Breathe for his solo debut My Northern Voices (2008). Premo, who was raised on traditional music in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, pursued art and music at U of M earning a degree in Performing Arts Technology (2010). She also studied traditional Finnish music at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland (2008). Premo has lent her talents to more than a dozen recordings in addition to her own albums, Innertwine (2008) and Stung by the Nettle (2009). On stage together Premo and Beauchamp create something rare as they use every facet of their voices and instruments – including guitar, fiddle, banjo, octave mandolin, mandolin and jaw harp – to connect with audiences.
Beauchamp and Premo formed Red Tail Ring in 2009. During 2010, the duo played more than 100 shows in 11 different states, including festivals and venues in the Midwest, the South and the East coast. Highlights included opening the Hoxeyville Music Fest in Wellston, Michigan which featured Justin Townes Earle, Todd Snider and Greensky Bluegrass; playing twice to enthusiastic crowds at The Ark in Ann Arbor, Michigan; and bringing their old-time hybrid back to its roots in the Appalachian Mountains by playing the Purple Fiddle in Thomas, West Virginia. Along the way, Red Tail Ring turned even raucous barroom listeners into fans of their fiddle, banjo and guitar tunes. At festivals, seasoned grassroots audiences greeted their fresh blend of old and new with surprise and delight. In 2011, Red Tail Ring is looking to reach wider audiences and excited at the prospect of connecting with new listeners and greeting friends made in 2010. For Premo and Beauchamp, Red Tail Ring encircles their present and future – a place where expansion and creativity meet tradition, and thrive.
Mitch McVicker, Sunday, March 27, 7pm.
It was Rich Mullins who introduced Mitch to the contemporary Christian music world as he traveled, did concerts, and wrote songs with Mullins for 2 years. During that time, Mitch and Rich wrote, “My Deliverer”, a Dove Award winning Song of the Year. However, in 1997, tragedy struck. As the two traveled to a concert, their vehicle overturned. Rich Mullins was killed, and Mitch was left with serious internal injuries and a severe closed head injury. McVicker was in a coma and hospitalized for six weeks. During his two year recovery period, thousands upon thousands of people around the country rallied to pray for Mitch and send him cards. Where he is today is nothing short of a miracle. We are utterly delighted to have him as our guest in the Upper Room Theatre.
Tickets, 10$, are available at the door, or by calling 616-392-7151
2009
The Zion Writer’s Workshop, meeting monthly in the Upper Room Theatre
The Hymnwriters! Workshop has regrouped and reformed. Come join us as we meet once a month to explore the writing life, refracted through the lens of scripture and combined with the power of sharing our faith journeys on the page. We will be working toward the publication of a yearly journal of spiritual writing.
- Sunday, October 4th, 7 pm: "The Bread, and the Butter, of the Writing Life"
Adam and Eve, Ltd., by Mark Twain, Thursday, September 24, 7pm
Mark Twain’s comic one-act about the nature of love and the marvelous perils of relationship, set in the Garden of Eden. Part of the ZLCW season opener.
Mitch McVicker, Sunday, September 27, 7pm.
It was Rich Mullins who introduced Mitch to the contemporary Christian music world as he traveled, did concerts, and wrote songs with Mullins for 2 years. During that time, Mitch and Rich wrote, “My Deliverer”, a Dove Award winning Song of the Year. However, in 1997, tragedy struck. As the two traveled to a concert, their vehicle overturned. Rich Mullins was killed, and Mitch was left with serious internal injuries and a severe closed head injury. McVicker was in a coma and hospitalized for six weeks. During his two year recovery period, thousands upon thousands of people around the country rallied to pray for Mitch and send him cards. Where he is today is nothing short of a miracle. We are utterly delighted to have him as our guest in the Upper Room Theatre.
Tickets, 10$, are available at the door, or by calling 616-392-7151
The Tira Mi Su Trio, October, Sunday, October 25, 7 pm
Music of Lachner, Vaughan-Williams, Mendelssohn and more. Julia Neckermann, violin; Grace Byrd, viola, and Joseph Byrd, piano
Charles Ives: the Man and the Music, Tuesday, November 10 and 17, 9:30 am (Part of the Hope Academy of Senior Professionals)
Advent by Candlelight, Saturday, December 5, 7pm
Join us for a delightful evening of tea, treats, tableware finery, and a Christmas concert in the theatre.
Kid’s Kamp Christmas Musical, Wednesday, December 16, 6pm--"Shepherds, Sheep, and a Savior"
Zion’s 1st through 5th graders will present the story of Jesus’ birth in song in the Upper Room Theatre.