Kansas, O.A.R. and The Verve Pipe among groups tentatively planned for Meijer Gardens concert series
Updated Apr 29, 2021;
Posted Apr 29, 2021
O.A.R. performing in 2015 at Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. The band is one of the acts set to perform in this year s summer concert series. (MLive file photo)
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GRAND RAPIDS, MI O.A.R., Kansas and The Verve Pipe are among the groups tentatively scheduled for the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens series this summer.
The groups were announced Thursday, April 29 by Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, with the caveat that all shows are subject to change because of coronavirus restrictions.
The pandemic hit while the orchestra was in the middle of a search to find a new music director to succeed Anu Tali, who stepped down in 2018 after six years. Several of the seven conductors set to lead Masterworks concerts, the organization’s centerpiece programs, are returning from past seasons, including Marcelo Lehninger, who opens the season, JoAnn Falletta and Bramwell Tovey.
Others, like Teddy Abrams, music director of the Louisville Orchestra, and Stephen Mulligan, associate conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, were booked for last season but didn’t get to appear.
“It’s going to be a further exploration and getting-to-know-you process,” said Concertmaster Daniel Jordan.
After a Valentine s collaboration, the musicians will return for an encore performance of the dinner theater program of show tunes, Broadway and opera at Magnolia Grill, 157 Brooks St. SE, in Fort Walton Beach on Sunday, March 28. Singing at Magnolia is classic. That s vacation, the fun stuff, Lake said. From Some Enchanted Evening to Frank Sinatra, it s all music to me. It gives everyone at the Grill something to take home. It s an eclectic mix of music. I have had to sing in so many genres and I enjoy singing in different genres, and David can play anything and does.
Once nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in music by renowned cellist and conductor Mstislav Rostropovich, Ott has composed a large portfolio of compositions performed by the National Symphony and other orchestras throughout the country in musical genres ranging from large-scale orchestra works to short overtures.
Ferris State University President David Eisler to retire in June 2022
Updated Mar 15, 2021;
Posted Mar 15, 2021
David Eisler, president of Ferris State University, will retire in June 2022, the university announced Monday, March 15. (MLive File Photo)
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BIG RAPIDS, MI – Ferris State University President David L. Eisler will retire in June 2022, completing a 47-year career in higher education, the university announced Monday, March 15.
“Working at Ferris State University is a privilege, and it has been my honor to serve as president,” Eisler said in a statement. “This is a great university, with a unique and special mission, one that truly changes lives.”