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| 'Jeff Daniels & Friends' Holiday Concert Michigan actor, singer, songwriter Jeff Daniels announced today that he will host and perform at a special concert in November celebrating Michigan music and homegrown musicians. The Third Annual "Jeff Daniels & Friends" will take place Sat., Nov. 29, 2008, at Ann Arbor's historic Michigan Theater. This year's lineup of Michigan-bred artists includes a bevy of folk, blues and jazz musicians, including "Mr. B, " Ann Arbor's king of Boogie Woogie-styled music; "The Ragbirds, " featuring a World Music flavor; the youthful, gospel sounds of "B.A.S.I.C." (Brothers and Sisters in Christ); the up and coming "Ben Daniels Band;" and Lansing's own, "Steppin In It, " the renowned American swing band which returns for its third performance at the Daniels' event. Daniels says the concert, which is being produced by Big Pickle Productions, was originally modeled after an event hosted by folk legend Arlo Guthrie. "Arlo and friends get together every year around Thanksgiving and take over Carnegie Hall in a huge celebration of folk music, " says Daniels. "I wanted to do something similar to celebrate some of the great artists we have in Michigan." Daniels says the first two years of his event sold out quickly, so it was an easy decision to bring it back. "We had nearly two thousand people up on their feet singing and dancing in the aisles last year and the year before, " adds Daniels. "I'd say we've started something big and now have our own festive, holiday tradition." The successful six year run of the Purple Rose Theatre's "Jeff Daniels Live & Unplugged" shows led the entertainer to believe that what works over Christmas and New Year's could also work over the Thanksgiving weekend. "People are always looking for something fun to do when friends and relatives are in town over the holidays, " adds Daniels. "We're looking for fun-loving, foot-stomping, music-appreciating folks to come celebrate with us. We're anticipating another great turnout, and a fun evening, and know that people will leave feeling good about Michigan music." About (musician) Jeff Daniels: Unless you've seen his "Unplugged" concerts at the Purple Rose Theatre or in small Michigan towns at historic theatres or opera houses, you may not have known that Jeff Daniels can sing and play guitar. Or do both at the same time. Truth is, Daniels has been writing songs and playing guitar for 30 years. But, unlike numerous other celebrities, he's kept his music to himself for most of that time. His concerts and his first two CDs "Jeff Daniels Live and Unplugged" and "Grandfather's Hat, " have created a new appreciation for the artist in his home state, while raising funds for the Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea. "For me, songwriting began as a way of passing time on movie sets, " says Daniels, who has written more than 400 songs. "Over the years, I've turned the musical side of my life into a show for no other reason than I enjoy doing it." Like his film career, Daniels' ability to move back and forth between the comic and the serious is reflected in his music. While he has played all over the U.S., Daniels' CDs and concerts continue to connect with home grown music lovers across his home state of Michigan. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Jazz News :: home page |