Off the Beaten Path at St. Michael’s in the Hills Episcopal Church continues its abbreviated season by welcoming back the Sphinx Virtuosi orchestra, which launched the event series in 2019, drawing a sellout crowd to the church that’s off the beaten path.
“The first year that they came here they performed at Carnegie Hall on Friday night and St. Michael’s in the Hills on Tuesday night,” said Steve Wipfli, chairman of the Off the Beaten Path program, in an earlier interview.
The chamber orchestra comprises 18 of the nation’s top Black and Latino classical soloists, primarily alumni of the internationally renowned Sphinx Competition.
“It’s a very fascinating group,” Wipfli said. “This organization is based in Detroit, and their mission is to increase diversity in the classical music world. They offer all kinds of initiatives and opportunities to help African-American and Latinx classical musicians get more experience, get training, opportunities for performances.”
The groups of musicians travel all over for concerts, he said.
That inaugural performance at St. Michael’s in 2019, Wipfli said, was “really one of the best concerts I’ve ever attended.”
His words were echoed by Sarah Schendel, a congregation member, who said by email: “It was literally the best concert I ever attended “
Wipfli added: “I’m a classical music fan, and I’ve heard a lot over the years, but this was just spectacular. They’re young and vibrant and enthusiastic, and the music that they choose is also based on diversity, diverse composers, and topics that are related to social justice inclusion.
“We can’t wait for them to return,” he said.
The concert is 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 4. General admission is $30; students are $5. Order tickets online at brownpapertickets.com/event/5394630 or call the church office at 419-531-1616.
While many mask mandates have been dropped, it’s still a good idea to make sure you know where your venue stands on masks and social distancing guidelines.
Coming up:
■ Maumee Indoor Theatre, 601 Conant St., Maumee, Saturday at 7:30 p.m.: The Edgar Loudermilk Band with host Jerry Eicher of the Ol’ Hippie Bluegrass Show. Opening is Julie Thereau (JT & Thunderhill), including John Patrick Barile on mandolin, Doren Wells on banjo, and special guest Randy Shaffer performing “She’s Not Really Cheatin,’ She’s Just Gettin’ Even.” Tickets are $15. Contact Eicher for ticket information and reservations at 419-270-0122.
■ Maumee Bay Brewing Co. Ice House, 27 Broadway St., Toledo, March 31 at 7 p.m.: Toledo Jazz Orchestra Bistro Series: Tumbao Bravo. This exciting Cuban jazz band has performed at all the major Michigan jazz and music festivals including Detroit, Lansing, Birmingham, River Raisin, Wheatland Dance, and Ann Arbor. In September, 2017, the band released their fifth CD, El Nido-The Nest. All band members have won or been nominated for individual Detroit Music Awards as well teach at University of Michigan, Washtenaw Community College, jazz camps, and music studios. Tumbao Bravo has been presenting a program called “The Rhythms of Cuba” at numerous libraries throughout southeastern Michigan and the San Francisco Bay area. Tickets are $35. Go to toledojazz.org.
■ Conn-Weissenberger American Legion Post 587, 2020 Alexis Rd., April 16, 5 to 8 p.m.: Voices of Harmony benefit dinner and concert featuring Voices of Harmony, TMS quartet, Anthony Wayne High School Close Harmony, and Van Buren High School Knightlife. The event is a fund-raising effort to help offset costs of competing at the Barbershop International Convention in Charlotte, N.C., this summer. Dinner is pulled pork with beans, coleslaw, and potato salad. Water, tea, and coffee provided. Cash bar. Dinner and concert is $25 for adults, $15 for children ages 5 to 13. Concert only is $15 for attendees ages 5 and older. Purchase in advance by April 12 at thevoicesofharmony.org.
■ University of Toledo Center for Performing Arts Recital Hall, 1910 W. Rocket Dr., Toledo, Sunday at 3 p.m.: The Dorothy MacKenzie Price Piano Series is back with pianist Frances Renzi. Reception afterward. Concert is free; parking is not. Go to calendar.utoledo.edu.
■ Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle, 2445 Monroe St., Sunday, 7 p.m.: Toledo Symphony in Igor Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du soldat (The Soldier’s Tale). The soldier trades his fiddle to the devil in return for unlimited economic gain. This Faustian tale of desire, temptation, and regret is brought to life with actors and musicians. Tickets $10 to $50. Go to toledosymphony.com or call 419-246-8000.
■ Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor, Friday, 8 p.m.: Mr. B 1-2-3 Part 3: A TO Z! featuring pianist Mark Braun (Mr. B) with bassist Kurt Krahnke and drummer Randy Gelispie. The final concert of Kerrytown Concert House’s new three-part series will incorporate bits of every facet of improvisational American piano music, from traditional blues and boogie woogie to stride, swing, bebop, New Orleans funk, and more. Tickets are $10 to $45.
Saturday, 8 p.m.: Salon Series Chamber Soloists of Detroit, House Blend. Violinist Fabiola Kim, cellist Amir Eldan, and pianist Pauline Martin. A varied program of piano trios by Mozart (K. 496 in G), Brahms (Op. 101 in C minor) and Jean Francaix, topped off with talkback where artists engage with audience members from the stage. Tickets are $10 to $45.
Sunday, 7:30 p.m.: Rescheduled from January. Tenor saxophonist Houston Person will be backed by regional jazz masters, pianist Pat Cronley, bassist Paul Keller, and drummer David Taylor. Experience a jazz legend up close. Tickets $20 to $100. Email kch@kerrytownconcerthouse.com, call 734-769-2999, or visit kerrytownconcerthouse.com.
■ Over Yonder Concert House, Virginia Street, Thursday, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.: Crys Matthews & Heather Mae. Matthews is among the brightest stars of the new generation of social justice music-makers, hoping to take her place alongside some of her heroes in the world of social-justice music like Sweet Honey in the Rock and Holly Near. Tickets are $20. Go to overyonderconcerthouse.com.
■ Ritz Theatre, 30 S. Washington St., Tiffin, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.: American pianist Thomas Pandolfi is an exciting virtuoso on piano. Tickets are $10, $15, $20, $25. Call 419-448-8544, visit ritztheatre.org/box-office, or visit the Ritz Theatre box office.
Send news of music to Heather Denniss at hdenniss@theblade.com at least one week ahead of your event.
First Published March 24, 2022, 1:00 p.m.
