Kalamazoo band Last Gasp Collective is bringing their eclectic sound to Northern Michigan as part of the Summer Sounds Concert Series at Michigan Legacy Art Park. The troupe blends hip-hop and jazz with R&B, soul and classical music. We caught up with the Art Park’s Communications & Special Projects Manager Troy DeShano, who was recently recognized as a “rising leader” by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.
When: Friday, July 12 from 7–9 p.m.
Where: Michigan Legacy Art Park Amphitheater, Thompsonville (accessible by 1/4 mile ADA trail from parking lot)
Tell us about the Summer Sounds experience.
“It’s an outdoor amphitheater in the middle of the woods. Imagine a summer evening surrounded by trees, birds, bees, butterflies, the cool night, the sky above and live music playing … it’s really a comforting, memorable experience.”
What are some of the goals you have with this program?
“When I came in, I thought about how to bring in musicians who can share a story that is different from mine. It’s an opportunity to provide an experience to our audience that they might not have had otherwise. It’s going to challenge them and I think surprise them a lot.”
Why are you particularly excited to bring Last Gasp Collective to the art park?
“Over the last couple of years, I’ve had multiple well-respected musicians recommend Last Gasp Collective. The group is really perfect for the mission of our program. They’re a hip-hop group, but all their music is live. They also have horns and strings, they utilize looping with an electric cello and they have singers and rapping. It really mixes genres and styles, but the musicianship is something I think will really stand out to our audience as a component they can truly appreciate.”
The Summer Sounds program brings an array of quality live music to the Northern Michigan woods for weekly concerts through the summer months. Check out Michigan Legacy Art Park’s website for the concert schedule, and get tickets at MyNorthTickets.com.