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 Second Annual Jeff Daniels & Friends" will take place Sat., Nov. 24, 2007, at Ann Arbor's historic Michigan Theater at 8:00 pm.
This year's lineup will include a bevy of folk, blues and jazz musicians, including vocalists, fiddlers, folk bands and a women's percussion group, and new music written and performed by Daniels. Featuring fellow Michigan-bred artists Seth Bernard & Daisy May; the Jeremy Kittel Trio; Repercussions; Steppin In It; and Josh White, Jr. the audience will be treated to an eclectic variety of original songs, including several tunes celebrating the Great Lakes State. The concert is produced by Big Pickle Productions.
Daniels says the concert 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." He says last year's sold out concert was so successful that it was an easy decision to bring it back.
"Year one of 'Jeff Daniels & Friends' was a complete blast," he says. "We had 1,750 people up on their feet singing and dancing in the aisles. 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."
