U-M Detroit Center/MSU Community Music School Concert of Colors Outdoor Stage
The University of Michigan Detroit Center/MSU Community Music School Outdoor Stage, highlighted acts and lineup for the 20th Annual Concert of Colors, Saturday, July 14 and Sunday, July 15.
DJ Captn20; Saturday, July 14 - 8 p.m.
DJ Captn20 began his journey as a DJ with CDs and vinyl, practicing daily in his basement. After developing a strong passion for house music, Captn20 put together his first demo titled “House Cleaning” and hit the streets with it.
Soon after, he landed a residency at the Ultra Chic Lounge, known as The Corner, located in the 5 Diamond Townsend Hotel. From there, Captn20 became a household name in Detroit, holding down residencies three to four nights a week at the area’s most upscale nightclubs and lounges.
His style and energy has put him behind the decks at every major venue and event in the Metro Area, and has made him a staple in the Detroit music scene. Just one year in Djing, Captn20 formed a music collective known as Basement Beats Productions; designed to help local talent flourish. Basement Beats has also aided in and been responsible for bringing in talent from all over the world, giving him the opportunity to share
the decks with major electronic artists such as Kaskade, Fedde le Grand, DJ Jazzy Jeff and many more.
Still shifting gears and at top speed, Captn20 is currently hitting major cities all over North America. In the spring of 2012, he opened for electronic legend, Tiesto at Greystone Manor in Hollywood, CA.
DJ Captn20 is currently in the process of producing his first major EP release. For more info, visit: www.djcaptn20.com
Tim Ellerbe Project; Saturday, July 14 - 5 p.m.
The Tim Ellerbe Project (TEP) is a Christian/Gospel/Jazz trio that consists of Tim Ellerbe, Andrea Brown Ellerbe and Crystal Hayes (also, a very dedicated laptop affectionately called Priscilla).
The trio is dedicated to creating music that lifts people up, makes them dance and also worship the Lord. While a few of their songs are unorthodox in some Christian circles, their hearts are inline with the Christian message.
The Tim Ellerbe Project releases a new album annually, with their upcoming release entitled, Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs. The album will be the departure album from the previous release, Holy Hands. This new project will focus on worship, encouragement and adoration of the Lord.
For more info, visit: www.reverbnation.com/timellerbeproject
BombaRica; Saturday, July 14 - 7 p.m.
Famed Detroit percussionist and Afro-Caribbean historian Ozzie Rivera leads BombaRica in an exploration of African-inspired Puerto Rican folk music called bomba.
Hand drums and dancers converse in a performance style that relies on call and response. Pulling from African, Hispanic and European influences, bomba crept into the pulse of 20th-century American music, eventually turning into familiar styles such as salsa.
Ben Sharkey; Sunday, July 15 - 8 p.m.
With performances that have been viewed more than five million times on YouTube alone, Ben Sharkey has been delighting fans worldwide with his romantic style and velvet vocals on old swing and jazz standards that would make old Blue Eyes himself green with envy.
His original compositions bear his soul and tug at the listener's heartstrings. Ben Sharkey's striking good looks and impassioned music makes him a must see act.
Although often compared to contemporaries like Michael Bublé, Ben is actually more closely comparable to Mel Torme and Harry Connick, Jr, with his intimate interpretations of jazz classics and ability to make them sound fresh and new. His elegant renditions of the music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Bobby Darrin (along with many others) are both powerful and personal.
His original music, available on iTunes, is heartfelt and instantly catching.
Chris Canas Band; Sunday, July 15 - 5 p.m.
Chris Canas Band has been a staple of Blues and Jazz in the Metro-Detroit area for more than a decade. Known for their original compositions and arrangements at live shows, Chris Canas Band has opened for some of the greatest names in Jazz and Blues circles. The band has developed a loyal fan base, playing to sold out venues and standing room only crowds.
Chris Canas calls himself “the Soldier for the Blues,” and like any good soldier, will not stop until his mission is accomplished. The new release, She’s Breaking Me is making waves on Blues and Soul charts. The new album features Chris Canas (lead guitar, vocals), Angie C (percussion, vocals), Kevin Schoepke (bass) and Mickey Coleman (drums).
For more on the band, visit: www.chriscanas.net
L'Renee; Sunday, July 15 - 7 p.m.
L'Renee is an international R&B recording artist and founder of GirlPOWer (a non-profit organization). A resident of Detroit, L’Renee is an alumnus of Detroit Renaissance High School and Kentucky State University.
She won the 2010 Detroit edition of the Andre Harell Superstar Soul Search and was a finalist in the 2010 Budweiser Superfest Singing Contest. Since 2005, she has released seven studio albums, including: Special Song (2005), 2nd Chances (2006), Merry Christmas (2007), Jazz (2008), Europe (2009), Nathan R's "Grown Up Conversations"(2009) and Karaoke (2010).
L’Renee has performed all across the country and has graced the stage with some of music’s biggest names, including New Edition and Mary J. Blige.
For more info, visit: www.lrenee.net
Saturday, July 14
Hosted by D Brown
2 p.m. Community Records Battle of the Bands Winner: MSB (Rap)
3 p.m. Arts League Jazz Ensemble (Jazz)
4 p.m. Keir Jackson (Poetry/Jazz/Gospel)
5 p.m. Tim Ellerbe Project (Gospel/Jazz)
6 p.m. Remnants (Gospel)
7 p.m. BombaRica (African-inspired Puerto Rican Folk)
8 p.m. DJ Captn20 (House/Electronica)
Sunday, July 15
Hosted by B Def
2 p.m. A.C.T.I.N. U.P. (Dance Performance)
3 p.m. JO! (Dance Performace)
4 p.m. Umojah International (Reggae/Experimental)
5 p.m. Chris Canas Band (Blues/Jazz)
6 p.m. DJ Christos (House/Electronica)
7 p.m. L’Renee (R&B)
8 p.m. Ben Sharkey (Vocal Jazz/Swing)
