Community Convos

The Convos welcomes Smitty Smith into the studio to chat about the upcoming 15th annual Pump Stock Music Festival, a celebration of music that began as a neighborhood get-together and has evolved into a cherished community event showcasing a variety of musical talents, including local favorites and renowned artists. This year's Pumpstock takes place June 7th at Bailey Park in East Lansing. Attendees can anticipate an enriching experience filled with music, food, and activities for all ages, making this event a must-visit for those in the region.

Facebook: Pumpstock 2025

Melissa Kaplan stops by The Convo to talk about "Take a Stand! Sit In!" an annual event aimed at inspiring people to take action towards the betterment of our world. This year's "Take a Stand! Sit In!" theme is climate change and it will foster an exchange of ideas and knowledge among faculty, staff, students, and community leaders. As a part of the Capital City Film Festival, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in both in-person sessions and virtual WebEx discussions taking place April 9th and 10th.

Website: Take A Stand! Sit In!

Website: Capital City Film Festival

Website: LCC Take A Stand! Sit In! Event Page

On this episode of The Covno, Daedalian catches up with Old Town Commercial Association's Executive Director, Samantha Bensen. Smantha gives a rundown of what to expect at this year's "Brrs, Beards, & Brews: A Lumberjack Festival". She tells about the festival's unique offerings, including a beard competition and various feats of strength.

Website: March 29th - Brrs, Beards, & Brews: A Lumberjack Festival

Event Co-organizer, Aja Washington stops by The Convo to talk about the Annual Dance by the River Pow Wow. This celebration of Native American culture and dance returns to Lansing after a four year hiatus.

Annual Dance by the River Pow Wow: Sept. 28 & 29

Facebook: Anishinaabe Friendship Center

Website: Event details at Choose Lansing

Liz Baker, co-chair for Lansing Out of the Darkness Walk and organization volunteer, Elli Wonch explain how this annual event is a journey of remembrance, hope, and support.

Out of the Darkness Walk: September 21, 2024

Website: Lansing Out of the Darkness Walk

Website: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Website: Out of the Darkness Community Walks

Michigan Institute for Contemporary Art (MICA) President, Terry Terry and MICA Event Coordinator, Melissa Marciniak stop by The Convo to chat about this year's BluesFest in Old Town Lansing. No surprise that a lot of great blues will be on hand, but a job fair too!? What's that about? Listen to find out.

Website: Michigan BluesFest - Sept. 18-21

Website: MICA

To Volunteer: 371-4600 or visit https://www.micharts.org/volunteer

Sarah Pierce, Owner and Founder of the 517 Living website stops by The Convo to chat about the website and her annual event, 517 Living Community Week.

Event: 517 Living Community Week

Website: 517 Living

Facebook: 517 Living

Terry Terry, President of Michigan Institute for Contemporary Arts (MICA) joins The Convo to talk about JazzFest Michigan. After three decades, one of Michigan's longest running celebration of jazz returns to Old Town Lansing, July 31 - August 4.

Website: Michigan Institute for Contemporary Arts & JazzFest Michigan

Facebook: JazzFest Michigan

General Manger of Music Instrument Swap, Shawn "The Fun Czar" VanSteeland is well known as a community activist and supporter of the live music scene. If you've been to any of Mid-Michigan's Music in the Park events, you've likely seen or met The Fun Czar. On this episode of The Convo, he stops by to tell us about who will be playing where in 2024.

Website: Music Instrument Swap

Website: Lansing Concerts in the Park

Website: Grand Ledge Music in the Park

Website: Delta Township Music in the Park

Website: Thursday Night Live! Courthouse Concerts

Website: Friday Night Concerts at the Lake Lansing Park South Band Shell

If you're from Mid-Michigan, chances are that you have a memory of visiting the Impression 5 Science Center. Usually those memories are from childhood, but let's face it, Impression 5 is a fun and exciting place to be no matter your age! Impression 5 Communications Manager, Taylor Hodge and Director of Innovation and Learning, Micaela Balzer drop into The Convo to talk about one of Lansing's favorite attractions.

Website: Impression 5 Science Center