The Capital Area Blues Society, led by board member Larry Grudt, is developing a project that will place artistically decorated pianos in public spaces around East Lansing and Lansing. The project proposes to bring used pianos, local artists, business merchants, and the community together in a spontaneous, unique and entertaining manner. Donated pianos in working condition will be paired with local artists who will decorate them.

As reported for ELi yesterday, dueling “yes” versus “no” campaigns have emerged over the November ballot question asking East Lansing citizens whether the City should be allowed to sell three parking lots in the Park District planning area. Today we report on what we have learned regarding who is behind the “yes” and “no” campaigns.

The “No” campaign:

On November 4, voters in East Lansing will be asked to vote on whether to authorize the City to sell three parking lots that may be used for redevelopment of the area around Valley Court Park.

The much-anticipated Quidditch preseason is now underway with regular after-school intra-squad scrimmages taking place at Patriarche Park. Players from East Lansing High School meet after school to break into two teams, pitting the Goslings against the Narwhals. Ordinarily, practice occurs on Friday afternoons, but because so many of the players belong to the marching band and this Friday was the MSU Homecoming game, practice this week took place on Thursday.

East Lansing residents are seeing fewer tree trimming crews out working for Lansing’s Board of Water and Light (BWL), the major provider of electricity to East Lansing. But tensions remain very high between BWL and homeowners. Some homeowners who have already experienced damage to their properties from trimmer crews are being offered compensation by BWL. Others, worried about future damage, have joined a new yard sign campaign.

The community of East Lansing will have the chance to enjoy some impromptu, “surprise” concert venues within their own homes and lawns this coming Sunday, September 28, 2014. For four hours during their annual “Night Out” Fundraiser, groups of four to five East Lansing High School (ELHS) orchestra or band students will join parent volunteers as they “carol” at various homes in the area, providing entertainment and asking for donations to the ELHS music program. 

The Steam Railroading Institute (SRI) of Owosso is offering a unique and relaxing way to see the fall colors of the Lower Peninsula: an all-day train tour. The SRI will be hosting a series of trips: October 4, round-trip from Cadillac to Boyne Fall; October 11, round-trip from Petoskey to Fife Lake; and October 18, round-trip from Mount Pleasant to Cadillac. The series’ migration south over October ensures great colors on each tour.