Events
Annual Events
REO Town may be best known for its special events. Our organization is volunteer-driven, and we are always on the lookout for sponsors (both in-kind and financial), volunteers, and interesting new event concepts.
Roughly half of REO Town’s events are coordinated by the REO Town Promotions Committee while the other half are partnerships with other neighborhood and event planning organizations.
REO Town Art Attack!
Nightmare Off Elm Street
Nightmare Off Elm Street is REO Town's neighborhood Halloween party! Businesses stay open late, housing pop-up shows from local artists. Come from 5-8 to grab a bite and check out the exhibitions, then stick around for an evening of costume parties, burlesque and drag shows, and spooky hijinks! This event takes place in late October.
Lansing Beer Fest
Lansing Beer Fest is an outdoor beer festival on Washington Avenue between South St. and Elm St. in REO Town. The festival features 20+ Michigan breweries and around 100 craft beers, as well as a variety of ciders and spirits.
Hosted in mid-June, the event offers food trucks, live music, vendors, a great beer selection, and more!
REO Town Thrift Gala and Burlesque Extravaganza
REO Town’s biggest, weirdest fundraiser, the Thrift Store Gala features burlesque and circus arts performers in a warehouse space in the REO Town area.
Attendees are encouraged to wear thrift or vintage apparel featuring the Decadence Dolls, a Lansing pin-up photography studio who sponsored a ‘Miss Thrift” pageant.
How to Get Involved
There are lots of ways to get involved in REO Town!
- Attend board meetings
- Join a sub-committee
- Become a member of the commercial association
- Sponsor an event
- Or hang out and become a regular at one of our local businesses!
Alex Teller at The Robin
The Robin Theatre
www.therobintheatre.com/events/alex-teller-at-the-robin-theatre
8PM music, 7:30 doors
*BYOB: We allow patrons to BYOB from Sleepwalker (next-door to The Robin). Coffee, tea and other outside refreshments are OK, too.
Alex Teller is a Folk singer & songwriter from Michigan sharing sounds of Classic Country, Traditional Folk, Blues, Roots-Rock & Bluegrass. Alex’s music brings new life to the tradition of storytelling & the "High Lonesome Sound" taking inspiration from names like John Prine, Townes Van Zandt, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams & Jimmie Rodgers, to name a few.
Video "Alberta": youtu.be/a7CHXpqYjyY
Video "Montana Man": youtu.be/glmY6NZ-PbU... See MoreSee Less
Pure Winds Quintet +
1105 S Washington Ave, Lansing, MI, United States, Michigan 48910 Map
3PM show, 2:30 doors
*BYOB from Sleepwalker or Blue Owl Coffee
Pure Winds is an award-winning woodwind quintet based in Lansing, Michigan that promotes outside-of-the-concert-hall musical experiences. The group engages audiences of all ages through residencies, masterclasses, and performances.
"Join us for an evening of musical collaboration with Pure Winds +! Experience the dynamic fusion of woodwind quintet classics and percussive flair as Pure Winds joins forces with a talented percussionist. From classical favorites to modern interpretations, this concert promises a captivating blend of sounds and styles. Don't miss out on this unique musical experience – get your tickets now and be part of the magic of Pure Winds +!"
Website: www.purewindsquintet.com
Video: fb.watch/n9zzKKxrAL/... See MoreSee Less
First Light by Liz Kerin in Conversation With Alexis Henderson
1023 S Washington Avenue, Lansing, MI, United States, Michigan 48910 Map
We're thrilled to welcome Liz Kerin in conversation with local author Alexis Henderson at REO Town Marketplace (1023 S. Washington Ave., Lansing MI 48910) on Thursday, May 9th, 2024 to celebrate the release of the latest in Kerin's vampire duology, First Light! This event will include a discussion between the authors, followed by a Q&A with the audience, and ending with a book signing of both authors' books.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the program begins at 7 p.m. Join us for a riveting conversation about vampire literature and sapphic horror with two shop-favorite authors who are staples of the genre.
Tickets for the event are $5, which can then be used as a one-time $5 discount toward any of the books for sale at the event. Or you can use the dropdown menu on our website to pre-order one or more of the available books, which includes free event entry. Pre-ordering lets you line up for signing first and guarantees you a copy of the books you chose. Only books purchased from Wayfaring Booksellers will be signed at this event. Buying your books from us allows us to continue to host events like this, and we appreciate your support!
Pre-order your copy of First Light early with Wayfaring Booksellers to get a limited edition sticker free with the book - first come, first served, available while supplies last!... See MoreSee Less
REO Town Cute Lil’ Market
REO Town
Mark your calendar! REO Town Businesses will welcome the Artisans and Makers Market right out on the sidewalk, up and down Washington ave! Perfect timing for Mother's day! Bring your Mom! Businesses will be having sales and tons of other activities to be announced!
Want to be a vendor?
forms.gle/4vdn8jkDRY2Y7rhZ8
Joshua Davis at The Robin (Solo)
1105 S Washington Ave, Lansing, MI, United States, Michigan 48910 Map
3PM show, 2:30 doors, All ages
Video: youtu.be/Mhz4OgJLuWc?si=2y4aT1Y3f0qrBQ-D
(Always Going to be Here - Warm Welcome Sessions)
More info about the artist: joshuadavismusic.com/
Speaking or singing, the voice of Joshua Davis is a disarming instrument: weathered and warm, as capable of conjuring confessional intimacy on a global stage as it is of making a small room, well off the beaten path, resonate with startling urgency and power. Couple it with an earnest poetic sensibility, a boundless work ethic, and an uncanny gift for connecting with audiences spanning generations, and it’s no wonder that Davis is now poised at the brink of the sort of widespread recognition that typically passes right over such a humble troubadour.
He’s currently touring in support of “Live From The Robin.” His first solo effort captures his essence in a way that pares his songs down to their emotional, musical and lyrical roots. Recorded over the span of two nights, this documents a raw and revealing glimpse of an artist who has his finger on the pulse of a culture, a culture that lives, loves and laughs, cries, mourns and heals. Joshua’s authenticity plucks all of the right heartstrings, soars on the updrafts, and plumbs the depths of the human experience. This is a deep and warm conversation with a room full of old friends. “I’ve wanted to make this album for years” says Davis. “And I’m so excited to share it. I love playing solo shows. It allows me the freedom to dig deep into my songs and really be in the moment with the audience.”
*BYOB: You can bring beer or wine from Sleepwalker (next-door to The Robin) to this show. Non-alcoholic beverages are also allowed!... See MoreSee Less
RTCA Board Meeting
REO TownLansing, MI48910 Map
The RTCA Board meets at 6pm on the third Tuesday of each month to discuss updates from our various subcommittees, upcoming events, finances, development news, and any other big-picture REO Town stuff. Board meetings are open to anyone.
Roochie Toochie and the Ragtime Shepherd Kings at The Robin
The Robin Theatre
8PM (7:30 doors)
All ages ($20 adv, $25 door, $15 students)
BYOB from Sleepwalker!
Unforgettable music and performances from this eclectic and talented band. Don't miss this show!
After forming in 2013 to fulfill their shared dream of recording an entire album on wax cylinder, Roochie Toochie transformed their recorded repertoire of antique novelty tunes into a fantastic stage show that puts a capital "S" in showmanship. When you see the Ragtime Shepherd Kings you'll witness: fancy fiddling, dueling hawaiian guitars, ukelele wizardry, flashy lap-steel guitar, a menagerie of toy instruments, vocal harmonies that sound as if they were polished by hand, a musical pig "porkestra," scandalous dancing--and that's just the intermission!
Roochie Toochie and the Ragtime Shepherd Kings have performed at festivals, museums, theatres and the like across the country including but not limited to: First place winners of the Neotraditional Band Contest at the Appalachian String Band Festival in Clifftop VA 2015; Kauai Old Time Gathering, Kauai, HI; Knoxville Stomp, Knoxville, TN; The Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association Festival in Richmond, MN; Black Pot Festival, Lafayette, LA; Indiana Fiddler's Gathering, Battle Ground, IN; Old Tone Roots Music Festival, Hillsdale, NY and the Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI.
roochietoochie.com/about/
Video 1: youtu.be/WZlpJ7te2wg
Video 2: youtu.be/MUVys7WcCfw... See MoreSee Less
Seán & Michael Gavin at The Robin (Irish music)
1105 S Washington Ave, Lansing, MI, United States, Michigan 48910 Map
8PM show, 7:30 doors
* BYOB from Sleepwalker, next-door to The Robin
Seán & Michael Gavin are some of the greatest Irish music players in the country. Here's your chance to see them live in Lansing!
Master uilleann piper and flute player, Seán Gavin, is one of the most highly regarded Irish musicians of his generation. He is the first and only musician born outside Ireland to win the prestigious Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal. His most recent recording, Music from the Lost Continent, was hailed by The Irish Echo as “traditional music at its best!”
Seán tours regularly with the groups Bua and Téada, both of which have gleaned top praise from Irish music critics. Seán was Musical Director for the PBS program “I Am Ireland", and for the long running Atlantic Steps. He has lectured on traditional music at the University of Chicago, St. Andrew's in Scotland, Western Michigan University, and others. With recordings, lectures, and performances around the globe to his credit, Seán is back in his native Detroit, playing, teaching, and promoting traditional Irish music. www.SeanGavinMusic.com
Michael Gavin has been playing and teaching Irish music for over 30 years. He grew up in an environment rich in traditional music where he learned from his father, Co. Clare fiddler Mick Gavin. A member of popular Detroit-based band Blackthorn, Michael has regularly shared the stage with such greats as Liz Carroll, Kevin Burke, and Ashley MacIsaac. He is a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist, with a mastery of guitar, fiddle, banjo, bouzouki, and vocals. No stranger to the art of teaching, Michael is also a professor of philosophy, with degrees from the University of Michigan and Wayne State University. His pupils, both musical and otherwise, have gone on to great achievements throughout the USA, Ireland, and beyond.
Video - The Gavin Family at The Ark youtu.be/zRKSADTG5X8
Video - Séan Gavin + James Kelly: youtu.be/ovg13DfnRS0?si=VD9mm335BYYgwobZ
Video - Buo feat. Séan Gavin: youtu.be/kZX5mneA5gQ?si=6FHgcQcd_3lZplVG... See MoreSee Less
Eric O'Daly + Warren & Flick at The Robin
1105 S Washington Ave, Lansing, MI, United States, Michigan 48910 Map
8PM show, 7:30 doors
All ages, $20 adv.
BYOB from Sleepwalker (next-door to venue)
Two great acts, one night! Michigan-based, world-class artists, for fans of people who play their instruments beautifully and write great songs. read more below!
Lansing's own Eric O'Daly is an eclectic singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. His past appearances at The Robin have showcased his ability to shift between beautiful folk ballads and hypnotic bossa nova rhythms, leaving the impression of a world-traveled, virtuosic musician and mature songcrafter. Visit his website for more info!
www.ericodaly.com
Video: Red River Sun, youtu.be/Ui_XqNxcyks?si=110zBmCh5S4p1in2
Warren & Flick explore the nuanced textures of a two-person ensemble. Using both original material and arranged standards from many genres, this ensemble finds new depth in the simplicity of a duo. Jacob Warren plays double bass, while Grant Flick plays violin, tenor guitar, and nyckelharpa. The two met at the 2015 Acoustic Music Seminar (AMS), a program for young string players from around the world to collaborate and hone their improvisation, composition and performance abilities. Jacob and Grant's music is a reflection of their friendship and wide musical interests. The duo spends much of their time arranging, composing and performing together primarily developing original works. Their sound is documented with their first album “Kestrel,” released in 2019, and their second album “Waxwing” released 2022. With Jacob’s classical foundation and Grant’s experience in bluegrass and jazz, their contrasting backgrounds give this collaboration a unique and compelling musical narrative.
www.warrenandflick.com
Video: youtu.be/yNQyXcfk4Zs?si=7Ju-6yiKwrBcgEpv
Video 2: youtu.be/mB4Cqh0JQUs?si=ILHMTlLdFQURSo6x... See MoreSee Less
10th Annual Lansing Beer Fest
1100 S Washington Ave, Lansing, MI 48910, United States Map
The 10th Annual Lansing Beer Fest is on Saturday June 8th, 2024 from 3pm to 8pm (2pm for VIP). LBF is an outdoor beer festival on Washington Ave. between South St. and Elm St. in REO Town. This festival will feature 20+ Michigan Breweries and 100 craft beers and ciders. If you’re looking for something else we have you covered by offering cider and spirits. In addition to the great beer selection, we will have a food trucks, live music, vendors and more!
Tickets: 5475-days.yapsody.com/event/index/804923/lansing-beerfest-2024
Event Website: lansingbeerfest.com/... See MoreSee Less
517 Juneteenth Weekend (REO Town)
REO Town
The 4th Annual 517 Juneteenth Weekend! Join us in Lansing's REO Town District of a unique opportunity to celebrate Black culture, expression, entrepreneurship, and experiences.
Attracting thousands of participants to Lansing’s REO Town Corridor annually, the 517 Juneteenth Weekend recognizes the emancipation of African-American slaves in the United States of America, while highlighting Black arts, Black businesses, Black voices, and Black stories.
Join us for a weekend of events, collaboration, and celebration, all leading up to the 517 Juneteenth Festival, Saturday, 6/15/24.
The 517 Juneteenth Festival is free arts and culture street festival, featuring live performances by award-winning R&B singer and songwriter, Kevin Ross, and a host of local, regional, and national performers and DJ's, Black-owned business vendors lined down both sides of S. Washington Ave, our fully stocked Kidz Zone, informational booths, food + our Battle of the Q's BBQ station, and much more!
The festival will be held right on South Washington Ave (between South St and E. Elm).
Check the full schedule below, and visit us at 517juneteenth.com for lineup announcements, schedule postings, and additional details.
Save the Dates!
6/13/24 - Black History. Black Futures Seminar: Empowering Black Wellness (seminar)
Location: Cadillac Room (REO Town)
6/14/24- 517 Juneteenth Ice Cream Social (REO Town)
Bring the kiddos and the family for 600 FREE frozen treats for the family, Music + DJ's, PNC Bank's Mobile Learning Adventure for children 0-5 years old, science experiments for youth, a basketball 3-point shootout, and break dancing, and much more
Location: South St Dead End (REO Town)
6/15/24- 517 JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL!
Headlined by Kevin Ross, and live performances by Tasha Page Lockhart, and many others!
75+ Vendors Lined Down South Washington Ave
Fully Stocked Kidz Zone with Inflatables, 3 Point-Shootout by Moneyball Sportswear, Games, and PNC's Mobile Learning Adventure
Food Court // Battle of the Q's (BBQ)
and much more
Location: South Washington Ave (REO Town)
6/16/24 - Father's Day Jazz Night
Join us for a celebration of Fatherhood and culture for this year’s Father's Day Jazz Night
Location: Cadillac Room (REO Town)
If you'd like to take part as a vendor or informational booth, fill out the following form:
linktr.ee/517JuneteenthWeekend
Special thanks to our Early Bird Sponsors:
MSUFCU - The Exclusive Credit Union
CATA
The Arts Council of Greater Lansing
CATA
Jackson National
Delta Dental
AF Group
MILK Means More
LEAP (Lansing Economic Area Partnership)
Lansing BWL
Meijer
Piper & Gold
Gillespie Group
Rathbun Insurance
City of Lansing
GUD Marketing
(Choose Lansing)Lansing Visitors and Conventions Bureau
If you'd like to become a Presenting Sponsor, Co-Presenting Sponsor, or a sponsor at any other level, email us at info@ourspace517.com!
517juneteenth.com
ourspacefoundation.org... See MoreSee Less
Allison de Groot + Tatiana Hargreaves | Earful of Fiddle Revue
1105 S Washington Ave, Lansing, MI, United States, Michigan 48910 Map
8PM | 7:30 doors
All ages
BYOB permitted from Sleepwalker (next-door to venue)
Co-produced by Earful of Fiddle
Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves have been described as “one living, breathing organism”(Bandcamp Daily), with their music “transform[ing] the listener to a different plane” (No Depression). Their sound together captivates listeners through intricate and interactive dynamics between the banjo and the fiddle. They are individually recognized as leaders in the young generation of roots musicians, de Groot being known for intricate clawhammer banjo work with Bruce Molsky, and Hargreaves bringing powerhouse fiddling to the stage with Laurie Lewis and David Rawlings in addition to teaching bluegrass fiddle at UNC-Chapel Hill. The duo’s 2022 sophomore album, Hurricane Clarice reflects history, family, literature, live performance, and environmental instability in the sounds, feelings, and sensations that permeate their music. The album won “Best Instrumental Group of the Year” and “Best Traditional Album of the Year” from the Canadian Folk Music Awards and also received a Juno nomination for “Traditional Roots Album of the Year.”
VIDEO:
Nancy Blevins youtu.be/76zNOeTh6Lg
Hurricane Clarice/ Brushy Fork of John’s Creek youtu.be/7QzPI7Q5h04
I Would Not Live Always www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f1M2owWaPI... See MoreSee Less
Brian Oberlin - Solo Mandolin
1105 S Washington Ave, Lansing, MI, United States, Michigan 48910 Map
3PM show, 2:30 doors
A matinee set from Michigan's mando maestro, Brian Oberlin! Expect virtuoso musicianship, while Brian shares mandolin traditions from Bluegrass to classical Italian music. Grab a coffee (or Sleepwalker ale?) and come down for a truly lovely afternoon show at The Robin!
Video: youtu.be/X-ktZpY3vxU?si=QvcUa7dcquSBde1R&t=19
Video: youtu.be/SKRJ6V_i5VU?si=zes1FfIiuG17sToh
Brian Oberlin’s solo shows are unique in that listeners will be immersed in ALL things mandolin; from Italian and modern classical to Brian’s roots of bluegrass and swing to his award winning, multi-genre original music, all with vocals. Listeners can also expect a bit of humor and an educational component about the mandolins he’s playing and their venerable place in mandolin music history.
From Grand Rapids, MI, Brian Oberlin is an internationally acclaimed mandolin player and educator. During his decades long professional career, Brian has been playing swing, bluegrass, and Italian classical as a solo mandolinist and vocalist. Along with the myriad award-winning bands and ensembles he has collaborated with throughout the United States and Europe (Full Cord, Grasshoppah, GER Mandolin Orchestra/Mike Marshall and Twin Mandolin Slingers/Evan J. Marshall), Brian is also the founder/director of the River of the West Mandolin Camp, the Great Lakes Mandolin Camp, the Michigan Mandolin Orchestra and the Oregon Mandolin Orchestra. Of his accolades, his most recent stint was winning the 2022 Telluride band contest at that festival in Colorado, winning the 2022 IBMA momentum band of the year award, all with the band Full Cord, and Brian was a featured song-writer at the 2021 IBMA awards. When he is not performing, Brian teaches music to children and adults at a variety of venues and events around the world. Brian’s website (MandOberlin.com) is a great resource for not only his appearances but features FREE content for budding mandolinists on the Lesson Hub.... See MoreSee Less
Josh White, Jr. & Jack Hamilton at The Robin
1105 S Washington Ave, Lansing, MI, United States, Michigan 48910 Map
7:30 show / 7PM doors.
Tickets: $20 in advance
Join us to mark Josh White, Jr.'s 81st year in show business! Josh White Jr. is a Grammy Award-nominated recording artist who faithfully upheld the musical traditions of his father, the late bluesman Josh White. Josh will be joined on stage by friend, Jack Hamilton, and the duo will trade songs & stories for us to enjoy.
Video: youtu.be/pWJatM-s2LI?si=mDIiwSTtRIrSqKNL
Video: youtu.be/l9nObCfBmcA?si=SaLLGLjHbMMs5lId
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_White_Jr.
www.facebook.com/p/Josh-White-Jr-100063218830654/
* BYOB from Sleepwalker (next-door to the venue) is allowed at this show.... See MoreSee Less
A Nightmare Off Elm Street
REO TownLansing, MI48910 Map
It's baaaaaaaaack! Located just off Elm Street is Lansing's historic REO Town, home to some of the city's oldest (and darkest) history. Join us as we once again transform the neighborhood into a spooky spectacular! Details to come...
REO Town's Christkindl Holiday Market
REO Town
Mark your calendars for REO Town's first ever Christkindl Market! In 2022, Krampus began making appearances in REO Town, taking up residency inside the Marketplace for holiday cheer (and fear.) This year, we want him to feel right at home in the neighborhood with a German-style holiday market! Come do your holiday shopping at our unique, eclectic shops. Enjoy a quick drink or a full meal at your favorite REO Town restaurants, pubs, cafes, and diners. Come for the weird, stay for the wonderful! (More details to come.)... See MoreSee Less