By TIM MOSIER

tim.mosier@leaderpub.com

 

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — The music scene in Southwest Michigan is seen by most as a well-rounded, open community that has a little something for everyone, but local jazz singer Andrew Fisher believes that the jazz scene is not represented as well as it could be and he plans to do something about it.

The Livery Brewery, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, is a good representation of the diverse styles in the area and that is one of the reasons Fisher decided it was the perfect place to start. “Sunday Night Jazz at the Livery” will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 15 and March 1.

“The Livery has a really great atmosphere. I’ve been able to do other concerts there before and I’ve called that place home for a couple years now. “

Aside from having a large selection of micro-brewed beer, The Livery also hosts a wide variety of musical events. In the month of February alone, the Upper Livery entertainment venue has had — or will have — a honky-tonk, an old school rock and roll band and a unique folk group from Traverse City.

Fisher is excited to join together with The Livery and jump-start a revival of the jazz scene.

“One of the things I’ve heard from many in the area is a desire to have a jazz scene. Jazz has always been a passionate genre of mine and the passion and emotion within it is something, I believe, should be shared with everyone. Since being back (in southwest Michigan) my dream has been to bring the fun and beauty of Jazz, in a big way, to this area,” Fisher said, “My mission is to bring really great music to this area and have more places offer a weekly or monthly jazz night…or even a jazz festival.”

Fisher is a graduate of the Great Lakes Academy and has also studied music at Andrews University and Southwestern Michigan Community College.

On top of trying to bring jazz music back to the area, Fisher has plans of recording his first studio album. Faced with not one but two daunting tasks such as these, Fisher never lets the stress overwhelm him.

“I’m really just letting life take me where it takes me, right now,” said Fisher, “I’m really trying to put work into coming out with a debut album that will be out at the end of the year and I would love to just have a music explosion around here…because there is so much talent and creativity in the area.”

The Livery is located at 190 5th Street, Benton Harbor. For more information about events contact The Livery at (269) 925-8760