#Soniclunch Episode three: Laith Al-Saadi and The Detroit Youth Concert Choir bringing the joy to Ann Arbor
In 2016, Laith Al-Saadi won America’s hearts and a spot in the Season 10 finale of NBC’s “The Voice.” Now he’s poised to bring his authentic blend of blues, soul and classic rock to audiences around the nation and the world. Laith Al-Saadi has always had the perfect combination of Midwestern hustle and incredible musical chops – honed at the University of Michigan School of Music in his hometown of Ann Arbor, and on stages across the country working with legends like Taj Mahal, Luther Allison, Buddy Guy, Son Seals, Gregg Allman, B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, Paul Rodgers and recently opened for Bob Seger on his farewell tour in January, 2019.
“Laith is one of the most diverse talents we have,” said Maroon 5 frontman and The Voice coach Adam Levine. “Incredible guitar player, incredible singer.” Entertainment Weekly called Laith Al-Saadi “a power performer who is so legitimate and memorable.” Audiences have agreed, propelling Al-Saadi’s most recent CD release, “REAL” to the top of the blues chart for five weeks and the top 20 album chart for two weeks. Laith also had four singles in the top ten iTunes singles charts, and his albums “In The Round” and “Long Time Coming” spent time at the top of the rock and album charts. Al-Saadi also received a Detroit Music Award in 2018 for Best New Recording for his Digital EP “A 75th Birthday Tribute to Jimi Hendrix. Guitar World Magazine has called Laith Al-Saadi a cross between "Danny Gatton and Buddy Guy at their best,” and in 2006 Guitar Center crowned him one of the top four blues guitarists in the United States.
The Detroit Youth Concert Choir & Performing Arts Company (DYC) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that services young people throughout the Detroit Metropolitan area. The Detroit Youth Choir teaches and develops students through music education, dance, and theatrical arts. Our program is designed for youth between the ages of 8-18.
The Detroit Youth Choir vision is to offer the youth of Metro Detroit a world-class performing arts experience that develops their creative skills and talents. The Detroit Youth Choir has performed at various events around the city of Detroit, nationally, and internationally. DYC had the opportunity to perform at the Michigan Outdoor Adventure Center’s ribbon-cutting ceremony before Governor Rick Snyder and Mayor Mike Duggan. We also performed at the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony before many celebrities, dignitaries, and pioneers of the music industry.
The Detroit Youth Choir has had major accomplishments. They participated in a documentary IMAX film titled “America’s Musical Journey”, which has been shown in all IMAX theatres across the U.S The choir also recorded with the UK group The Go! Team and was featured on seven songs on The Go! Team’s album. The Detroit Youth Choir entered the national competition America’s Got Talent where the choir traveled to Los Angeles, CA and reached 2nd place. The organization has performed for other local organizations such as; Spectrum Children Services, Detroit Pistons, U of M Basketball Club Ann Arbor, FCAAN, BCBS, DTE, Cleveland Cavaliers, Scholars for Dollars, Focus Hope, Arise Detroit, A.I.M. Youth Conference, The D-drop New Year’s Eve Celebration, IMPACT TV, Light up Detroit organization, Youth Development Commission of Detroit and The Detroit Public Library.
Al Bettis, Open the Sonic Lunch floor with his daughter at this side. Performing a few originals mixed with a few favorites.
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SONIC LUNCH
Started in 2008, Bank of Ann Arbor’s Sonic Lunch is a free summer outdoor concert series at the corner of Liberty and Division in downtown Ann Arbor Thursdays from 11:30am to 1:30pm, August 5 to September 2. Sonic Lunch features a live band from an impressive array of talent in the region, as well as national and international acts. Each week, lunch will be available on-site for purchase from a local vendor. Sonic Lunch concerts are free and suitable for all ages. Seating is available but lawn chairs are welcome. Join the crowds for an energizing mid-day break or just relax and enjoy the sounds.
Sonic Lunch is a collaborative effort spearheaded by Bank of Ann Arbor. ann arbor’s 107one and Morning Host, Martin Bandyke, provide promotional support and host each event. Perich + Partners provides colorful art As a result, Bank of Ann Arbor’s Sonic Lunch has become one of the coolest summer events in Ann Arbor. www.soniclunch.com
ABOUT BANK OF ANN ARBOR
Bank of Ann Arbor is a locally owned and operated bank with total assets and assets under management of over $3.4 billion, serving people and businesses in Southeast Michigan with offices at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Washington Street in downtown Ann Arbor, in the Traver Village Shopping Center, at the corner of Stadium and Liberty Streets, on West Ellsworth Road in Pittsfield Township, on West Michigan Avenue in downtown Ypsilanti, in Plymouth on Ann Arbor Road, on East Michigan Avenue in downtown Saline, and on Woodward Avenue just north of 14 Mile Road in Birmingham, Michigan. UniFi Equipment Finance, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the bank and headquartered in Ann Arbor, is a well-established company with a national presence in the small ticket vendor space. UniFi has funded more than 85,000 transactions, totaling over $1 billion. www.boaa.com / www.unifiedge.com. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
