I agree with comments of others, especially Laura, about this unique and thought-provoking show.
In addition, it appeared that many other folks were intrigued, curious, and looking for expanding their learning, both emotional and intellectual, since a huge contingent of the audience stayed for the Q & A.–which, by the way, was helpful in “digesting” what we had just seen.

An exceedingly joyous show!! Great spirit, heart, sounds and visuals!! Lots of energy!!

Sunday’s experience was beyond moving. I heard more than one person say that they were nearly brought to tears during the incredibly gorgeous concert. We were treated to two encores that seemed to convey the mutual admiration between audience and performers. Additionally, the elegant Ford Honors dinner and program brought home the universal power of the arts and the importance of sharing arts experiences with our youth–world wide. Thanks to all who made this evening possible!!

Absolutely breathtaking!! This is a show that has to be experienced. The words, pictures or even the clips that I’d seen beforehand were intriguing but the actual experience of the whole was something I hadn’t been able to imagine.

Not only did the audience walk out of the concert with smiles on their faces, as Becki said below, we arrived with smiles and good cheer. Something about saying “I’m going to a ukulele concert” created warmth and community. A special evening all around!!

Wonderful beginning for what promises to be a wonderful season! Many good forces converged–Gershwin project, Audra McDonald with her usual gorgeous voice and warm humanity, large and appreciative audience, and seeing “old” friends!!

Hey Kathy! I see that you were at the Audra McDonald concert Friday and loved it as much as Lou and I did!! Let’s compare lists of shows to which we have tickets. Maybe we can get together before or after to share a meal or a post-concert debrief!!

We just got home from a wonderful, wonderful evening! First the Prelude Dinner with old friends and new–and THEN one of the most all around enjoyable and moving performances I’ve seen in a long time. An amazing singer who is the complete package!!

Lou and I were fascinated by Cloud Gate. And perhaps the best part was kept to last–the most intriguing Q & A session afterwards with Lin Hwai-min!!

Having read the annarbor.com review and comments, as well as these on umslobby.org, it seems that on balance this concert was more than well received by numerous folks who understand the blues to be threaded throughout American music–as it was and as it has evolved. The show and subsequent review and comments offered a learning experience for me, a former cellist and long-ago grad of of the UM School of Music. Thanks, Mark, for this opportunity!!

What a great story–and the rest is history!!

Thanks, Liz. I think many people will find this helpful. Janet Callaway

Hooray! It was so much fun being there and now it's a real treat to get a chance to hear what others had to say about the evening. My choice for a 15 minute lesson would be the "thumb piano"!!

Janet Callaway

Yes, I have to agree that the sound had problems. My husband and I did, however, greatly enjoy the evening, including the lively Q&A. As the original post indicated, Ms. Souza, an artist who demonstrated great versatality, was on stage with two other, equally talented musicians. We'ver experienced the magic of Romero Lubambo several times and look forward to attending any show that includes him on the bill. As for Cyro Baptista–we hadn't planned on going to his return performance, "Beat the Donkey" on March 13 but have changed our minds. Having gotten a taste of his creativity and the all around joyfulness he exudes we're up for more–great winter energizer!!

What a treat to wake up and find The Lobby Project waiting for me!!
Sara, thanks for sharing this glimpse into your early life. I'm always struck, when we ask Advisory Committee members why they love the arts and want to be part of the AC effort to promote youth education, everyone points to early real-life connections to the arts that they had. We hear stories about the "special" music teacher, a trip their 4th grade class took to hear the Cleveland Symphony, or "coming back" to participation in the arts in some way upon retirement from a non-arts-related career.