Gonzo's Lansing area Top 5: Comedian Mike Birbiglia performs Jan. 16 at the Wharton Center in East Lansing. He also performs Jan. 17 at the Royal Oak Music Theatre.
(Courtesy photo)
It's a busy week, especially if you're comedian Mike Birbiglia.
He performed in Traverse City last night, and he now he moves on to East Lansing and Royal Oak before leaving for a show in Kentucky.
If you can't see him this weekend, he returns March 9, 2014 to DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids as part of Gilda's LaughFest 2014.
Now, let's get to my Lansing area Top 5:
1. Mike Birbiglia: Thank God for Jokes, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16, Wharton Center, East Lansing
Comedian Mike Birbiglia has several shows in Michigan, including a performance tonight (Jan. 16) at the Wharton Center. Birbiglia is known for producing three Comedy Central specials, four comedy albums and two successful Off-Broadway shows. He also performs at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Royal Oak Music Theatre.
Ticket info for East Lansing:
whartoncenter.com or call 517-353-1982
Ticket info for Royal Oak:
royaloakmusictheatre.com or 248-399-2980
2. Juicy J, 6 p.m. Jan. 18, MSU Auditorium, East Lansing
Who's ready for some Three 6 Mafia? Co-founder and rapper Juicy J will be at Michigan State University this weekend for a show at MSU Auditorium. The show is presented College Entertainment Productions. Rapper Juicy J has been in the news a lot, lately. Last fall he was rumored as the father in the Miley Cyrus pregnancy rumors. And he recently made news for
awarding a $50,000 college scholarship in a twerking contest to a winner who never twerked for the prize. Supporting acts at the MSU concert:
FowL, Ahmad/Warhead, Bootz Bub and
Young Jino. More details at
ceppresents.com or 517-410-2921. Tickets are $30 for the general public; $25 for students. The MSU Auditorium is located at 1149 Auditorium Rd.
3. REO Speedwagon, 8 p.m. Jan. 17, Soaring Eagle Casino, Mt. Pleasant
Did you get your tickets yet? The REO Speedwagon show is unfortunately sold out, but you can always call the box office (888-7EAGLE7) for last-minute availability. And don't forget to check out the
Soaring Eagle website and my
"Going Gonzo" blog for concert announcements and breaking entertainment news.
Upcoming shows at Soaring Eagle Casino:
George Lopez (Jan. 25),
Kenny Rogers (Feb. 1),
The Four Tops & The Temptations (Feb. 28),
The Charlie Daniels Band and
Travis Tritt (March 15) and
Larry the Cable Guy (March 22).
4. Tom Wopat, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17; Charlotte Performing Arts Center, Charlotte
Television and movie actor, and Tony nominated Broadway star Tom Wopat (best known for TV's "Dukes of Hazzard") brings his show to the area for one night. He combines his baritone voice with two fellow recording artists to entertain fans with a variety of songs from different genres. He even tells a few stories about those good ol' boys. Tickets are $38. More info at
cpacpresents.com.
5. Ski and Snowshoe Night Fests, Jan. 17 and 18, The Ledges in Grand Ledge and Fitzgerald Park
I did some snowshoeing in Northern Michigan last weekend (in the Gaylord and Thompsonville areas) and had a great time. Well, a little closer to home you will find some ski and snowshoeing events in Grand Ledge. Sponsored by Eaton County Parks, enthusiasts can cross country ski or snowshoe along an illuminated trail or enjoy a sledding hill from 6-9 p.m. at Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge. If you can't do it this weekend, it repeats Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. Admission is $2 with own equipment, $5 person per hour to rent equipment. More details at 517-627-7351. The Ledges is located at 133 Fitzgerald Park Dr., in Grand Ledge.
Cross Country Ski and Snow Shoe Clinics: Eaton County Parks also offers clinics on Sunday, Jan. 19. The X-Country Ski Clinic is from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and a Snow Shoe Clinic is from 2-4 p.m. Preregister at: (517) 627-7351. Cost is $15 if you need equipment; $10 for those with their own equipment.
Mike Birbiglia on "Conan" show: Being an intern for Conan O'Brien, and being rejected from HarvardJohn Gonzalez is a statewide entertainment writer for MLive.com. Email him at gonzo@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.