A full house saluted Saginaw music man Michael Brush in a night full of memories
Published: Saturday, October 15, 2011, 11:03 AM
By Sue White | The Saginaw News
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A program saluting Michael C. Brush's long career reached all the way back to his days as a Pauper.
Michael C. Brush Day, as designated by the Saginaw City Council, is history now, but not the memories of Friday's love-fest with Saginaw's music man.
The best part of "Melodies & Memories: A Community Tribute to Michael C. Brush in 4 Acts" was watching Brush himself, incredulous at the flood of people who filled the seats and the stage at the Performing Arts Auditorium at Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy.
Politicians read resolutions, kids returned to sing his praises, and videos caught him at every turn, from a teenage Pauper to a national peace-maker to a community cheerleader, bursting with pride.
With his wife Kathy and children Adam and Erin at his side, Brush watched it all, running onstage on occasion for a quick embrace and a chance to deflect the recognition.
Crunching his life into two-and-a-half hours was ambitious, and, ultimately, impossible. But that's only testimony to all he's done as a performer, a teacher and a proud citizen.
And the show-stopping moment came near the end, when a bearded Ron Lopez walked onstage for a Brush-Lopez reunion. It only lasted for two songs – "Route 66" and "Moondance" – but time stood still as Lopez made that guitar sing again.
If you missed Friday's tribute, you can buy a DVD by calling 989-399-6250 or going to the SETV offices on the campus of the Saginaw Career Complex at 2102 Weiss in Saginaw.
The rest of us have great memories, and a new respect for the man who has given Saginaw so much.
A full house saluted Saginaw music man Michael Brush in a night full of memories
Published: Saturday, October 15, 2011, 11:03 AM
By Sue White | The Saginaw News
View full sizeCourtesy
A program saluting Michael C. Brush's long career reached all the way back to his days as a Pauper.
Michael C. Brush Day, as designated by the Saginaw City Council, is history now, but not the memories of Friday's love-fest with Saginaw's music man.
The best part of "Melodies & Memories: A Community Tribute to Michael C. Brush in 4 Acts" was watching Brush himself, incredulous at the flood of people who filled the seats and the stage at the Performing Arts Auditorium at Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy.
Politicians read resolutions, kids returned to sing his praises, and videos caught him at every turn, from a teenage Pauper to a national peace-maker to a community cheerleader, bursting with pride.
With his wife Kathy and children Adam and Erin at his side, Brush watched it all, running onstage on occasion for a quick embrace and a chance to deflect the recognition.
Crunching his life into two-and-a-half hours was ambitious, and, ultimately, impossible. But that's only testimony to all he's done as a performer, a teacher and a proud citizen.
And the show-stopping moment came near the end, when a bearded Ron Lopez walked onstage for a Brush-Lopez reunion. It only lasted for two songs – "Route 66" and "Moondance" – but time stood still as Lopez made that guitar sing again.
If you missed Friday's tribute, you can buy a DVD by calling 989-399-6250 or going to the SETV offices on the campus of the Saginaw Career Complex at 2102 Weiss in Saginaw.
The rest of us have great memories, and a new respect for the man who has given Saginaw so much.
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Sue White - Saginaw News (Oct 15, 2011)